A cute, if less than original, repackaging of a beloved ABC title for those who can’t get enough of all things love.
The letters of the alphabet celebrate love.
In the tradition of Martin and Archambault’s 1989 classic Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, the book features letters spelling out love-related words like hug and adore. The letters pile into a flowering tree and, with a “chicka chicka / BA-BOOM! BA-BOOM!” (like the pounding of a heart), they topple back out. The text is made up of rhyming couplets that don’t always flow smoothly, making for a potentially awkward read-aloud. Chung’s illustrations hammer home the love theme, thanks to heart-filled borders and the heavy use of pinks and reds. The tree itself is topped with spring-colored leaves, flowers, and hearts. Bees buzz across the pages, delivering letters or carrying symbols of love. The styling very much mirrors Lois Ehlert’s in the original book, serving mostly as a love-filled translation. The images are sweet enough, and the text is warm and loving, if a bit on the dull side, but it’s mostly a reworking of the source material that doesn’t breathe new life into it. Those seeking a fresh take may be disappointed, but caregivers or educators seeking options for Valentine’s Day will find it pleasant enough.
A cute, if less than original, repackaging of a beloved ABC title for those who can’t get enough of all things love. (Picture book. 2-4)Pub Date: Dec. 2, 2025
ISBN: 9781665980876
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Little Simon/Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Aug. 29, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2025
An upbeat Easter outing with a beloved character.
Pookie celebrates Easter with a play date and holiday activities.
Pookie’s friend Bean, a gray puppy, comes over for Easter fun that includes lots of bouncing around and egg decorating. After Bean goes home, Pookie gets excited about the Easter Bunny’s arrival and goes to sleep dreaming of a large chocolate egg. Like the other Pookie books before it, this one is told in rhyme from the perspective of a loving grown-up addressing the little pig, which keeps the pace moving and makes for a great read-aloud. Bean and Pookie are realistically—and endearingly—childlike, from Pookie’s pronunciation of yellow as “lellow!” to the joyful mess they make while decorating eggs. There are plenty of sweet and festive touches, such as the bunny ears that Bean and Pookie (and Pookie’s teddy) wear and the daffodils painted on the end of Pookie’s bed. The illustrations include large, full-page images as well as smaller vignettes against solid backgrounds. One page shows Pookie and parent looking out the window at the moon, anticipating Easter’s spoils. For fans of Boynton and little Pookie, this Easter tale is exactly as expected: a touch of playfulness, a relatable story, and comfort in the familiar. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
An upbeat Easter outing with a beloved character. (Board book. 2-4)Pub Date: Jan. 31, 2023
ISBN: 978-1-66592-838-0
Page Count: 18
Publisher: Boynton Bookworks
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2022
Beloved Little Blue takes a bit of the mystery—and fear—out of Halloween costumes.
A lift-the-flap book gives the littlest trick-or-treaters some practice identifying partygoers under their costumes.
Little Blue Truck and his buddy Toad are off to a party, and they invite readers (and a black cat) along for the ride: “ ‘Beep! Beep! Beep!’ / says Little Blue. / ‘It’s Halloween!’ / You come, too.” As they drive, they are surprised (and joined) by many of their friends in costume. “Who’s that in a tutu / striking a pose / up on the tiniest / tips of her toes? / Under the mask / who do you see?” Lifting the flap unmasks a friend: “ ‘Quack!’ says the duck. / ‘It’s me! It’s me!’ ” The sheep is disguised as a clown, the cow’s a queen, the pig’s a witch, the hen and her chick are pirates, and the horse is a dragon. Not to be left out, Little Blue has a costume, too. The flaps are large and sturdy, and enough of the animals’ characteristic features are visible under and around the costumes that little ones will be able to make successful guesses even on the first reading. Lovely curvy shapes and autumn colors fade to dusky blues as night falls, and children are sure to notice the traditional elements of a Halloween party: apple bobbing, lit jack-o’-lanterns, and punch and treats.
Beloved Little Blue takes a bit of the mystery—and fear—out of Halloween costumes. (Board book. 2-4)Pub Date: July 5, 2016
ISBN: 978-0-544-77253-3
Page Count: 16
Publisher: HMH Books
Review Posted Online: July 19, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2016
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