paper 1-55037-608-X Large print, telescoped illustrations, and extremely rapid outcomes from decisions propel readers through this whimsical story. Best friends Bing, a pig who loves to cook, and Chutney, a dance-loving elephant have lived together for three years, and “every day was a very good day.” One Sunday, Chutney announces her decision to become a famous dancer, packs her bags, and leaves. Bing hides the tear that wells up at Chutney’s announcement so as not to darken the moment, then opens a cooking school the next day. Opening day produces a crowd of students. Chutney meets with similar success, and by Thursday is dancing in the “Great Hall” before a throng of adoring fans, a day on which Bing has become a famous baker. By Friday Bing is munching on leftovers and Chutney is having the hotel-room blues, so on Saturday she comes backs for a reunion, where Bing cooks and Chutney provides the entertainment. The point is not the pace, but the results: friends support friends in this blithe fantasy with its strong message. Readers impatient for the next adventure of Holly Hobbie’s Toot and Puddle will be glad to have this while they wait. (Picture book. 3-8)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1999
ISBN: 1-55037-609-8
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Annick Press
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1999
Baker (Big Fat Hen, 1994, etc.) engages in more number play, posing ducklings in every combination of groups, e.g., “Splashing as they leap and dive/7 ducklings, 2 plus 5.” Using a great array of streaked and dappled papers, Baker creates a series of leafy collage scenes for the noisy, exuberant ducklings to fill, tucking in an occasional ladybug or other small creature for sharp-eyed pre-readers to spot. Children will regretfully wave goodbye as the ducks fly off in neat formation at the end of this brief, painless introduction to several basic math concepts. (Picture book. 4-6)
Pub Date: Aug. 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-15-292858-8
Page Count: 24
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 1999
Big Brown Bear, with a natty bowler hat, is all set to paint the house in this cheerful Level 1 reader. Every page presents a full-color scene and a few words of easily predicted, often rhyming text: “Bear is big. Bear is brown. Bear goes up. He comes down.” Big Bear climbs a ladder with a pail of blue paint, while nearby, Little Bear plays with a ball and bat—“Oh no! Little Bear! Do not do that!” These are simple words, but sometimes challenging ones, e.g., there are two uses of up, as in climbing the ladder and washing up. The pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations provide nearly ideal context, while also amplifying the story. The format is attractive and practical, featuring large type on a white background that is placed for easy reading. Beginning readers will be amused by the gentle humor in the book, and feel accomplished to have tackled it themselves. (Picture book. 5-7)
Pub Date: March 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-15-201999-5
Page Count: 20
Publisher: Green Light/Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1999
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