``Moompa'' is Toby's granddad; ``Bomp'' is the appealingly relaxed clown toy he pushes in his stroller when they go to the park. As Toby plays, Bomp is seen in every picture, at first in the center of the action, taking his turn on the swing and the slide, but later forgotten when Toby falls and then gets involved in the sandbox—though Bomp's always visible, on the ground or being played with by another child or a dog. When it's time to go home, Toby and Moompa remember Bomp and, after retracing their steps, find him. The very simple, yet carefully constructed, story is told in just a few words, plus Hines's bright but unassuming illustrations, where lapsitting toddlers can enjoy spotting familiar activities and following Bomp's independent adventures. (Picture book. 1-4)
Pub Date: March 22, 1993
ISBN: 0-395-61301-9
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Clarion Books
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 1993
How nice to have it recognized that colanders and wooden spoons can be not only works of art but also the best of toys. The Rockwells enumerate the entrancing things two toddlers find in a kitchen cupboard—some are pretty big and heavy, but sturdy little people like things they can heft; the different shapes, colors, and feel of plastic cartons, a shiny tea kettle, a wok, a sieve, a rolling pin, and more are all celebrated—with the heroic presence of a Warhol soup can—in bright watercolors on clean white. In the final spread, where the tots are playing happily with the lot, their invitation to join in is enticing. Simple, refreshing, and an inspiration to parents who may not have realized what entertaining—and educational—resources they have in their kitchens. (Picture book. 1-4)
Pub Date: March 31, 1993
ISBN: 0-02-777631-X
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 1993
A young child closely observes his grandma as she prepares a snack by peeling a carrot, spreading the peanut butter on bread, arranging three cookies and an apple on a plate. Blos (A Seed, A Flower, A Minute, An Hour, 1992, etc.) describes each step with brief but sensual precision: ``Next she peeled the carrot until it was smooth and shiny. Then she cut it neatly into pieces nice to eat.'' Schutzer's paintings add plenty of feeling; using oils applied with relatively large brushes, she renders the pleased- looking lad and his smiling blond grandparent in broad, impressionistic strokes. A simple, familiar episode with beginning, middle, and end, plus gentle repetition, it is made for sharing, with opportunities to identify shapes and colors and to count. (Picture book. 2-4)
Pub Date: April 1, 1995
ISBN: 0-671-88128-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1995
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