There’s a hot-rod race at 4 Paws Speedway, and Hamster has a need for speed. He heads out to One Dog’s Junk for some help building the perfect hot rod. “Old car, new car, shiny painted blue car, / Rust car, clean car, itty-bitty green car. / Which would you choose?” He gets to pick his wheels, his engine and his painted-flame design, too. Dog and his mechanic mice build Hamster’s hot rod to specs. Though his competitors are skeptical—“Stare face, scowl face, frowning grouchy-growl face, / Bored face, dare face, nose up in the air face”—readers will guess the outcome of Hamster’s big day at the races. Newbery Honor author Lord’s picture-book debut is a rollicking, roaring read. In addition to the rhymed text punctuated by questions, the characters talk in speech balloons that move the story along without breaking the flow. Anderson’s fluffy, jaunty illustrations are as full of energy as the rhymes. Young car enthusiasts won’t be the only ones enamored of this hot-rodding rodent and his big canine buddy. (Picture book. 2-7)
Pub Date: Feb. 1, 2010
ISBN: 978-0-545-03530-9
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Scholastic
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2009
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An adorable small volume is just the right size for little hands and says just the right words for little voices. A line of animal children—Little Brown Puppy, Snowy White Kitten, Clever Little Monkey, and so on, each want to give their mama a present. Each finds just the right thing: carrots for Soft Little Rabbit’s mama; a big leaf for Tiny Frog’s mama; and a daisy chain for Little Pink Piglet’s mama. The only rhyme in the simple rhythmic text comes when the child gives the gift: “This strawberry’s so red and sweet. / It’s for you and me and Dad to eat,” says Little Turtle. Each mama responds with a similar refrain: “I love the strawberry, my Little Turtle, and I love you.” It ends with Billy, who knows what his mama wants: a kiss, a hug—and a “very special bug.” Sweet’s limpid and winsome images, in bright washes of color, balance the text without being cloying. (Picture book. 3-6)
Pub Date: Jan. 1, 2004
ISBN: 0-439-45086-1
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Cartwheel/Scholastic
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2003
That well-known mouse runs his little boy ragged—this time by accompanying him to school. After packing a lunchbox full of treats and a backpack full of supplies, they head for the classroom. Things seem to be running smoothly until the mouse decides to do a bit of exploring. After trying his hand at the blackboard, demonstrating some impressive spelling and mathematical skills, he decides to attempt a science experiment. After a quick cleanup, he uses his artistic skills to build a house from blocks, furnishing it with clay furniture. While enjoying his new home, he munches his lunch then decides that he needs books for his bookcase. After writing a book, shooting hoops, skateboarding, and playing a bit of soccer outside, mouse is hungry again. A quick search for the missing snack ends happily back at school, leaving mouse to nibble on a cookie and do a bit of reading. With this pair’s standard refrain, the lessons of cause and effect are not lost, even though the situations sometimes become outrageous. Still, no one will be able to resist Mouse’s exuberance for learning as he happily charges through his day. A giggle-fest is sure to accompany this little guy wherever he goes. (Picture book. 3-6)
Pub Date: July 1, 2002
ISBN: 0-06-028328-9
Page Count: 32
Publisher: HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2002
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