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ARTURO AND THE NAVIDAD BIRDS

Name: ARTURO AND THE NAVIDAD BIRDS
Author: Anne Broyles
ISBN: 978-1-4556-1801-9

by Anne Broyles ; illustrated by K.E. Lewis ; translated by Gust Soanish ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 30, 2013

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A boy named Arturo decorates the Christmas tree with his grandmother, Abue Rosa, in this bilingual English/Spanish story.

As Arturo unpacks their box of ornaments, Abue Rosa explains the origin of each tiny family heirloom. Some are from her childhood; some were made by family members; others were gifts from friends. When Abue Rosa goes to the kitchen to check on dinner, Arturo unwraps a glass bird. As he runs and plays with the ornament, making the bird seem to fly, the glass bird hits the wall and breaks. Arturo unsuccessfully attempts to repair the bird and then tries to make amends by making a new, pine-cone bird for his grandmother. When he tearfully confesses to the broken ornament, his grandmother kindly comforts him and tells him the new bird ornament will remind her both of her grandson and of her friend who gave her the glass bird. Soft-focus illustrations create a dreamy quality, with scenes depicting the family stories for each ornament in paler hues in the backgrounds. The story is warm and sincere, with genuine emotions conveyed in the little boy’s attempt to make amends and his grandmother’s loving resolution to an unfortunate accident. An understated but solid story portraying strong family ties between grandmother and grandson. (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: Sept. 30, 2013

ISBN: 978-1-4556-1801-9

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Pelican

Review Posted Online: Aug. 13, 2013

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2013

Categories:

CHILDREN'S FAMILY | CHILDREN'S HOLIDAYS & CELEBRATIONS

- BOOK REVIEW
EATING TO SAVE THE PLANET
by Anne Broyles ; illustrated by Hannah Li

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I'M GONNA PAINT
by Anne Broyles ; illustrated by Victoria Tentler-Krylov

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ARTURO AND THE BIENVENIDO FEAST
by Anne Broyles ; illustrated by K.E. Lewis ; translated by Maru Cortes

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THE SECRET SOCIETY OF AUNTS & UNCLES

by Jake Gyllenhaal & Greta Caruso ; illustrated by Dan Santat ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 5, 2023

Warm but underdone.

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In this picture book from actor Gyllenhaal and his partner, Caruso, a child and his uncle bond on a fantastic journey.

Leo, an avid dancer, is dismayed when Uncle Mo visits—he’s in town for a “rubber band convention.” Illustrations show both with wavy brown hair and light tan skin. Not only does Leo think his uncle is rather dull, he’s also leery of Uncle Mo’s many rules. A rather abrupt narrative shift occurs when the pair inexplicably drive into another dimension. Here they encounter Great-Aunt Gloria (who is very tall and presents Black) and Uncle Munkle Carbunkle (who is very short and light-skinned), who guide them through the Secret Society of Aunts & Uncles. Unimpressed with Uncle Mo, Great-Aunt Gloria says he must take a quiz on “Auntieology and Uncleology.” After several wrong answers, Uncle Mo has a final chance at redemption: He must state his nephew’s favorite activity. When Leo springs into action to dance for his clueless uncle, a mishap leaves him mortified and un-bespectacled. Enter Uncle Mo to save the day by using a rubber band to secure Leo’s glasses. While Santat’s energetic illustrations do much to clarify the narrative, they can’t fully make up for the disjointed storytelling—it’s never clear why the two have entered this dimension or why Leo is suddenly so eager to help Uncle Mo. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Warm but underdone. (Picture book. 4-7)

Pub Date: Sept. 5, 2023

ISBN: 9781250776990

Page Count: 48

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Review Posted Online: July 13, 2023

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2023

Categories:

CHILDREN'S FAMILY | CHILDREN'S SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY

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TURKEY'S VALENTINE SURPRISE

From the Turkey Trouble series , Vol. 6

by Wendi Silvano ; illustrated by Lee Harper ‧ RELEASE DATE: Dec. 13, 2022

The spirit of Valentine’s Day shines bright in this caring community.

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Gobble, gobble! Grab this farmyard story full of Valentine’s Day puns.

The animals on Farmer Jake’s farm are exchanging valentines. Delighted by a card from a secret admirer (“You are like no otter!”), Turkey decides to make clever valentines and surreptitiously deliver them to the other animals. Luckily, he has some punny inspiration for perfect Valentine’s Day messages. “You’re purr-fect.” “You’re dog-gone delightful.” “You’re toad-ally awesome!” As Turkey dons a different disguise for each delivery, the story offers a refrain that young listeners will soon chant. “His costume wasn’t bad. In fact, Turkey looked just like a cat…almost.” (The refrain changes slightly with each disguise.) Unfortunately, the other animals always recognize Turkey and greet him with a pun. But the animals also compliment his valentine and help to create a pun for his next one. Sadly, the animals always know who the valentines are from, so Turkey decides to “gobble, gobble, give up!” Returning home to read his own valentines, Turkey has an idea, and he quickly creates a festive and delicious surprise for the Valentine’s dance. Readers will have to decide if Turkey has finally managed to surprise the other animals. Boldfaced puns within the story are easy to spot, and Turkey’s cards also feature puns along with adorable illustrations. Detailed watercolor and pencil illustrations bring to life a farm filled with loving friends and highlight Turkey’s clever and ever changing costumes. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

The spirit of Valentine’s Day shines bright in this caring community. (Picture book. 4-7)