by Adam B. Ford illustrated by Len Peralta ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 11, 2022
A delightfully clever read-aloud that will elicit noisy giggles.
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Sound effects span the alphabet in Ford’s comedic concept book.
This book describes each letter of the alphabet—and a few diagraphs, such as ch and th—using both familiar and unusual sound effects. A few sounds are words readers might find in the dictionary (clank, glitch), but many are invented; “E is for ERT!” for example—the sound that a car’s brakes make. In each case, the spelling emphasizes how a person might sound out the strange sound effect, helped along by chosen fonts: “SKLORSH!” the sound of wet sneakers, is depicted in a gooey, dripping typeface, while the “VVVIP!” of an alien vessel has an appropriately science-fictional look. Ford’s rhymes are rhythmic and fun to read aloud, and the inclusion of diagraphs makes this a good choice for emergent readers despite some challenging vocabulary. For instance, the book effectively highlights the difference in sounds between t and th: “THOK! When you’re chopping a log and you give it a whock.” Each page features a humorous black-and-white cartoon from illustrator Peralta; their sharp contrast, precise linework, and vivid humor will grab young readers’ attention. The overall effect is reminiscent of Shel Silverstein’s works, offering adults a sense of nostalgia while sharing the book with kids.
A delightfully clever read-aloud that will elicit noisy giggles.Pub Date: July 11, 2022
ISBN: 979-8-986152-20-2
Page Count: 38
Publisher: H Bar Press
Review Posted Online: June 13, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2022
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
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BOOK REVIEW
by Adam B. Ford ; illustrated by Cindy Zhi
by Susie Jaramillo ; illustrated by Susie Jaramillo ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 8, 2022
A testament to the universality of love.
An expanded explanation of love in both English and Spanish.
Several animal personalities pose the question, “What is love?” and in a series of lift-the-flap responses present various emotional scenarios. Little Elephant asks Spider, “Is it the joy of having you around?” Spider asks, “Is it the way you lift me when I’m down?” Each page corresponds to a flap that reveals one of a multitude of feelings love can evoke in either an English or Spanish rhyme, which are not direct translations of each other. An interspersed refrain notes, “Amor for the Spanish, / and love en inglés. / Love in any language / always means the same.” A palette of pastels and purple and pink hues dominate as hearts abound on each page, surrounding the characters, who are adorable though on the overly sweet side. The characters are from the bilingual preschool series Canticos, though it will work even among those without knowledge of the show. Children more fluent in Spanish will be better able to appreciate this, and those familiar with the show will recognize the signature characters, including “Los Pollitos” (Little Chickies). (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A testament to the universality of love. (Board book. 3-6)Pub Date: Nov. 8, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-945635-72-4
Page Count: 24
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Review Posted Online: Sept. 27, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2022
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by Susie Jaramillo ; illustrated by Abigail Gross
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by Susie Jaramillo ; illustrated by Susie Jaramillo
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by Susie Jaramillo ; illustrated by Susie Jaramillo
by Audrey Wood & illustrated by Bruce Wood ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 2004
This charming, colorful counting tale of ten little fish runs full-circle. Although the light verse opens and closes with ten fish swimming in a line, page-by-page the line grows shorter as the number of fish diminishes one-by-one. One fish dives down, one gets lost, one hides, and another takes a nap until a single fish remains. Then along comes another fish to form a couple and suddenly a new family of little fish emerges to begin all over. Slick, digitally-created images of brilliant marine flora and fauna give an illusion of underwater depth and silence enhancing the verse’s numerical and theatrical progression. The holistic story bubbles with life’s endless cycle. (Picture book. 3-5)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2004
ISBN: 0-439-63569-1
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Blue Sky/Scholastic
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2004
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by Audrey Wood ; illustrated by Don Wood
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by Audrey Wood ; illustrated by Don Wood
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by Audrey Wood & illustrated by Don Wood
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