Who knew bubbles could be so light and heavy at the same time?
A gentle representation of a mindfulness exercise.
On a tough day, one thought—a cranky sort of one—appears over Izzy the mouse’s head. It’s represented as a scribble, suspended in a bubble. As the days go by, more scribbly thoughts appear. “They cast a shadow on Izzy’s day. A super shadowy shadow.” They bubble up, all colors and sizes, crowding and bumping. So many appear that they push Izzy right off the page! With eyebrows furrowed, Izzy, normally a pale blue, is in a deep, red rage. She decides to go to her “secret spot,” which for her is the beach. The beach is wide open; the bubbles lift a little and are not as pressing. Then, Izzy takes a deep breath. Readers are invited to help Izzy by blowing on the bubbles. The scribbly thoughts drift away. The bright illustrations are uncluttered, allowing space for the bubbles to push in and then lift. Readers will feel the squeeze and release. A final, wordless scene depicts Izzy from behind as she gazes out at an orange sunset over the water. Other coping techniques and exercises are appended. This is the first in the Books of Great Character series, which features guests from the Silly Street suite of character-building games and promotes social-emotional growth.
Who knew bubbles could be so light and heavy at the same time? (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: July 6, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-72823-590-5
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Review Posted Online: May 4, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2021
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
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