In a tender tale that captures the essence of childhood, a mother describes the myriad reasons she adores her offspring. The perceptive verses detail the enchanting vagaries of young children: sleep-tousled hairdos, decidedly offbeat fashion notions, questionable love offerings—dead insects, for example—skinned knees, and more. Beuhner’s keen observations reveal a universal truth: it’s those lovable quirks and foibles that so endear children to their parents. The phrase “I love you” is the emphatic statement that echoes throughout the poem, whether it’s prefaced with the very honest sentiments of “I love you because of . . . ” or “in spite of . . . ” Aware that the path of parenthood is not always smoothly traversed, Buehner succinctly sums up the contraposition inherent in the parent/child relationship. “I am big, and you’re still small, / We don’t see things the same at all.” Yet she swiftly bridges the generation gap with the reassurance, “But that’s okay.” Rogers’s unique artwork clearly expresses the emotions within. Collages created out of assorted pieces of paper layered together and then painted and drawn upon add depth and vitality to the illustrations. The rich tones of the full-color pictures provide an ideal backdrop for the deeply moving poem. A perfect way to show little ones they are cherished. (Picture book. 3-6)
Pub Date: Dec. 1, 2001
ISBN: 0-8037-2547-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Putnam
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2001
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An upbeat tale with a much-needed message: Imagination and positivity can save the day.
In this picture book from pop star Kevin Jonas and his wife, TV personality Danielle Jonas, a rainy day forces a child to find an alternate way to enjoy the beach.
Family beach day is one of Bella’s favorite things. She loves splashing in the waves, jumping from rock to rock, and building sand castles. Today, however, the weather isn’t cooperating, but Bella isn’t upset. “It will just have to stop raining. That’s all.” Disappointment sets in when her family tells her that beach day is off. Teary Bella rejects suggested indoor pastimes like board games, musical jam sessions, or reading stories together, and she retreats to her room. Dejected, Bella consoles herself with her stuffed bunny, Mr. Bonkers, until her parents and sister, Emma, knock on her door with a surprise: “BEDROOM BEACH DAY!” With just a few household items—a big lamp for the sun, a fan for the ocean breeze, a blue blanket for water, and pillows for rocks—and a large dose of imagination, Bella’s bedroom is transformed. A flexible attitude from all helps Bella—and readers—realize that things may not always go as planned…but sometimes they can be even better than we expected. Whimsical, cartoonish drawings and a dialogue-driven narrative turn a setback into an uplifting family experience. Bella and her family are light-skinned. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
An upbeat tale with a much-needed message: Imagination and positivity can save the day. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: July 11, 2023
ISBN: 9780593352106
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Razorbill/Penguin
Review Posted Online: Feb. 24, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
It is a land and waterscape that reaches right down into our primordial souls—the beach, here given full iconic treatment. Using scant couplets to convey the most elemental pleasures of a day at the beach, and enticingly depicted in Smith's watercolors, this will call up memories of any reader who has spent time on the ocean's shore. From that first rush down the dunes and onto the strand—“Waves roar, / Rush, and soar! / Rolling, crashing / To the shore"—to the tramp back out—“Sun-warmed skin, contented grin"—it is an experience unlike any other and Roosa's got it just right. Sandcastles, swimming, softball, snoozing. Pictured details entice: kicking off one's shoes, chasing sand crabs, enjoying trays of yummy lunch. "Noon light / Shimmers bright / In the distance, / Hot and white." Appetite and taste take on a special edge, and then the hit of post-lunch languor: "Waves lapping/ Babies napping / On the water / Sails are snapping." Good stuff, simple and viscerally transporting, the waft of salt strong from the page. Over too soon. (Picture book. 3-6)
Pub Date: March 19, 2001
ISBN: 0-618-02923-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Clarion Books
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2001
BOOK REVIEW
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