Buglette is neat and precise during the day, but each morning she awakens to a messy bed that reflects the big dreams of the night before.
Driving a construction machine leads to a mountain of blankets, and kicking a ball over the moon leaves her pillow teetering on a branch. Her parents tend to be heavy handed with guilt-inducing comments, comparing her to her brothers, who are “neat little sleepers,” and sighing over “how we ended up with a messy sleeper.” They also plant the seed of blame when they suggest that her nighttime movements might wake up their feared predator, the crow. Her brothers make an attempt to “put a lid” on her, but the result is near disaster when the crow makes his move. Buglette bravely saves them all by emulating her intrepid dream self. Murguia’s tale sends mixed messages. Messy sleeping may be an issue for bugs, but it probably won't resonate with humans, and literal-minded young readers will not be able to project any alternate interpretations. Mama Bug’s attitude is especially problematic and obfuscates the apparent theme of celebrating differences and dreaming of possibilities. The watercolor illustrations in nature’s colors are appealing, and Buglette’s action-packed dreams are charmingly depicted. They also serve to provide a visual interpretation that, perhaps, rises above the text. Here's hoping Murguia’s next book has a clarity of text that matches the illustrations. (Picture book. 4-7)
Pub Date: May 10, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-58246-375-9
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: April 5, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2011
A charming winner about purpose, bravery, and making one’s dreams come true.
Dedication and determination are everything.
Gabriel, an old elephant who lives by the sea, reminisces about visiting a lifeboat as a youngster. He loved watching the crew ready it to rescue sailors and enjoyed listening to them sing sea shanties. He longed to be so brave! When Gabriel asked to join them, they told him to return when he was older and stronger. Gabriel read about storms and sea rescues and practiced rowing. He grew older, stronger, and BIGGER. By the time he returned to the crew, Gabriel had unfortunately grown too large to fit into the boat. More intent than ever, Gabriel constructed his own vessel, singing mightily. Meanwhile, the fishing fleet set out, then ran into big trouble when a strong gale hit. The regular lifeboat team couldn’t help. Guess who rescued the sailors safely with his own powerful vessel? In the end, everyone decided to build a larger craft to accommodate everyone. By turns thrilling and warmly reassuring, this story demonstrates that resolve—and inclusion—wins out; readers will cheer for Gabriel all the way. Sailing through the narrative are vigorous shanties readers might well join in on. Fitting his animal cast out in thick sweaters and raincoats, Vere brings the Cornish setting to life beautifully. Gabriel cuts an endearing figure in the lively illustrations, rendered in a limited palette of soft oranges, grays, and blues.
A charming winner about purpose, bravery, and making one’s dreams come true. (author’s note) (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: May 7, 2024
ISBN: 9780525580904
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Doubleday
Review Posted Online: March 9, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2024
Why not? Fun, cheery, and entertaining: just the ticket for the perennially inquisitive—or perpetually bored.
In this follow-up to The Magical Yet (2020), a child finds an antidote to apathy.
Talk about ennui! The red-spectacled, brown-skinned, dark-haired young protagonist is listless and bored. The little one has tried everything: the computer, toys…YAWN! But as the rhyming narration bounces along at a sprightly clip, a visitor arrives at the door. It’s the Curious Why, who resembles a flowery, leafy artichoke. The Curious Why ushers the child along on an inspirational path to great fun and tremendous learning. “You’re only bored if you choose to be,” says the Curious Why. There’s an enormous world out there just waiting to be explored by anyone who’s willing to be a “knowledge-collector” and a “gotta-know creature.” In other words, kids should ask questions about everything going on in the world. Where does the Why go for answers to these queries? The library, of course! On the next spread, we see the protagonist reading a book atop a winged prehistoric creature while dinosaurs mill about in the background. Other kids explore their passions, too; one uses a telescope to study the stars, another bakes, and another learns about bees. DiTerlizzi offers youngsters an upbeat, sensible cure for a serious case of the blahs; it’s not necessarily guaranteed to work, but it’s definitely worth a try. Readers will love the colorful, energetic, swirling digital illustrations, especially those dinos. Background characters are diverse.
Why not? Fun, cheery, and entertaining: just the ticket for the perennially inquisitive—or perpetually bored. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: May 7, 2024
ISBN: 9780316500142
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: Feb. 3, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2024
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