A humorous and empowering introduction to swimming basics for those ready to test the waters.
It’s swimming time!
Tiny Barbarian is a diminutive but mighty brown-skinned child, ready to don his Viking helmet (a colander with horns) and cape (it “only looks like the toilet rug”), wave his club (a cardboard paper towel roll), and “CONQUER EVERYTHING!” just like his hero, the film character Bob the Barbarian. Tiny wants to swim across an ocean and conquer the kraken, like Bob. Parenthetically, the narrator admits that Tiny doesn’t know what a kraken is. But, more importantly, Tiny must first conquer swimming lessons at the community pool. He soon learns the basics: putting his face in the water, blowing bubbles, floating, and dog paddling. But when Tiny spies a terrifying (inflatable) kraken heading straight toward his parents, he swims across the pool and defeats the creature with a blow from his kickboard shield. “Tiny’s realm? Defended. His family? Protected.” Colorful cartoon illustrations pop against a white background, and Tiny’s eyes act as a clear window to his emotions. The contrast between real life and Tiny’s vivid imagination will provoke giggles from kids; little ones nervous about swimming will emerge confident and excited. A diverse group of swimmers, parents, and instructors share the pool area. Tiny’s father is light-skinned and has a red beard and hair; his mother is brown-skinned and has brown hair. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A humorous and empowering introduction to swimming basics for those ready to test the waters. (Picture book. 3-7)Pub Date: Aug. 22, 2023
ISBN: 9780062881663
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: May 9, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2023
PERSPECTIVES
A tender tale of friendship, timed for Thanksgiving.
In a new companion to Bear Snores On and Bear Wants More (2002, 2003), a lovable bevy of friends come together again for feast and fun.
Bear is bored and lonely and decides that a dinner party is the perfect way to gather all his friends for some sharing and fun, but there is no food to be found in his cave. One by one his friends stop by, each bringing something delicious with open-hearted enthusiasm. Mouse, Hare, Badger, Gopher, Mole and feathered friends Owl, Raven and Wren pool their goodies and create a glorious feast. Bear is grateful and warmed by their generosity and, as in previous works, the title refrain is repeated at every offering. But he is also embarrassed at having nothing to contribute. His friends reassure him that he has stories to share that will make the feast special. The lilting verse is neither trite nor singsong, and movement and excitement are conveyed as the animals flap, flitter, hurry and tromp into Bear’s home. Rich autumn hues abound throughout, from the opening double-page spread to the glowing earth-toned cave strewn with twigs and colorful leaves. Deep friendship is supremely evident in facial expressions and body language and their joy at being together. Who would not love this cuddly, soft, furry creature?
A tender tale of friendship, timed for Thanksgiving. (Picture book. 3-7)Pub Date: Sept. 4, 2012
ISBN: 978-1-4169-5856-7
Page Count: 40
Publisher: McElderry
Review Posted Online: Aug. 7, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2012
Readers who have ever wondered what it’s like to be a twin need look no further.
All children have “firsts,” but twins have their own special ones.
Two rosy-cheeked 5-year-old “look-alike” twin sisters share everything, but their most prized possession is a bright, striped blanket that stands out from the white background and the girls’ soft colors. Now that the blanket has become too small, who should keep it? On double-page spreads each girl gives her version of the dilemma. A truce is reached when their mother decides that they’ll sleep in twin beds and that she’ll make them each a new blanket. The sisters’ individual personalities begin to shine, as does the vibrant fabric that each picks out, and fun ensues when they help their mother wash and dry the fabric in the backyard. Even with their new blankets—with trim formed from their old blanket—the girls have trouble falling asleep in separate beds until they both reach out their hands to comfort one another in the dark. From newborns sleeping in similar poses to slumbering youngsters sprawled out in opposite positions to the selection of differently colored and designed fabrics, Yum’s deceptively quiet text and poignant illustrations, created from prints, colored pencil, watercolor and other media, convey the girls’ growing independence. Despite this divide—which is both physical and emotional—the twins recognize their inseparable bond.
Readers who have ever wondered what it’s like to be a twin need look no further. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Aug. 16, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-374-37972-8
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Frances Foster/Farrar, Straus & Giroux
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2011
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