Parents beware. The fun to be had on these pages may entice young ones to seek out frosty frolics of their own.
A commune of irascible and colorful critters returns for serious snowytime fun.
“It’s wintertime for the Smushkins. And there is so much to do in the snow!” Following their cheery introduction in Meet the Smushkins (2025), the eclectic collection of distinct, almost Moomin-like creatures is back for more small-time adventures. This time around, the crew neatly breaks off into smaller groups as they take part in a variety of wintertime activities, perfect for their particular brand of mini-stories. Bloo, Tippi, and Puff sled into a moose; while snowshoeing, Opie befriends a sweet fox; Leo rolls an increasingly big—and unwieldy—snowball. Skiing, making snowmen, taking a dip in the hot tub, and roasting marshmallows by a cozy fire all round out the fun to be had. Though the storylines aren’t strictly conflict-free, they’re nevertheless gentle. Additionally, Rueda excels at humor so mild, it’ll inspire knowing smiles rather than giggles. For example, a petlike pack of what may be weasels or minks gather around, clearly yearning for whatever it is the Smushkins are eating. Imbued with big eyes and mouthless faces, the Smushkins vary in color and animal-like attributes (snouts, beaks, noses, etc.), as well as their warm cozy garb.
Parents beware. The fun to be had on these pages may entice young ones to seek out frosty frolics of their own. (Board book. 1-3)Pub Date: Oct. 6, 2026
ISBN: 9781536246551
Page Count: 28
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: July 20, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2026
An upbeat early book on feelings with a simple storyline that little ones will respond to.
This simplified version of Diesen and Hanna’s The Pout-Pout Fish (2008) is appropriate for babies and toddlers.
Brief, rhyming text tells the story of a sullen fish cheered up with a kiss. A little pink sea creature pokes his head out of a hole in the sea bottom to give the gloomy fish some advice: “Smile, Mr. Fish! / You look so down // With your glum-glum face / And your pout-pout frown.” He explains that there’s no reason to be worried, scared, sad or mad and concludes: “How about a smooch? / And a cheer-up wish? // Now you look happy: / What a smile, Mr. Fish!” Simple and sweet, this tale offers the lesson that sometimes, all that’s needed for a turnaround in mood is some cheer and encouragement to change our perspective. The clean, uncluttered illustrations are kept simple, except for the pout-pout fish’s features, which are delightfully expressive. Little ones will easily recognize and likely try to copy the sad, scared and angry looks that cross the fish’s face.
An upbeat early book on feelings with a simple storyline that little ones will respond to. (Board book. 1-3)Pub Date: Jan. 7, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-374-37084-8
Page Count: 12
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Review Posted Online: Dec. 23, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2014
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
As warm as a hug from Grandma.
Grandma is the star in dozens of picture books for older children, but seldom is the special bond between a toddler and their grandmother portrayed in a book for very young children.
This sweet, but not saccharine, board book fills that gap. Thankfully, this grandma does not have Alzheimer’s and is not dying. She simply delights in spending time with her cherished grandchild. The narrator, a charming bear cub, is not identified as male or female, which makes it easy for both girls and boys to insert themselves in the story. Each of the six rhyming couplets is spread across double-page spreads: “I love the fun we have each day, / And all the funny things you say.” Even in its small board-book trim size, there is still plenty of room for the winsome watercolors to highlight the familiar yet memorable rituals of a day spent with a loving and patient grandma. Note: “Rory Tyger” is the collective pseudonym for the British artistic team of Richard Greaves, Tracey Simmons, and Gabrielle Murphy. Their illustrations were originally used in Good Night, Sleep Tight by Claire Freedman (2003). In that story, the little bear is resisting bedtime. This reworking is a gentle and conflict-free ode to the special love between little bear and a doting grandma.
As warm as a hug from Grandma. (Board book. 1-3)Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-68010-524-7
Page Count: 28
Publisher: Tiger Tales
Review Posted Online: Sept. 17, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2018
BOOK REVIEW
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