A humorous, wonderfully illustrated tale of animal hijinks.
Calamity ensues when a kid adopts a rhinoceros in this picture book.
Speaking directly to the protagonist and readers (“Sometimes you find a red rhinoceros”), the story chronicles a child who has a rhino for a pet. When the gigantic animal unnerves Mom and Dad, the kid reminds them that they “said I couldn’t have a dog.” But the rhino causes mayhem. On show-and-tell day at school, the animal knocks “over the nature center table,” which triggers the fire alarm, so “everyone has to leave the building.” After the kid barely manages to hide the beast from the suspicious “animal control guy,” the protagonist acknowledges that keeping the rhino is too difficult. Following a tearful apology, the child escorts the rhino to a welcoming new home at the zoo. As the kid exits the zoo walking an energetic dog, the tale concludes: “You finally wave goodbye...and run all the way home feeling VERY happy!!” Myer’s imaginative story has fun characters and silly scenes that will appeal to youngsters. The second-person point of view cleverly integrates readers into the tale. Despite the outrageous pet, many will relate to instances underscoring the importance of being a responsible animal owner. The author’s bold cartoon images feature amusing visuals, including the child washing the rhino. They also depict the kid’s White father and Black mother. The protagonist is shown minimally, as when an arm appears as the kid feeds the huge pet.
A humorous, wonderfully illustrated tale of animal hijinks.Pub Date: Oct. 6, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-951591-92-2
Page Count: 36
Publisher: PYP Academy Press
Review Posted Online: Dec. 27, 2021
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
A tale of intergenerational bonding to be shared by grandparents and grandchildren.
In talk-show host Fallon and illustrator Ordóñez’s latest picture-book collaboration, an elderly pooch waxes rhapsodic about a life well lived.
Observing Papa sitting in his chair watching TV all day, a young pup says, “I’m starting to think…you don’t do ANYTHING.” So Papa proceeds to list his accomplishments, both big and small, mundane and profound. Some are just a result of being older and physically bigger (being tall enough to reach a high shelf and strong enough to open jars); others include winning a race and performing in a band when he was younger. Eventually, the pup realizes that while Papa may have slowed down in his old age, he’s led a full life. The most satisfying thing about Papa’s life now? Watching his grandchild take center stage: “I can say lots of thoughts / but I choose to be quiet. / I’d rather you discover things and then try it.” Fallon’s straightforward text is sweetly upbeat, though it occasionally lacks flow, forcing incongruous situations together to fit the rhyme scheme (“I cook and I mow, / and I once flew a plane. // I play newspaper puzzles because it’s good for my brain”). Featuring uncluttered, colorful backgrounds, Ordóñez’s child-friendly digital art at times takes on sepia tones, evoking the sense of looking back at old photos or memories. Though the creators tread familiar ground, the love between Papa and his little one is palpable.
A tale of intergenerational bonding to be shared by grandparents and grandchildren. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: May 13, 2025
ISBN: 9781250393975
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Review Posted Online: May 3, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2025
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Beloved Little Blue takes a bit of the mystery—and fear—out of Halloween costumes.
A lift-the-flap book gives the littlest trick-or-treaters some practice identifying partygoers under their costumes.
Little Blue Truck and his buddy Toad are off to a party, and they invite readers (and a black cat) along for the ride: “ ‘Beep! Beep! Beep!’ / says Little Blue. / ‘It’s Halloween!’ / You come, too.” As they drive, they are surprised (and joined) by many of their friends in costume. “Who’s that in a tutu / striking a pose / up on the tiniest / tips of her toes? / Under the mask / who do you see?” Lifting the flap unmasks a friend: “ ‘Quack!’ says the duck. / ‘It’s me! It’s me!’ ” The sheep is disguised as a clown, the cow’s a queen, the pig’s a witch, the hen and her chick are pirates, and the horse is a dragon. Not to be left out, Little Blue has a costume, too. The flaps are large and sturdy, and enough of the animals’ characteristic features are visible under and around the costumes that little ones will be able to make successful guesses even on the first reading. Lovely curvy shapes and autumn colors fade to dusky blues as night falls, and children are sure to notice the traditional elements of a Halloween party: apple bobbing, lit jack-o’-lanterns, and punch and treats.
Beloved Little Blue takes a bit of the mystery—and fear—out of Halloween costumes. (Board book. 2-4)Pub Date: July 5, 2016
ISBN: 978-0-544-77253-3
Page Count: 16
Publisher: HMH Books
Review Posted Online: July 19, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2016
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