A welcome reminder that whether you’re a cat or a human, it’s nice to have friendly people around ready to help you out.
An apartment-dwelling feline has good-hearted neighbors.
Bob, an orange tabby and self-described “jungle cat,” loves visiting friends. Firefighter Pearl appreciates that the cat follows her as she waters the lush greenery in her plant-filled “jungle” space. Chef Mario generously proffers sardines, adored by jungle cats. Computer whiz Kevin provides a bowl of fresh water, which Bob pretends is a “watering hole deep in the jungle.” The best apartment is the one Bob shares with Pippa and her mom. When Pippa says the noisy city street is “a jungle,” guess who’s ready for adventure? But being outside proves too much even for a jungle cat. Bravado’s one thing; screeching tires, honking horns, and shouting drivers are another: Bob heads for home and, in jungle-cat fashion, climbs a tree. Uh-oh, in pet-cat fashion, Bob gets stuck. Luckily, the feline’s frantic meowing brings Pearl with a ladder and Mario, Kevin, and Pippa following closely behind. Together they effect a safe rescue, and a party celebrates the ordeal’s happy ending. Though it’s a tale we’ve seen before, this Canadian import is charming and conveys important messages about friendship and cooperation. The colorful digital illustrations are lively and filled with delightful, witty details; Bob is very expressive. Pearl, Mario, Pippa, and her mom have varied tones of brown skin; Kevin is White. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A welcome reminder that whether you’re a cat or a human, it’s nice to have friendly people around ready to help you out. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: May 16, 2023
ISBN: 9781459834644
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Orca
Review Posted Online: Feb. 24, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2023
This warm family story is a splendid showcase for the combined talents of Medina, a Pura Belpré award winner, and Dominguez,...
Abuela is coming to stay with Mia and her parents. But how will they communicate if Mia speaks little Spanish and Abuela, little English? Could it be that a parrot named Mango is the solution?
The measured, evocative text describes how Mia’s español is not good enough to tell Abuela the things a grandmother should know. And Abuela’s English is too poquito to tell Mia all the stories a granddaughter wants to hear. Mia sets out to teach her Abuela English. A red feather Abuela has brought with her to remind her of a wild parrot that roosted in her mango trees back home gives Mia an idea. She and her mother buy a parrot they name Mango. And as Abuela and Mia teach Mango, and each other, to speak both Spanish and English, their “mouths [fill] with things to say.” The accompanying illustrations are charmingly executed in ink, gouache, and marker, “with a sprinkling of digital magic.” They depict a cheery urban neighborhood and a comfortable, small apartment. Readers from multigenerational immigrant families will recognize the all-too-familiar language barrier. They will also cheer for the warm and loving relationship between Abuela and Mia, which is evident in both text and illustrations even as the characters struggle to understand each other. A Spanish-language edition, Mango, Abuela, y yo, gracefully translated by Teresa Mlawer, publishes simultaneously.
This warm family story is a splendid showcase for the combined talents of Medina, a Pura Belpré award winner, and Dominguez, an honoree. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Aug. 25, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-7636-6900-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: April 14, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2015
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A friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share.
In this latest in the series, Little Blue Truck, driven by pal Toad, is challenged to a countryside race by Racer Red, a sleek, low-slung vehicle.
Blue agrees, and the race is on. Although the two start off “hood to hood / and wheel to wheel,” they switch positions often as they speed their way over dusty country roads. Blue’s farm friends follow along to share in the excitement and shout out encouragement; adult readers will have fun voicing the various animal sounds. Short rhyming verses on each page and several strategic page turns add drama to the narrative, but soft, mottled effects in the otherwise colorful illustrations keep the competition from becoming too intense. Racer Red crosses the finish line first, but Blue is a gracious loser, happy to have worked hard. That’s a new concept for Racer Red, who’s laser-focused on victory but takes Blue’s words (“win or lose, it’s fun to try!”) to heart—a revelation that may lead to worthwhile storytime discussions. When Blue’s farm animal friends hop into the truck for the ride home, Racer Red tags along and learns a second lesson, one about speed. “Fast is fun, / and slow is too, / as long as you’re / with friends.”
A friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: March 25, 2025
ISBN: 9780063387843
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Clarion/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Jan. 18, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2025
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