For Zappa fans, a book to rejoice in. For everyone else, a story you’ve seen before, in one iteration or another.
A decade after Because I’m Your Dad (2013) came out, musician Zappa and illustrator Santat reunite to bring the same story to life from a slightly different perspective.
Grandiose promises mix with those of a more standard variety as a mama monster makes a series of vows to her child. An innocuous “Because I’m your mom…you’re gonna get kissed all over your tummy every day” appears not long before, “Because I’m your mom, you can have nachos for breakfast, pancakes for dinner, and Popsicles in the shower.” As the book progresses, the mama continues to couple loving low-key activities alongside others involving plane rides, rock concerts, and “selfies with the Sphinx.” Why would the mama monster do such things? “Because that’s what my mom did for me.” The affection rings true, but actual mamas may balk at a couple of the more extravagant vows, worrying about their own child’s expectations. Santat aids where he can, giving the whole venture a peppy vibe replete with bright greens, purples, and blues. Alas, horned monsters and puppicorns can take you only so far when the unmemorable text fails to invite rereads. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
For Zappa fans, a book to rejoice in. For everyone else, a story you’ve seen before, in one iteration or another. (Picture book. 2-5)Pub Date: March 28, 2023
ISBN: 978-0-316-33821-9
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: Jan. 11, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Although a bit on the slight side, this offering is infused with a warm, light humor just right for cuddling up with a young...
This title previously published in the U.K. takes a cozy look at all kinds of kisses.
Walsh’s rhyming text is full of cutesy rhythms: “Kisses on noses, kisses on toes-es. Sudden kisses when you least supposes.” Sometimes the phrasing stumbles: “Who likes to kiss? I do! I do! Even the shy do. Why not try, too?” But toddlers and young preschoolers will probably not mind. They will be too engaged in spotting the lively penguin on each spread and too charmed by Abbot’s winsome illustrations that fittingly extend the wording in the story. Patient dogs queue up for a smooch from a frog prince, cool blue “ ’normous elephants” contrast strikingly with bright red “little tiny ants” and a bewildered monkey endures a smattering of lipstick kisses. Be the kiss small or tall, one to start or end the day, young readers are reminded that “the very best kiss… / is a kiss from you!” Perhaps no big surprise but comforting nonetheless.
Although a bit on the slight side, this offering is infused with a warm, light humor just right for cuddling up with a young tyke or sharing with a gathering for storytime. (Picture book. 2-5)Pub Date: Dec. 20, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4424-2769-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Paula Wiseman/Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Nov. 19, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2011
The soft cadence of the rhyming verses and the joyous pictures of the elephants will make this a bedtime favorite
When a baby elephant is born, “wrinkled and gray,” not just the herd, but the whole world rejoices, from morning to night.
From the proud Mama to the grand Aunts, from the “fertile and firm” Earth to the ancient Banyan tree, everyone and everything around the new baby elephant joins in celebration and care for the Baby “who warms the hearts of the world today.” Glowing with warm golds and greens and shadowed with deep blues and greens, the gorgeous artwork lushly illuminates the day of an elephant’s birth as it is cared for by its family and surroundings. The expressions on the elephant faces are sheer joy to behold; the elephant smiles are realistic and yet radiate affection. Seemingly simple, this gentle rhyming story works on two levels: the playfulness of the young elephant and its friends ensure that young children will be able to see themselves in the story, and given the depiction of the natural scenes, at least some young readers will become fascinated with the lives of elephants as well. An author’s note at the end provides background from the Indian-American author’s own life and also draws attention to the present-day need to protect elephants from poaching and the loss of habitat.
The soft cadence of the rhyming verses and the joyous pictures of the elephants will make this a bedtime favorite . (Picture book. 2-5)Pub Date: Aug. 2, 2016
ISBN: 978-0-399-16684-6
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Review Posted Online: May 13, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2016
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