A nicely illustrated tale that skillfully offers an opportunity for parents and children to connect.
A boy who refuses to wear shoes gets in a sticky situation in this picture book.
As his father mows the lawn, a White boy named Greyson plays. When his shoes become bothersome, Greyson flings them off. Dad instructs him to put them back on to avoid stepping in dog poo. But the footwear causes Greyson to “run slower,” so he takes them off again. Dad is mad; he wraps the shoes on his son’s feet with tape to keep them on. Greyson gets upset and removes his hat and shirt, which Dad tapes back on, too. Soon, things get carried away. Dad, who has “the tape…tight in his hand, / Attached… / By a long sticky band,” starts laughing, falls, and rolls “down on the grass / And out of control.” Soon, father and son are stuck together, bound by tape. Greyson notes: “The two of us / Were jiggling and wiggling.” Later, they giggle about the mishap. Although many readers and parents will relate to the silly scenario, the story depicts a neurodivergent child and his father. Elliott, a retired pediatrician, dedicates the book to her grandson Greyson, who has autism. In a simple rhyme scheme, she recounts a parent’s frustration while emphasizing communication, patience, and understanding. Featuring bright outdoor scenes with lovely blue sky backdrops, Costello’s painted images are simple but charming. Readers will love the playful scenes, including when Greyson bounces in the grass.
A nicely illustrated tale that skillfully offers an opportunity for parents and children to connect.Pub Date: Dec. 8, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-52-558887-7
Page Count: 40
Publisher: FriesenPress
Review Posted Online: July 8, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2021
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
BOOK REVIEW
A good bet for the youngest bird-watchers.
Echoing the meter of “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” Ward uses catchy original rhymes to describe the variety of nests birds create.
Each sweet stanza is complemented by a factual, engaging description of the nesting habits of each bird. Some of the notes are intriguing, such as the fact that the hummingbird uses flexible spider web to construct its cup-shaped nest so the nest will stretch as the chicks grow. An especially endearing nesting behavior is that of the emperor penguin, who, with unbelievable patience, incubates the egg between his tummy and his feet for up to 60 days. The author clearly feels a mission to impart her extensive knowledge of birds and bird behavior to the very young, and she’s found an appealing and attractive way to accomplish this. The simple rhymes on the left page of each spread, written from the young bird’s perspective, will appeal to younger children, and the notes on the right-hand page of each spread provide more complex factual information that will help parents answer further questions and satisfy the curiosity of older children. Jenkins’ accomplished collage illustrations of common bird species—woodpecker, hummingbird, cowbird, emperor penguin, eagle, owl, wren—as well as exotics, such as flamingoes and hornbills, are characteristically naturalistic and accurate in detail.
A good bet for the youngest bird-watchers. (author’s note, further resources) (Informational picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: March 18, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-4424-2116-5
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Beach Lane/Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Jan. 3, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2014
Warm but underdone.
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
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