Young listeners will delight in the gentle humor and embrace the story’s warmth and mild suspense.
Together, friends can do almost anything.
In this tale of teamwork, Little Mouse wants the beautiful red marble she sees in a tree, but she just can’t reach it. Determined, she enlists the help of Mole, who assumes it’s a shiny balloon, and Rabbit, who is sure it’s a big ball. Can they come up with an idea to get the object down and identify it once and for all? Perhaps if they work together….The minimal text is clear and straightforward, and the charming and evocative mixed-media illustrations are bright, distinctive, and appealing. One die-cut page allows readers to peek over Little Mouse’s shoulders into Mole’s hole, and then back out at Little Mouse silhouetted against the sky; a vertical gatefold further on emphasizes the animals’ towering teamwork. While some elements of the story are familiar—the animals’ climbing on each other's shoulders is reminiscent of My Friend Rabbit—themes of working together, making mistakes, and resilience blend nicely here. As the three climb atop each other and stretch as high as they can, it turns out they aren’t…quite…tall…enough. “Oh no! / Whoops! // CRASH!” Down they go. The good thing is that the shiny red thing (or things as it turns out) tumbles down too, so they will certainly be able to discover its secret.
Young listeners will delight in the gentle humor and embrace the story’s warmth and mild suspense. (Picture book. 2-5)Pub Date: April 26, 2016
ISBN: 978-0-7636-7916-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: Feb. 1, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2016
Beloved Little Blue takes a bit of the mystery—and fear—out of Halloween costumes.
A lift-the-flap book gives the littlest trick-or-treaters some practice identifying partygoers under their costumes.
Little Blue Truck and his buddy Toad are off to a party, and they invite readers (and a black cat) along for the ride: “ ‘Beep! Beep! Beep!’ / says Little Blue. / ‘It’s Halloween!’ / You come, too.” As they drive, they are surprised (and joined) by many of their friends in costume. “Who’s that in a tutu / striking a pose / up on the tiniest / tips of her toes? / Under the mask / who do you see?” Lifting the flap unmasks a friend: “ ‘Quack!’ says the duck. / ‘It’s me! It’s me!’ ” The sheep is disguised as a clown, the cow’s a queen, the pig’s a witch, the hen and her chick are pirates, and the horse is a dragon. Not to be left out, Little Blue has a costume, too. The flaps are large and sturdy, and enough of the animals’ characteristic features are visible under and around the costumes that little ones will be able to make successful guesses even on the first reading. Lovely curvy shapes and autumn colors fade to dusky blues as night falls, and children are sure to notice the traditional elements of a Halloween party: apple bobbing, lit jack-o’-lanterns, and punch and treats.
Beloved Little Blue takes a bit of the mystery—and fear—out of Halloween costumes. (Board book. 2-4)Pub Date: July 5, 2016
ISBN: 978-0-544-77253-3
Page Count: 16
Publisher: HMH Books
Review Posted Online: July 19, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2016
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Perfect for every underdog who wants to have a say.
A dog-loving child encourages a less-than-enthusiastic younger one to imagine they’re both canines.
From the first declaration—“I’d be a big dog! And you’d be a little one!”—readers know who’s calling the shots. Initially, the protagonists cavort off the page and through the neighborhood together, performing doggy capers such as tail wagging, stick carrying, and dirt digging. But by the time they encounter a multitude of like-minded creatures at the dog park, the disgruntled small pup is exhibiting out-and-out rebellion: “Being a dog is YOUR idea! Sometimes I HAVE IDEAS TOO!” The narrative wraps up with the younger child pretending to be a different animal entirely—cleverly foreshadowed through subtle details in the illustrations. Even the endpapers—lively silhouettes of dogs in the beginning and many different animals in closing—extend the theme to suggest the imaginative possibilities of pretend play. Cheerful, lightly hued colors fit the whimsical mood, while expressive body language allows the art to tell the story with a minimum of words. Ending on a surprising note, with a sweet compromise between the two main characters, the tale gives both kids the freedom to embrace their own preferences and styles—while still enjoying their game.
Perfect for every underdog who wants to have a say. (Picture book. 3-5)Pub Date: Sept. 16, 2025
ISBN: 9780316581721
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: May 16, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2025
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