While Killion’s efforts to highlight a little-known creature and teach a moral lesson are commendable, the preachy tone may...
Combining elements of the traditional folk tale and an Aesop’s fable, Killion offers a moral tale about how the now-threatened argus pheasant learned to sleep through the night.
In a jungle in Thailand, an argus pheasant is born with an unusually long and brightly colored tail and is named Little Lek Longtail by his “proud mother.” As he grows, his tail also grows: “longer, brighter, and more beautiful.” Despite his beauty, Lek is kind and thoughtful, a friend to all the other birds in the forest. However, he is afraid of nighttime predators—so afraid he cannot fall asleep. Even his mother cannot comfort him. One day, Lek sees a man and his son outsmart a bask of crocodiles to safely cross a river. In amazement he concludes, “There is always a way if one just thinks of it.” Lek begins to observe other creatures using their attributes and talents to help themselves and realizes he can use his long, extravagant tale as an alarm of sorts. In contrast to Killion’s dry and contrived text, Vidal’s vivid and vibrant art shines. She deliberately omits white space, packing a profusion of color, details, and textures across the pages to re-create the dense, diverse jungles of Southeast Asia. The appendix provides interesting argus pheasant facts.
While Killion’s efforts to highlight a little-known creature and teach a moral lesson are commendable, the preachy tone may turn off kids and adults alike. (Picture book. 4-9)Pub Date: Dec. 1, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-937786-63-2
Page Count: 28
Publisher: Wisdom Tales
Review Posted Online: Aug. 29, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2016
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A rousing tale worth sneaking into youngsters’ Easter baskets.
It’s nearly time for the Easter egg hunt…but where’s the guest of honor?
The minutes are ticking away, but the eggs haven’t been hidden, and the Easter Bunny (described with they/them pronouns) is lost! Five children, who vary in skin tone, decide to shepherd the bunny to the city park where the hunt is being held, but they face delays at each turn. Knowing that grown-ups will “fuss and hover” if they notice the Easter Bunny, they disguise the rabbit as a street musician, but a crowd gathers to listen. A wagon, a bonnet, and a pacifier transform the bunny into the cutest baby ever, but they swiftly draw a horde of admirers. Later, a minimally disguised Easter Bunny joins a random throng of turkeys in the park—a shoutout to the creators’ Turkeys in Disguise (2025)—and somehow avoids detection. Eventually, all the eggs are hidden, and the Easter Bunny hops away. Realizing that they’ve missed the egg hunt amid the chaos, the children are dismayed―until they discover the perfect treats that the rabbit has hidden just for them. Cleland’s vibrant digital cartoon illustrations have a scribbly, childlike feel as they depict the fun-loving kids cooperating and actively problem-solving; readers will enjoy searching for the eggs and the sometimes hidden Easter Bunny. Platt’s jaunty, action-packed rhyme includes vocabulary to engage older listeners as well.
A rousing tale worth sneaking into youngsters’ Easter baskets. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Jan. 20, 2026
ISBN: 9780063483033
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Clarion/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Nov. 8, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2025
The spirit of Valentine’s Day shines bright in this caring community.
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)Pub Date: Dec. 13, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-5420-2366-5
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Two Lions
Review Posted Online: Oct. 11, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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