illustrated by Bruce Whatley ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 31, 1999
This entry in the Growing Tree series provides a sampling of ten classic rhymes. The sturdy format allows little ones to explore the world of moon-leaping cows and blackbird pies, Mrs. Hen and her speckled offspring, and many other extraordinary characters. Whatley’s wry interpretation of these familiar verses, however, has appeal for adults, too. Every illustration contains some element of surprise, e.g., Wee Willie Winkie’s nightly jaunt takes him past the butcher’s, the baker’s, and the candlestick maker’s. A witty introduction to the realm of nursery rhymes. (Picture book. 1-3)
Pub Date: March 31, 1999
ISBN: 0-694-01205-X
Page Count: 24
Publisher: HarperFestival
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 1998
Share your opinion of this book
More by Rosie Smith
BOOK REVIEW
by Rosie Smith & illustrated by Bruce Whatley & developed by SnappyAnt
BOOK REVIEW
illustrated by Kees Moerbeek & Chris Beatrice & Bruce Whatley
BOOK REVIEW
by Mina Javaherbin & illustrated by Bruce Whatley
by Sandra Boynton & illustrated by Sandra Boynton ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 16, 2012
Sure to prompt little fingers into joyful action.
A favorite baby-and-toddler activity receives an upbeat celebration that will get those fingers going. Watch out!
The gang of frazzled felines that populate this outing are truly the cat's meow. Based on Boynton's song of the same title, the text is reproduced in a colored, patterned font that amps the energy right up. A forlorn little kitty, paws clasped in front of his body, appears anxious (though slightly intrigued) when a trio of toms encourages him to join in the fun. “Gitchy-gitchy / Goo Gotta / Ready, Set, Go!” It doesn't take long before the cautious cat jumps in on this chorus line with dramatic leaps and fluttering fingers. A little birdie acts as a square-dance caller, enunciating each beat (“Goo bop. / Gitchy-goo bop”). The shaggy, large-nosed felines are tremendously expressive in their synchronized movements and maintain a rollicking pace. “We can tickle high. / We can tickle low. / We can tickle QUICKQUICKQUICK / as fast as we can go!” (Here, the page is filled with iterations of "gitchy gitchy gitchy" in different colors.) At the end, the gang sprawls on the floor, exhausted, after a truly monumental tickle-fest.
Sure to prompt little fingers into joyful action. (Board book. 1-3)Pub Date: March 16, 2012
ISBN: 978-0-7611-6883-6
Page Count: 22
Publisher: Workman
Review Posted Online: June 12, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2012
Share your opinion of this book
More by Sandra Boynton
BOOK REVIEW
by Sandra Boynton ; illustrated by Sandra Boynton
BOOK REVIEW
by Sandra Boynton ; illustrated by Sandra Boynton
BOOK REVIEW
by Sandra Boynton ; illustrated by Sandra Boynton
by Heidi Goennel & illustrated by Heidi Goennel ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 1995
A board book entry in the four-book It's My World series (the others are What I Wear, ISBN 0-688-14147-1; What I See, 14146-3; and What I Eat, 14145-5). Named and illustrated are items relevant to the title (although some preschoolers may need explanation as to what the sun, moon, and flower have to do with where one lives). The illustrations are lively and unsentimental, original in the simple sophistication of the images. The fence and the door neatly employ perspective, the chair and the table show an artisan's touch, the house and window have the detailing of a fine old doll house. The palette is electric: Goennel (The Circus, 1992) puts a blue window on a fire-engine red background and a green table on a bold gold page. While not groundbreaking, these brash board books are visually hypnotic. (Picture book. 1-3)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1995
ISBN: 0-688-14148-X
Page Count: 12
Publisher: Morrow/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1995
Share your opinion of this book
More by Heidi Goennel
BOOK REVIEW
by Heidi Goennel & illustrated by Heidi Goennel
© Copyright 2024 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Hey there, book lover.
We’re glad you found a book that interests you!
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Don’t fret. We’ll find you.