This cute story is like a present and a friendship—to be enjoyed and shared.
The presence of presents cements a friendship.
In this story, a New Zealand import by way of Germany, a tall, potbellied, anthropomorphic horned owl relaxes in an armchair, expecting a visitor. In walks the cheery arrival: a short, slender, yellow-and-black creature resembling a salamander and wheeling a blue shopping cart. The visitor pulls out a cake, declaring, “I made it myself!” and hands it over. The owl promptly swallows it whole. This gift is followed by a colorful “freshly picked!” floral bouquet that also makes its way down the owl’s gullet. Unsurprisingly, a third offering—a gaily wrapped, bow-bedecked box—also gets inhaled whole. After each presentation, the owl expresses their appreciation with a rub of their rotund abdomen. When the owl raises the benefactor to their mouth, readers might well surmise things won’t end well. Surprise, surprise, however: The owl presents a present of their own and a gracious, punning compliment. This short comic, told in very spare language, conveys a sweet, simple message that children should easily comprehend and, hopefully, emulate: Kindness begets kindness. The lively, humorous illustrations, set in two panels per page, are endearingly expressive. The book is a lively conversation sparker, and adults should encourage discussion about the protagonists’ relationship, why the visitor bestowed these gifts, and what presents children would give the owl.
This cute story is like a present and a friendship—to be enjoyed and shared. (Graphic fiction. 3-6)Pub Date: May 2, 2023
ISBN: 9781776574995
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Gecko Press
Review Posted Online: Feb. 24, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Familiarity breeds a birthday for the ages in this party worth attending.
Don’t let the Pigeon ruin his own special day!
Anyone who has ever encountered the title character in any of his books—whether his first, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus (2003), or one of its many sequels—will understand that the bird’s innate self-love drives his every interaction. Little wonder, then, that he’s thrilled about his own “bird-day.” He has the hat. He has his “FANCY PLUMAGE.” And, best of all, he will get to blow out a candle “on my bird-day hot dog!” As he revels in the knowledge that this day is all for him, comeuppance is lurking. Someone has already blown out the bird-day candle—and eaten half the hot dog. It turns out that the Pigeon’s frenemy, the Duckling, has the same bird-day—as do a slew of newly hatched chicks. The Pigeon’s obligatory eight-panel freakout ensues. “What am I—invisible? I just want to be seen,” he whimpers, and when he receives some much-needed reassurance, he settles down and willingly shares his special day. While the switch from unapologetic narcissism to mature acceptance happens in the record-breaking span of two pages, the book is as enchanting as the Pigeon’s earlier outings. Even as it walks in the footsteps of its predecessors, there’s no denying the fun to be had.
Familiarity breeds a birthday for the ages in this party worth attending. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: March 31, 2026
ISBN: 9781454999621
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Union Square Kids
Review Posted Online: Nov. 22, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2026
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Too cute to be spooky indeed but most certainly sweet.
A ghost longs to be scary, but none of the creepy personas she tries on fit.
Misty, a feline ghost with big green eyes and long whiskers, wants to be the frightening presence that her haunted house calls for, but sadly, she’s “too cute to be spooky.” She dons toilet paper to resemble a mummy, attempts to fly on a broom like a witch, and howls at the moon like a werewolf. Nothing works. She heads to a Halloween party dressed reluctantly as herself. When she arrives, her friends’ joyful screams reassure her that she’s great just as she is. Sadler’s message, though a familiar one, is delivered effectively in a charming, ghostly package. Misty truly is too precious to be frightening. Laberis depicts an endearingly spooky, all-animal cast—a frog witch, for instance, and a crocodilian mummy. Misty’s sidekick, a cheery little bat who lends support throughout, might be even more adorable than she is. Though Misty’s haunted house is filled with cobwebs and surrounded by jagged, leafless trees, the charming characters keep things from ever getting too frightening. The images will encourage lingering looks. Clearly, there’s plenty that makes Misty special just as she is—a takeaway that adults sharing the book with their little ones should be sure to drive home.
Too cute to be spooky indeed but most certainly sweet. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Aug. 13, 2024
ISBN: 9780593702901
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: May 17, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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