Tender words of affection are perfect for sharing with any young child or grandchild.
When Arvaaq, a bowhead whale calf, asks wise Grandfather Bowhead to tell a story, each heartfelt response proves that nothing can compare to the wonder of his grandchild.
Grandfather Bowhead shares stories of the marvels he’s experienced over his 200-year lifetime but says they will never equal the love he has for his grandchild. “I’ve seen the northern lights running across the vast sky, but they do not compare to the wonder of your very first breath.” Arvaaq, whose Inuktitut name means a nursing bowhead calf according to the brief glossary, wants to hear all these amazing stories. Grandfather Bowhead says, “I’ve seen walruses dive into the very depths of the ocean to find clams to eat, but that does not compare to the depth of my love for you.” At night, he tells his grandchild, “nothing compares to the sweetness of your sleeping breath.” Other Arctic sea life join the bowhead whales in this quiet, rhythmic narrative. Together with painterly illustrations in monochromatic blues of the ocean, this underwater tale shows the wondrous love of a grandparent for his grandchild. While Grandfather Bowhead never actually tells a story, many pictures are so breathtaking readers won’t notice; in one, the whale is viewed suspended in the ocean gazing at the enormous bulk of an iceberg that renders him tiny by comparison.
Tender words of affection are perfect for sharing with any young child or grandchild. (Picture book. 3-7)Pub Date: April 6, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-7722-7297-0
Page Count: 28
Publisher: Inhabit Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 26, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2021
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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
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
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BOOK REVIEW
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