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
Spires’ understanding of the fragility and power of the artistic impulse mixes with expert pacing and subtle...
Making things is difficult work. Readers will recognize the stages of this young heroine’s experience as she struggles to realize her vision.
First comes anticipation. The artist/engineer is spotted jauntily pulling a wagonload of junkyard treasures. Accompanied by her trusty canine companion, she begins drawing plans and building an assemblage. The narration has a breezy tone: “[S]he makes things all the time. Easy-peasy!” The colorful caricatures and creations contrast with the digital black outlines on a white background that depict an urban neighborhood. Intermittent blue-gray panels break up the white expanses on selected pages showing sequential actions. When the first piece doesn’t turn out as desired, the protagonist tries again, hoping to achieve magnificence. A model of persistence, she tries many adjustments; the vocabulary alone offers constructive behaviors: she “tinkers,” “wrenches,” “fiddles,” “examines,” “stares” and “tweaks.” Such hard work, however, combines with disappointing results, eventually leading to frustration, anger and injury. Explosive emotions are followed by defeat, portrayed with a small font and scaled-down figures. When the dog, whose expressions have humorously mirrored his owner’s through each phase, retrieves his leash, the resulting stroll serves them well. A fresh perspective brings renewed enthusiasm and—spoiler alert—a most magnificent scooter sidecar for a loyal assistant.
Spires’ understanding of the fragility and power of the artistic impulse mixes with expert pacing and subtle characterization for maximum delight. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: April 1, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-55453-704-4
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Kids Can
Review Posted Online: Feb. 25, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2014
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BOOK REVIEW
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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