Another warm and relatable triumph.
In the friends’ third outing, Frank faces two challenges: delayed gratification and honesty.
Frank the fox (who narrates) and Bert the bear’s previous picnics have been marred by mishaps: rain, wasps, a scary squirrel. But this one will be perfect—plus, Bert has brought along a surprise in his box. The duo set out for their favorite spot under a tree, near some rounded hills. The lunch looks delicious, and Frank can’t wait for the surprise. When it’s unfortunately delayed by Bert’s post-meal nap, Frank opens the box, which turns out to be full of caramel crunch cookies: “my absolute favorite cookies in the whole world.” Surely it would be OK to eat just one? “Or maybe even two…or three…or four…or five!” Uh-oh. Now Frank must explain why the box is empty. Frank blames those scary squirrels—10 of them! But Bert is so worried about his friend’s tussle with the squirrels that Frank feels guilty and decides to tell the truth—and is swiftly forgiven. Their next picnic looks like it might just resemble their last one, with Fox bearing muffins for Bert…but there’s a surprise ending for everyone! The language and pacing are just right, the tone understated, the conflict relatable. The squirrels are manic without being truly scary. Bert’s scribbly fur and Frank’s red hatch marks evoke character, and their accessories, all blue for Fox, all pink for Bert, further help differentiate them.
Another warm and relatable triumph. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: April 1, 2025
ISBN: 9798887771328
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Nosy Crow
Review Posted Online: Nov. 23, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2025
Familiarity breeds a birthday for the ages in this party worth attending.
Don’t let the Pigeon ruin his own special day!
Anyone who has ever encountered the title character in any of his books—whether his first, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus (2003), or one of its many sequels—will understand that the bird’s innate self-love drives his every interaction. Little wonder, then, that he’s thrilled about his own “bird-day.” He has the hat. He has his “FANCY PLUMAGE.” And, best of all, he will get to blow out a candle “on my bird-day hot dog!” As he revels in the knowledge that this day is all for him, comeuppance is lurking. Someone has already blown out the bird-day candle—and eaten half the hot dog. It turns out that the Pigeon’s frenemy, the Duckling, has the same bird-day—as do a slew of newly hatched chicks. The Pigeon’s obligatory eight-panel freakout ensues. “What am I—invisible? I just want to be seen,” he whimpers, and when he receives some much-needed reassurance, he settles down and willingly shares his special day. While the switch from unapologetic narcissism to mature acceptance happens in the record-breaking span of two pages, the book is as enchanting as the Pigeon’s earlier outings. Even as it walks in the footsteps of its predecessors, there’s no denying the fun to be had.
Familiarity breeds a birthday for the ages in this party worth attending. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: March 31, 2026
ISBN: 9781454999621
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Union Square Kids
Review Posted Online: Nov. 22, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2026
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Sure to have little ones giggling.
Jacques is a hedgehog with a big secret: “I wear real, bona fide underwear.”
Our narrator received a mysterious package one day; an illustration shows a pair of underwear tied to a balloon with a note “from the Universe” floating down into Jacques’ burrow. Hedgehogs don’t wear underwear, however. Will Jacques be shunned? Jacques worries but comes to a decision: “I have to wear them. When I do I feel special.” Determined, Jacques, who’s been invited to a party, makes a dramatic entrance, with undies in hand. Jacques’ declaration (“I WEAR UNDERWEAR”) is met with remarks of dismay, before another hedgehog opens up about similar fears and shows off a pair of cowboy boots. More hedgehogs introduce themselves with their own confessions. The story ends with Jacques unveiling a painting of the underwear in a gallery filled with hedgehogs wearing all sorts of attire. Though the book is simple in plot, characters, and setting, it wins in its balance of bathroom humor, dramatic storytelling, and celebrations of individual expression. French words are peppered throughout, adding to the fun without detracting from the story for those unfamiliar with the language. The cartoonish illustrations brim with fun; Valdez relies heavily on geometric shapes (triangle noses for the hedgehogs; huge circles for their eyes). Details such as speech bubbles and recurring turtle and snake characters contribute to the outlandish humor.
Sure to have little ones giggling. (Picture book. 3-5)Pub Date: April 1, 2025
ISBN: 9781250814388
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Review Posted Online: Feb. 1, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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