A well-meaning but uneven exploration of adoption.
Two bears adopt an unusual cub.
One night, “a fine thread descend[s] from a star” and deposits Mama and Papa Bear’s child at 29 Wood Lane. Though initially startled to discover their “cub” is a goldfish, the parents welcome Fin warmly. Other forest dwellers are skeptical (“Since when do two bears adopt a fish?”), though kindly Frog praises Fin’s bubble-blowing skills. At sunrise, the family moves to Lakeside Lane, where they’ll be able to swim with Fin. Finding the bears’ abode empty, the animals troop to Lakeside Lane, and all join Fin for a swim, negative remarks forgotten. The backmatter explains that the story was inspired by Rosita and Giorgio Boniotti, whose adopted son, Davide, has Allan–Herndon–Dudley syndrome; the Boniottis founded Una Vita Rara, an organization dedicated to raising awareness of this rare congenital disease. Scuderi’s lush paintings deftly blend realistic animal depictions and subtle emotional expressions. Sadly, Zanotti’s text, translated from Italian, is somewhat muddled. Though the bears’ acceptance of Fin is stirring, the other animals’ change of heart feels abrupt. The assertions that Fin “[chose] his parents” and “before he was born, he knew they were waiting” may comfort some readers but will alienate others, particularly since the dedication from the Boniottis mentions Davide’s “choice to live in silence in this immobile body.” Those who don’t share the belief that babies choose their lots in life may find the suggestion problematic enough to overshadow the story’s inclusive message.
A well-meaning but uneven exploration of adoption. (publisher’s note, links) (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: April 22, 2025
ISBN: 9781636550923
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Red Comet Press
Review Posted Online: Feb. 1, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2025
Pete’s fans might find it groovy; anyone else has plenty of other “12 Days of Christmas” variants to choose among
Pete, the cat who couldn’t care less, celebrates Christmas with his inimitable lassitude.
If it weren’t part of the title and repeated on every other page, readers unfamiliar with Pete’s shtick might have a hard time arriving at “groovy” to describe his Christmas celebration, as the expressionless cat displays not a hint of groove in Dean’s now-trademark illustrations. Nor does Pete have a great sense of scansion: “On the first day of Christmas, / Pete gave to me… / A road trip to the sea. / GROOVY!” The cat is shown at the wheel of a yellow microbus strung with garland and lights and with a star-topped tree tied to its roof. On the second day of Christmas Pete gives “me” (here depicted as a gray squirrel who gets on the bus) “2 fuzzy gloves, and a road trip to the sea. / GROOVY!” On the third day, he gives “me” (now a white cat who joins Pete and the squirrel) “3 yummy cupcakes,” etc. The “me” mentioned in the lyrics changes from day to day and gift to gift, with “4 far-out surfboards” (a frog), “5 onion rings” (crocodile), and “6 skateboards rolling” (a yellow bird that shares its skateboards with the white cat, the squirrel, the frog, and the crocodile while Pete drives on). Gifts and animals pile on until the microbus finally arrives at the seaside and readers are told yet again that it’s all “GROOVY!”
Pete’s fans might find it groovy; anyone else has plenty of other “12 Days of Christmas” variants to choose among . (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Sept. 18, 2018
ISBN: 978-0-06-267527-9
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Aug. 19, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2018
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Spires’ understanding of the fragility and power of the artistic impulse mixes with expert pacing and subtle...
Making things is difficult work. Readers will recognize the stages of this young heroine’s experience as she struggles to realize her vision.
First comes anticipation. The artist/engineer is spotted jauntily pulling a wagonload of junkyard treasures. Accompanied by her trusty canine companion, she begins drawing plans and building an assemblage. The narration has a breezy tone: “[S]he makes things all the time. Easy-peasy!” The colorful caricatures and creations contrast with the digital black outlines on a white background that depict an urban neighborhood. Intermittent blue-gray panels break up the white expanses on selected pages showing sequential actions. When the first piece doesn’t turn out as desired, the protagonist tries again, hoping to achieve magnificence. A model of persistence, she tries many adjustments; the vocabulary alone offers constructive behaviors: she “tinkers,” “wrenches,” “fiddles,” “examines,” “stares” and “tweaks.” Such hard work, however, combines with disappointing results, eventually leading to frustration, anger and injury. Explosive emotions are followed by defeat, portrayed with a small font and scaled-down figures. When the dog, whose expressions have humorously mirrored his owner’s through each phase, retrieves his leash, the resulting stroll serves them well. A fresh perspective brings renewed enthusiasm and—spoiler alert—a most magnificent scooter sidecar for a loyal assistant.
Spires’ understanding of the fragility and power of the artistic impulse mixes with expert pacing and subtle characterization for maximum delight. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: April 1, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-55453-704-4
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Kids Can
Review Posted Online: Feb. 25, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2014
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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