Jonas (The 13th Clue, 1992, etc.) pens an alliterative, winning work about the letter W. The simple story features two children, William and Wilma, a big black dog, Wally, and a white duck, Wanda. All four take a walk on the beach. A sample page reads: ``Wanda waddles./ Wilma waits./ William whittles./ Wally whimpers.'' That's not the whole story, though, because the ink- and-watercolor illustrations are quite wonderful. Jonas shows a bird's-eye view of her subjects, looking right down at the tops of their heads. Their accompanying shadows provide a more conventional view of the action. Each full-bleed spread features an expanse of beach and footprints that loop and snake and scuffle all over the page. Those of the exuberant dog cover the most ground, but Wanda waddles in a tight, straight line, and the text slows with her (big spaces between the words) when Wilma tries to adjust her pace to the duck's. William and Wally are ahead until Wanda hits the water; she takes the lead while the others struggle in her wake. Text and illustrations are perfectly synchronized. (Picture book. 3-5)
Pub Date: April 1, 1997
ISBN: 0-688-14172-2
Page Count: 24
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 1997
This sweet story of first-time pet ownership is sure to appeal to young animal lovers of all kinds and especially to feline...
McQuinn and Beardshaw’s (Leo Can Swim, 2016, etc.) adorable, black preschool heroine, Lola, is back for another turn.
Lola loves cats, as is evident by her bedroom full of plush cat dolls and feline artwork, but what Lola desires most of all is a real-life cat to call her own. Mommy is hesitant, warning that “looking after a cat is a lot of work,” but when Lola proves she is up to the task, Mommy relents and accompanies Lola to the animal shelter to select a kitten to rescue. “Before Lola can decide, one little cat chooses her!” Many readers will surely appreciate the plotline of shelter-animal pet adoption. Once their home is prepared, Lola and Mommy bring the kitten home, where Lola dubs her Makeda after “an African queen.” Throughout, Beardshaw’s signature bright acrylic illustrations with soft edges pop with youthful exuberance. Details such as Lola’s simple care chart may even serve as inspiration for other young aspiring pet owners. The simple text makes this a suitable story for sharing one-on-one or in a small group or for beginning readers to pursue independently.
This sweet story of first-time pet ownership is sure to appeal to young animal lovers of all kinds and especially to feline fanciers. (Picture book. 3-5)Pub Date: Feb. 14, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-58089-736-5
Page Count: 28
Publisher: Charlesbridge
Review Posted Online: Dec. 5, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2016
When a little pig worries what will happen when he’s away at school, his mother makes him feel better in this reassuring picture-book debut. “You should always remember this,” says mother pig, “I love you when I’m with you and I love you when we’re apart.” “ ‘That means you love me all day long!’ ” the child responds. Burris’s illustrations are cheerful and bright; saturated colors outlined in black make the images look animated as the child goes about his day at school from morning arrival (“I love you when you make a new friend”), to lunch (“I love you when you let a burp sneak out”) and recess (“I love you when you wait for your turn [on the swings]”). Even the rough spots—tripping on shoelaces, spilling juice, or getting stuck on the top of the slide—are smoothed over by mother’s love. At day’s end, mother and son share a bedtime story. Youngsters new to school will see themselves in little pig’s experiences and be buoyed by his triumphs—no matter what, little pig keeps on trucking. Likewise, parents and caregivers will find this useful in its treatment of separation anxiety. (Picture book. 3-5)
Pub Date: Dec. 1, 2002
ISBN: 0-06-050276-2
Page Count: 32
Publisher: HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2002
BOOK REVIEW
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