From A to Z, this introduction to Australian words and Aboriginal art brings the country to life. Every letter has its own spread, complete with bright and appealing paintings for each word (usually five to six per spread) separated by striking borders. Some words are specific to Australia (bandicoot, wattle, wobbegong); others are not (bee, apple, umbrella) but often have additional meaning or information relevant to a study of Australia, as noted in the glossary at the back of the book. (For example, the entry for the word bee explains that “there are over 1500 kinds of native bee in Australia.”) Some children unfamiliar with Australian words may not grasp their meaning based on the illustrations and will need to utilize the glossary with some frequency, but Bancroft—an Aboriginal artist—has provided eye-catching art that truly makes this selection unique. Reminiscent of wood-block illustrations and filled with vibrant color and flowing dots, each simple image offers much for children to examine and appreciate. (Informational picture book. 3-8)
Pub Date: Feb. 1, 2010
ISBN: 978-1-921272-58-5
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Review Posted Online: Dec. 28, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2010
A book that will make young dog-owners smile in recognition and confirm dogless readers' worst suspicions about the mayhem caused by pets, even winsome ones. Sam, who bears passing resemblance to an affable golden retriever, is praised for fetching the family newspaper, and goes on to fetch every other newspaper on the block. In the next story, only the children love Sam's swimming; he is yelled at by lifeguards and fishermen alike when he splashes through every watering hole he can find. Finally, there is woe to the entire family when Sam is bored and lonely for one long night. Boland has an essential message, captured in both both story and illustrations of this Easy-to-Read: Kids and dogs belong together, especially when it's a fun-loving canine like Sam. An appealing tale. (Picture book. 4-8)
Pub Date: April 1, 1996
ISBN: 0-8037-1530-7
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Dial Books
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1996
This should send Dark Knight fans flying to the Batcave—or the bedroom.
Holy bedtime, Batman!
In a sleepy-looking neighborhood under a dusky cerulean sky, a young, brown-haired, white boy goes through the motions of getting ready for bed: he brushes his teeth, takes a bath, picks up his toys, and feeds his fish. In a parallel visual narrative, beckoned by the cat's-eye–yellow bat-signal, Batman keeps Gotham safe for another night by catching crooks, locking them away, and avenging those who have been wronged. Though the two characters are quite different, through a carefully flexible narrative, Dahl and Beavers weave a convincing tale of just how similar they might be. “It’s time to take care of business” describes the child’s trip to the potty and Batman’s dive down a manhole equally well, for instance. Beavers' art is visually striking and vibrantly hued, perfect for keeping young eyes glued to each page. Dahl's economical text is cadenced with a gentle lilt, just right for a bedtime read-aloud. Young fans of the caped crusader will delight in spying their favorite characters. In the already-overstuffed bedtime-book market, this is certainly a niche read, but it hits its mark well, delivering fun without darkness. A “bedtime checklist” at the end aptly includes “story time.”
This should send Dark Knight fans flying to the Batcave—or the bedroom. (Picture book. 3-8)Pub Date: Aug. 1, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-62370-732-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Capstone Young Readers
Review Posted Online: May 13, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2016
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