Maybe not a first purrchase but an enjoyable addition to noisy storytimes.
It’s really a simple instruction: Say “meow!”
The leader of a group of cavorting kitties looks out at readers and declares, “Welcome to that magical time when everybody says, ‘Meow!’ ” All the kitties comply, but a pup leans in from off the page to say, “Woof.” The lead kitty patiently repeats the instruction, but the pup can say only “Woof.” The kitty gives in and amends the instruction: “Everybody says, ‘Meow’ [and] one guy says, ‘Woof.’ ” But then a frog leans in, croaking, “Ribbit.” After a short froggy interview, the instruction is changed again, now accommodating dog and frog. However, a “Quack” from a duckling in a hat disrupts the process yet again. So the final instruction is: “Welcome to the magical time when everybody says whatever they want!” That goes fine…but a “ROAR” startles everyone, and they all scatter, leaving a little lion to wonder if it said the wrong thing. Readers never learn the reason why this is “the magical time” to meow in Lombardo’s foolish furry picture book, but little listeners will likely enjoy the constant animal interruptions. The pleasantly silly illustrations feature simple, cartoon creatures with huge eyes and a two-dimensional appearance cavorting on a green lawn. The messages of inclusion and acceptance are welcome.
Maybe not a first purrchase but an enjoyable addition to noisy storytimes. (Picture book. 2-6)Pub Date: Nov. 5, 2019
ISBN: 978-0-06-268988-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: July 27, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2019
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Although a bit on the slight side, this offering is infused with a warm, light humor just right for cuddling up with a young...
This title previously published in the U.K. takes a cozy look at all kinds of kisses.
Walsh’s rhyming text is full of cutesy rhythms: “Kisses on noses, kisses on toes-es. Sudden kisses when you least supposes.” Sometimes the phrasing stumbles: “Who likes to kiss? I do! I do! Even the shy do. Why not try, too?” But toddlers and young preschoolers will probably not mind. They will be too engaged in spotting the lively penguin on each spread and too charmed by Abbot’s winsome illustrations that fittingly extend the wording in the story. Patient dogs queue up for a smooch from a frog prince, cool blue “ ’normous elephants” contrast strikingly with bright red “little tiny ants” and a bewildered monkey endures a smattering of lipstick kisses. Be the kiss small or tall, one to start or end the day, young readers are reminded that “the very best kiss… / is a kiss from you!” Perhaps no big surprise but comforting nonetheless.
Although a bit on the slight side, this offering is infused with a warm, light humor just right for cuddling up with a young tyke or sharing with a gathering for storytime. (Picture book. 2-5)Pub Date: Dec. 20, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4424-2769-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Paula Wiseman/Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Nov. 19, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2011
The familiar singsong repetitiveness is catchy in all settings, holiday or otherwise.
A hoppy, snappy Easter version of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt.
Three young tots, with varied skin tones and baskets ready in their hands, eagerly scamper on a spring day to find some eggs. But of course, they meet hindrances along the way. “Ooh, look … // Chickens! / Flapping, pecking chickens.” Thus starts the rolling refrain: “Can’t go over them. / Can’t go under them. / Can’t go around them. // Got to go through them!” The waddling chickens don’t pose much of an obstacle, but they do “Cluck-cluck!” loudly as they scatter in the sun. The three youngsters then must face “fluffy, hungry bunnies” (adorable long-eared puffballs with carrot fronds in their mouths) and “happy, hopping frogs” as they balance on stones to cross a pond. All of this leads to a garden bursting with colorful flowers (“Rustle-swish! / Rustle-swish!”) and finally…10 eggs in pastel patterns. Each egg has a number on it to encourage readers to count along and strengthen their numeracy skills. Rozelaar’s plump and rounded world, with roly-poly trees, flowers, and hills, wraps the tale in coziness.
The familiar singsong repetitiveness is catchy in all settings, holiday or otherwise. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Jan. 7, 2025
ISBN: 9798887771304
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Nosy Crow
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2024
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