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MRS. RABBIT'S FRIENDSGIVING DINNER

A pleasant work that teaches readers to be kind and gather together.

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A lonely rabbit receives support from her community in Roman’s picture book.

Mrs. Rabbit is all alone and upset because none of her family can attend their traditional dinner. In an attempt to make her empty burrow feel less empty, she accidentally makes far too much carrot stew. Soon, she hears knock after knock on her front door as her critter friends each drop by to make sure she isn’t feeling sad. Gary Gopher brings grubs and worms; Olivia Owl arrives with her unspecified dinner, and, eventually, Sally Sparrow joins them. Mrs. Rabbit realizes that a party has sprung up around her. As her guests share a meal together, Mrs. Rabbit decides to rename the day to more accurately encompass friendship and community; thus, the tradition of Friendsgiving Day begins. This sweet story effectively celebrates chosen families and community care. It reimagines North American Thanksgiving without directly naming it while highlighting how it gives people the opportunity to spend time with those they care about. The anthropomorphic animals wear typical human clothing, but the specific dishes that each guest brings are true to real animals’ diets. Arkova’s illustrations feature a jewel-toned palette and antique styling for the characters’ clothes.

A pleasant work that teaches readers to be kind and gather together.

Pub Date: Oct. 25, 2022

ISBN: 9798218071950

Page Count: 36

Publisher: Chelshire

Review Posted Online: Feb. 15, 2023

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2023

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THE CRAYONS TRICK OR TREAT

A laugh-inducing Halloween read-along.

The Crayons return in time for Halloween as vampire-costumed Purple coaches the dressed-up wax pack through its first trick-or-treating venture.

It takes five houses’ worth of door-knocks for this skeleton crew of seven to perfect the protocol, with enough outlandish flubs to generate giggles in Halloween-savvy preschoolers. At Door No. 1, Orange, dressed as a jack-o’-lantern, says, “Give us your candy, Lady.” At the next, the gang, encouraged by Purple to “think holiday,” responds with an impressive array of misguided greetings, including “Merry Christmas!” and “Happy American Cheese Month!” Later, White, levitating impressively in a ghost costume, overreacts to Halloween’s “scary” aspect by overwhelming residents with a “BOO!” Peach, unnamed here but recognizably wrapperless from the initial title, exuberantly (and inappropriately) repeats, “I’m naked!” Finally, the troupe perfects its treat-inducing line, though a certain ghost cannot resist an ad lib. This excursion, like many of the holiday-themed Crayon books, has a smaller trim size, a lower price point, and far less complexity than Daywalt and Jeffers’ first two Crayon titles. Still, the pair deftly let young children in on the jokes through funny, hand-lettered dialogue and the visually telegraphed, all-in haplessness of this well-branded band. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A laugh-inducing Halloween read-along. (Picture book. 4-6)

Pub Date: Sept. 6, 2022

ISBN: 978-0-593-62102-8

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Philomel

Review Posted Online: Aug. 16, 2022

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2022

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HOW DOES SANTA GO DOWN THE CHIMNEY?

In the market for an understated Christmas classic? Behold! A Christmas miracle!

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A dynamic picture-book duo turn their attention to one of the great mysteries of our time.

For those literal-minded children out there, this book serves to answer some essential questions about basic Santa-related logistics. We all know that Santa is supposed to go down the chimney to deliver gifts, but how? “Does he cinch up his belt? Or shrink himself down to the size of a mouse?” That particular speculation is accompanied by an image of a small Santa standing on the edge of a chimney looking down into the abyss. Synched perfectly with Barnett’s gentle yet hilarious questions and often silly propositions (“Or does he slip through the pipes and come out of your faucet?”), Klassen’s tan-skinned Santa is as funny and expressionless as a bearded Buster Keaton. Curiosity runs wild as Barnett ponders everything from Santa doing the laundry in children’s basements to his ability to get along with every household dog he meets, while Klassen’s there to bring each possibility to life. Don’t look for any definitive answers in this story, though. As the last line states, “Santa goes up the chimney the same way he comes down. And I have no idea how Santa does that. But I’m so glad he can.” For all that it leans heavily on absurdity, this book exhibits some serious heart. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

In the market for an understated Christmas classic? Behold! A Christmas miracle! (Picture book. 4-7)

Pub Date: Sept. 12, 2023

ISBN: 9781536223767

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Candlewick

Review Posted Online: Aug. 12, 2023

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2023

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