As consistent picture-to-text matching is a paramount value in picture books, these errors mar an otherwise pleasant story.
A little owl goes on a first Easter egg hunt at home with mother owl.
The mother owl, wearing a pink apron, narrates the story as she encourages her chick to look for eggs she has hidden around their cozy, well-appointed home. Their house has brown, wooden walls and floors as if it might be inside a tree, but the owls enjoy all the features of a human home, such as lamps, a fireplace, and a kitchen. The mother owl gives Little Hoo specific hints on the location of each egg, with encouraging comments and praise at each step. The simple text is set in large white type against the brown backgrounds, with lots of exclamation marks to underscore the mother’s cheerleading tone. Digitally produced illustrations use simple, bold shapes and feature brightly decorated eggs, each in a different pattern, and the two owls with their huge eyes exude a simple charm. Two glaring errors detract from the book. A recap of eggs found in the living room indicates one egg found behind a picture frame, but that frame is missing in the previous illustration of the living room. Another illustration issue is a spread with all the eggs lined up for counting, but the number of eggs shown does not correspond with the collected eggs shown in the previous spread; little counters will notice. In companion title Little Hoo Has the Flu, the mother owl nurses her chick through a little fever.
As consistent picture-to-text matching is a paramount value in picture books, these errors mar an otherwise pleasant story. (Picture book. 2-5)Pub Date: March 21, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-5324-1104-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Xist
Review Posted Online: Jan. 14, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2019
BOOK REVIEW
Perfect for every underdog who wants to have a say.
A dog-loving child encourages a less-than-enthusiastic younger one to imagine they’re both canines.
From the first declaration—“I’d be a big dog! And you’d be a little one!”—readers know who’s calling the shots. Initially, the protagonists cavort off the page and through the neighborhood together, performing doggy capers such as tail wagging, stick carrying, and dirt digging. But by the time they encounter a multitude of like-minded creatures at the dog park, the disgruntled small pup is exhibiting out-and-out rebellion: “Being a dog is YOUR idea! Sometimes I HAVE IDEAS TOO!” The narrative wraps up with the younger child pretending to be a different animal entirely—cleverly foreshadowed through subtle details in the illustrations. Even the endpapers—lively silhouettes of dogs in the beginning and many different animals in closing—extend the theme to suggest the imaginative possibilities of pretend play. Cheerful, lightly hued colors fit the whimsical mood, while expressive body language allows the art to tell the story with a minimum of words. Ending on a surprising note, with a sweet compromise between the two main characters, the tale gives both kids the freedom to embrace their own preferences and styles—while still enjoying their game.
Perfect for every underdog who wants to have a say. (Picture book. 3-5)Pub Date: Sept. 16, 2025
ISBN: 9780316581721
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: May 16, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2025
Although a bit on the slight side, this offering is infused with a warm, light humor just right for cuddling up with a young...
This title previously published in the U.K. takes a cozy look at all kinds of kisses.
Walsh’s rhyming text is full of cutesy rhythms: “Kisses on noses, kisses on toes-es. Sudden kisses when you least supposes.” Sometimes the phrasing stumbles: “Who likes to kiss? I do! I do! Even the shy do. Why not try, too?” But toddlers and young preschoolers will probably not mind. They will be too engaged in spotting the lively penguin on each spread and too charmed by Abbot’s winsome illustrations that fittingly extend the wording in the story. Patient dogs queue up for a smooch from a frog prince, cool blue “ ’normous elephants” contrast strikingly with bright red “little tiny ants” and a bewildered monkey endures a smattering of lipstick kisses. Be the kiss small or tall, one to start or end the day, young readers are reminded that “the very best kiss… / is a kiss from you!” Perhaps no big surprise but comforting nonetheless.
Although a bit on the slight side, this offering is infused with a warm, light humor just right for cuddling up with a young tyke or sharing with a gathering for storytime. (Picture book. 2-5)Pub Date: Dec. 20, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4424-2769-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Paula Wiseman/Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Nov. 19, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2011
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