Nearly every child will know his work already: here’s at least a superficial glimpse of his character.
Meltzer holds up the great Muppeteer as a role model.
As in previous profiles in his Ordinary People Change the World series, the author crafts a first-person narrative that is light on biographical details and heavy on message. After pointing to significant early influences, from Edgar Bergen to Kukla, Fran and Ollie, the fictive Henson carries his career through Sesame Street, leads a chorus of Muppets singing “Rainbow Connection,” and concludes with a homiletic lecture: “Believe in the good of the world. Create something new. Share what you love….And never stop being kind. There’s nothing wrong with being a do-gooder.” Per series formula, Eliopoulos depicts his subject in cartoon illustrations as a bobblehead doll who remains child-sized throughout despite sporting a heavy beard from early youth. Recognizably drawn Muppets and co-workers are introduced by name, and a late scene extends the Henson story to its sadly premature end with a multiethnic group of children viewing a museum exhibit of selected monsters and movie posters.
Nearly every child will know his work already: here’s at least a superficial glimpse of his character. (photos, timeline, bibliography) (Picture book/biography. 3-6)Pub Date: Jan. 10, 2017
ISBN: 978-0-525-42850-3
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Dial Books
Review Posted Online: Nov. 1, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2016
A snazzy, music-themed twist on a classic story that both children and adults will enjoy.
From the first glimpse of the slicked-up pompadours and hot rods of the Rockabilly Goats, readers will know that they are in for a good time with this rock-’n’-roll interpretation of a classic tale.
The three goat rockers—Billy Lee, Billy Joe and Billy Bob—are all on their way to a gig at Nanny May’s Shimmy Shack when a grumpy old troll fishing for his dinner gets in their way. One at a time, the goats play their guitar, bass and drums, respectively, filling the pages with onomatopoeia (“DOONG, DOONGA, DOONG, DOWNG, DOWNG!”). To conquer the troll, they scoop him up into one of their trucks, take him to the Shimmy Shack, fill his hungry belly with barbecue and then win him over with their groovin’ tunes. This picture book lives up to the excellent wordplay in the title with a whimsical storyline that keeps a solid beat. The amusing and expressive language makes this book an excellent choice for reading aloud, and the bright colors, exaggerated expressions and spot-on fashion details in the illustrations perfectly complement the text. The energy of the book will appeal to a broad audience—especially to music lovers.
A snazzy, music-themed twist on a classic story that both children and adults will enjoy. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: March 1, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-8234-2666-9
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Holiday House
Review Posted Online: Jan. 14, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2014
Although a bit slim on story, still a good choice for mischievous preschoolers with an interest in the martial arts.
Dressed in black and ready for action, a young ninja shows off his skills—which would be more impressive if he did not initially use them to antagonize.
Tuell uses chopped (forgive the pun) rhyming phrases perfect for young ears and new readers as a redheaded ninja practices his stealthy skills: “Hip, hop, slide… / …flip, flop, kick. // Little Ninja, / very quick.” But a yellow-haired younger brother is the unhappy target of all the ninja’s nefarious missions. His balloon is taken away, his chocolate-chip cookie stolen and his castle of building blocks knocked down. Finally, a frustrated cry of “NINJA, NINJA, / WOULD YOU STOP?” results in an unconvincingly instantaneous change of heart. The following spread shows the siblings happily rebuilding. It seems the story has come to a close, but a page turn reveals the ninja playing outside and about to dive into a pile of autumn leaves—where a pair of pale blue eyes peeks out. With his triumphant ambush of the ninja, the younger brother clearly enjoys the comeuppance. All ends well as the final pages show both brothers planning and scheming as a “NINJA TEAM!” Bright primary hues add an energetic yet retro feel to Carpenter’s illustrations.
Although a bit slim on story, still a good choice for mischievous preschoolers with an interest in the martial arts. (Picture book. 3-5)Pub Date: April 15, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-4197-1027-8
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Abrams Appleseed
Review Posted Online: Feb. 25, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2014
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