Uninspired writing rescued by extraordinary art.
In film star Pine’s debut picture book, a dog and a squirrel overcome mutual distrust and forge a friendship.
Before Digz began living with kind, light-skinned Ms. Pincher on Appletree Lane, he eked out a lonely existence at the dog pound. Now he considers himself king of the yard. Zurl the squirrel used to have an inferiority complex because her tail was shorter than her peers’. After her father’s pep talk, she felt better—and now considers herself queen of the yard. When she trips over Digz’s nose one day, the two start trading insults: Digz is a “ding-a-ling dope” and a “dummy”; Zurl is a “furry turd.” When a menacing Digz corners Zurl, she becomes frightened, but Digz summons a sense of empathy. Spoiler alert: “They were different, of course, but just the same in their hearts, / and in friendship these two were never apart.” Rhymes, near rhymes, and rather awkward rhythms tell a tale whose simple plot is stretched by delving into the psychological backgrounds of the titular characters. The text is wordy and sometimes trite. But the masterful art and layout will keep readers engaged. Muted colors and gentle lines create a comforting outdoor space, while the dog pound is appropriately stark and dark. Both protagonists have semi-realistic bodies, as well as facial and bodily expressions that display an amazing range of emotions. Every character, from Zurl’s siblings to a tiny snail, is endearing.
Uninspired writing rescued by extraordinary art. (Picture book. 3-5)Pub Date: Oct. 8, 2024
ISBN: 9780593528228
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Flamingo Books
Review Posted Online: July 4, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2024
Perfect for every underdog who wants to have a say.
A dog-loving child encourages a less-than-enthusiastic younger one to imagine they’re both canines.
From the first declaration—“I’d be a big dog! And you’d be a little one!”—readers know who’s calling the shots. Initially, the protagonists cavort off the page and through the neighborhood together, performing doggy capers such as tail wagging, stick carrying, and dirt digging. But by the time they encounter a multitude of like-minded creatures at the dog park, the disgruntled small pup is exhibiting out-and-out rebellion: “Being a dog is YOUR idea! Sometimes I HAVE IDEAS TOO!” The narrative wraps up with the younger child pretending to be a different animal entirely—cleverly foreshadowed through subtle details in the illustrations. Even the endpapers—lively silhouettes of dogs in the beginning and many different animals in closing—extend the theme to suggest the imaginative possibilities of pretend play. Cheerful, lightly hued colors fit the whimsical mood, while expressive body language allows the art to tell the story with a minimum of words. Ending on a surprising note, with a sweet compromise between the two main characters, the tale gives both kids the freedom to embrace their own preferences and styles—while still enjoying their game.
Perfect for every underdog who wants to have a say. (Picture book. 3-5)Pub Date: Sept. 16, 2025
ISBN: 9780316581721
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: May 16, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2025
A heartwarming story about facing fears and acceptance.
A boy with wings learns to be himself and inspires others like him to soar, too.
Norman, a “perfectly normal” boy, never dreamed he might grow wings. Afraid of what his parents might say, he hides his new wings under a big, stuffy coat. Although the coat hides his wings from the world, Norman no longer finds joy in bathtime, playing at the park, swimming, or birthday parties. With the gentle encouragement of his parents, who see his sadness, Norman finds the courage to come out of hiding and soar. Percival (The Magic Looking Glass, 2017, etc.) depicts Norman with light skin and dark hair. Black-and-white illustrations show his father with dark skin and hair and his mother as white. The contrast of black-and-white illustrations with splashes of bright color complements the story’s theme. While Norman tries to be “normal,” the world and people around him look black and gray, but his coat stands out in yellow. Birds pop from the page in pink, green, and blue, emphasizing the joy and beauty of flying free. The final spread, full of bright color and multiracial children in flight, sets the mood for Norman’s realization on the last page that there is “no such thing as perfectly normal,” but he can be “perfectly Norman.”
A heartwarming story about facing fears and acceptance. (Picture book. 3-5)Pub Date: May 1, 2018
ISBN: 978-1-68119-785-2
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Review Posted Online: March 3, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2018
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