by Clara Vulliamy & illustrated by Clara Vulliamy ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 18, 2002
A lot of things are needed for his first sleepover, and Tom packs and repacks his little suitcase trying to find room for it all; but has he forgotten an important item? He has been to Granny’s house many times, but this is the first time that he will spend the night. Markers, his favorite dinosaur book, his blanket, his slippers, and, of course, Small, his stuffed mouse, all go into the suitcase. Granny’s house is wonderful; dinner is full of Tom’s favorite things. He gets to eat chocolate in his bath and even jump on Granny’s bed, but at bedtime, Tom realizes that Small is missing. Across the miles, it seems that Small is missing Tom too, so the little mouse sets out to find him. Climbing out the window and shimmying down the drainpipe, he runs through the streets trying to find Granny’s house. The brave little mouse doesn’t let bad weather, a big cat, or the dark woods keep him from his goal. Tom awakens and creeps downstairs to find Small on the front doormat. Did he drop him when he first arrived or did Small really run all that way? Soft watercolor paintings blend the lines between reality and make-believe as they depict the wide-eyed toddler and his favorite mouse. While not especially inspired, this is a warm tribute to the relationship of children with their toys. (Picture book. 2-5)
Pub Date: March 18, 2002
ISBN: 0-618-19459-2
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Clarion Books
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2002
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by Shirley Hughes ; illustrated by Clara Vulliamy
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by Shirley Hughes ; illustrated by Clara Vulliamy
by Katherine Ayres & illustrated by Nadine Bernard Westcott ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 2007
Inside a colorful garden, some plants “grow up,” while others “grow down, and still others grow “around and around.” This catchy, rhyming refrain, with some variation, introduces children to an abundance of garden vegetables and legumes, including corn, carrots, cucumbers, peppers, potatoes, broccoli, beets, green beans, okra, onions and tomatoes, as well as the ambiguous pumpkin, and follows them from seed to plant to lunch. The different plants are shown sprouting under and above ground, and youngsters will delight in the bird- and mole’s-eye perspectives. Energetic watercolor-and-ink illustrations, inhabited by multiracial tots, a farmer, a scarecrow, friendly bugs, worms, crows, rabbits and, of course, a plethora of seeds, plants and produce, are a feast for the eyes and will whet children’s appetites for further knowledge—and for a very healthy lunch. An inviting introduction to the wonder of plants, food and gardening, this charming selection will be a favorite of teachers, students and home readers alike. (Picture book. 2-5)
Pub Date: April 1, 2007
ISBN: 0-7636-2378-4
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2007
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by Katherine Ayres & illustrated by Tricia Tusa
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by Kimiko Kajikawa & illustrated by Ed Young ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 1, 2009
Through quick thinking and personal sacrifice, a wise old Japanese farmer saves the people of his village from a devastating tsunami in this simple yet striking story based on Lafcadio Hearn’s “A Living God.” Ojiisan lives in a cottage on a mountain overlooking the village and sea. One day, villagers gather to celebrate the rice harvest, but Ojiisan stays home thinking “something does not feel right.” When the earth quakes and the sea darkens and runs away from the land, Ojiisan realizes a tsunami approaches. Fearing the oblivious villagers will be swept away, Ojiisan torches his rice fields to attract attention, and they respond, barely escaping the monster wave. Rendered in gouache, pastel and collage, Young’s illustrations cleverly combine natural textures, bold colors and abstract shapes to convey compelling images of chaos and disaster as the rice fields burn and the wave rushes in. In one literally breathtaking double-page spread, an enormous wall of water engulfs the teeny seacoast village. A visually powerful and dramatic tribute to one man’s willingness to sacrifice everything for others. (Picture book. 3-5)
Pub Date: Jan. 1, 2009
ISBN: 978-0-399-25006-4
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Philomel
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2008
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