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WENDA THE WACKY WIGGLER

Name: WENDA THE WACKY WIGGLER
Author: Christopher Aslan

by Christopher Aslan & illustrated by Emily Mullock & developed by Aslan Studios ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 25, 2014

With narrative constrained by the meter and an interface that’s mostly passive, this app is one to skip.

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A rhyme-driven tale about a gamboling girl who singlehandedly initiates a citywide renaissance.

There’s never any explanation why Wenda wears an aviator’s helmet and scarf, but nonetheless, she’s a cute little spindly lass who can’t sit still. When she glides into town (with a movement that seems a bit like roller skating), she appears to be looking for a fight, as her fists are cocked and shifting. But she’s really just grooving, and that drives the mayor and the townspeople crazy. In an effort to stop her motion, the mayor silences everything—even capturing a singing bird—but Wenda hears her own song within. Eventually, her dance prevails, and it inspires everyone to create great art. The screen transitions are quite sluggish, and animation is minimal yet fluid. The text is lethargic too, appearing after the narrator begins reading; a row of dots indicates how many text blocks must be swiped before moving to the next screen. The visuals are bright and appealing, but there’s very little interaction other than a wiggle here, a wagging finger there. The intended message is admirable, if packaged in a weak, spoon-fed narrative: Be who you are, and it will inspire others.

With narrative constrained by the meter and an interface that’s mostly passive, this app is one to skip. (Requires iOS 7 and above.) (iPad storybook app. 3-6)

Pub Date: July 25, 2014

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Aslan Studios

Review Posted Online: Sept. 2, 2014

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2014

DR. SEUSS'S HOW THE GRINCH LOST CHRISTMAS!

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DR. SEUSS'S HOW THE GRINCH LOST CHRISTMAS!

by Alastair Heim ; illustrated by Aristides Ruiz ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 5, 2023

It’s not whether you win or lose; it’s how many mediocre sequels you can squeeze out of Seussian property.

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Since a reformed Grinch is hardly any fun, this follow-up Grinches him up once more.

Those seeking more of the same, prepare to receive precisely that. Christmas is coming (again!), and the Grinch can hardly wait. He’s been patient all year, and now he can finally show the Whos down in Who-ville how much he’s changed. When the Grinch learns of a tree-decorating contest, he figures that if he wins, it’ll prove he truly has the Christmas spirit. He throws himself into the task, but when it comes time to judge the trees, the Grinch is horrified to discover that he’s received only the second-place trophy. Can Cindy-Lou Who find the words to save the day? Replicating many of the original beats and wordplay of the original, this tale feels like less a sequel and more like a vaguely rewritten variation. Meanwhile, Ruiz’s art seeks to bridge the gap between the animated Chuck Jones version of the Grinch and the one depicted in the original book. This thankless task results in a strange uncanny valley between Seuss and Jones but does allow the artist a chance to colorize everything and lend some racial diversity to the Who population (Cindy-Lou is light-skinned). (This book was reviewed digitally.)

It’s not whether you win or lose; it’s how many mediocre sequels you can squeeze out of Seussian property. (Picture book. 3-6)

Pub Date: Sept. 5, 2023

ISBN: 9780593563168

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Random House

Review Posted Online: Aug. 15, 2023

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2023

Categories:

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HOW TO CATCH A MAMASAURUS

From the How To Catch… series

by Alice Walstead ; illustrated by Andy Elkerton ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 5, 2024

A syrupy tribute to mothers that may please fans of the series.

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Another creature is on the loose.

The long-running series continues its successful formula with this Hallmark card of a book, which features bright illustrations and catchy rhymes. This time, the mythical creature the racially diverse children set out to catch is an absent mom who does it all (lists of descriptors include the words banker, caregiver, nurse, doctor, driver, chef, housekeeper, teacher, entertainer, playmate, laundry service, problem solver, handywoman, cleaner, and alarm clock) but doesn’t seem to have a job outside the home and is inexplicably a dinosaur. As the children prepare gifts and a meal for her, the text becomes an ode to the skills the Mamasaurus possesses (“Day or night she’s always there. / She meets every wish and need”) and values she instills (“Sometimes life can mean hard work,” “kindness matters,” and “what counts is doing your best”). This well-intentioned selection veers into cliche generously sprinkled with saccharine but manages to redeem itself with its appreciation for mothers and all that they may do. Endpapers include a “to” and “from” page framed in a heart, as well as a page where young gift givers or recipients can draw a picture of their Mamasaurus.