Capucilli’s (Bathtime for Biscuit, not reviewed) frolicsome puppy romps through another adventure in this latest entry in the My First I Can Read Book series. Biscuit’s owner attempts to teach the energetic pup how to fetch a ball. Instead, Biscuit rolls over, retrieves a bone, and chases the cat before finally returning with the ball. Capucilli skillfully relates a lively tale using simple language. The humorous antics of the pup will hold beginning readers’ interest while brief, simple sentences and repetition of words allows them to master the tale on their own. Story and artwork are in perfect harmony. Schories’s bright illustrations capture the impetuous spirit of the frisky canine and offer visual clues to support the words. The combination of engaging text and vivacious pictures provides encouragement for reluctant readers. This continuation of the lovable puppy’s capers is a real treat and will have audiences clamoring for more. (Easy reader. 4-6)
Pub Date: April 30, 2000
ISBN: 0-06-028067-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2000
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Prolific collaborators Cole and Edwards return for this story of new-teacher anxiety. Rabbit, Snake, Possum, Groundhog, Mole and Mouse arrive at their school for the second day only to find Mr. Fox is going to stay home and care for his new babies. Each woodland child has a specific fear: Groundhog worries they’ll get carrots rather than chocolate-chip cookies and Mouse worries she won’t be kept busy. Despite her strangeness, Ms. Bitsy Bat does everything perfectly. Cole’s pencil-and-watercolor illustrations are as smilingly bright as ever. However, Edward’s story is problematic on a couple of fronts. The animals are all realistically sized, and a fox would never fit into their school. Mouse announces that they’ll have a new classroom, but they appear to go to a one-room schoolhouse. Though the message is worthy, Ms. Bitsy Bat’s perfection is unrealistic, as is the children’s attachment to their teacher (Mr. Fox) after one day of kindergarten. Most collections would best be served by sticking with Miss Bindergarten for now. (Picture book. 4-6)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2005
ISBN: 0-7868-0669-9
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Hyperion
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2005
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Tomorrow is Mr. Ouchy’s first day of teaching, and he is eager, but a little nervous. He has a new haircut, and his new clothes are laid out and ready, but it’s hard to get to sleep. He starts counting sheep, and the next thing he knows, the day has begun. He meets his class, tells them his name, teaches them about the clock and asks what they’d like to learn over the next year. Soon enough, Mr. Ouchy is back in bed, talking to his mother on the phone about his wonderful class, and then falling off to sleep. While the descriptions of the day are straightforward and quietly humorous, the story jumps around a bit; at times, the parallels between teacher and student seem a little strained. Still, the watercolors are bright and energetic, Mr. Ouchy is a likable character, and new students may find solace in the fact that teachers can be nervous, too. (Picture book. 4-6)
Pub Date: July 1, 2006
ISBN: 0-399-24248-1
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Putnam
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2006
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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