Certain children will read anything about horses; this book relies too heavily on that fact.
When 9-year-old Tori and her 8-year-old sister, Miranda, arrive at their grandmother's Silver Pony Ranch to spend the summer, Tori is immediately smitten with Gran’s new pony, Jewel.
Jewel, however, is livelier than Gran's other ponies, and Tori can't even manage to groom her before the pony misbehaves, let alone ride her. Miranda prefers Gran's dog's puppies to the ponies; the sisters squabble about that and about sharing a room. On the second day of their visit, Tori sneaks out to see Jewel before breakfast and accidentally turns the pony loose—she can't be caught until Gran intervenes. That afternoon, a puppy goes missing after a trail ride; sneaking out to the stables at night to look for it, Tori again leaves Jewel's stall open while braiding a fancy ribbon in her tail. Somehow, Tori's repeated misbehavior inspires Gran to allow her to ride the pony. The puppy comes home, and all ends well. The first in a series designed for chapter-book readers, the story will appeal to pony-crazy girls but appall their safety-conscious parents or anyone who really understands horse behavior. Though Tori narrates, her character seems limited to whining about Jewel.
Certain children will read anything about horses; this book relies too heavily on that fact. (Fiction. 6-8)Pub Date: Aug. 25, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-545-79766-5
Page Count: 96
Publisher: Branches/Scholastic
Review Posted Online: Aug. 25, 2015
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A lesson that never grows old, enacted with verve by two favorite friends
Gerald the elephant learns a truth familiar to every preschooler—heck, every human: “Waiting is not easy!”
When Piggie cartwheels up to Gerald announcing that she has a surprise for him, Gerald is less than pleased to learn that the “surprise is a surprise.” Gerald pumps Piggie for information (it’s big, it’s pretty, and they can share it), but Piggie holds fast on this basic principle: Gerald will have to wait. Gerald lets out an almighty “GROAN!” Variations on this basic exchange occur throughout the day; Gerald pleads, Piggie insists they must wait; Gerald groans. As the day turns to twilight (signaled by the backgrounds that darken from mauve to gray to charcoal), Gerald gets grumpy. “WE HAVE WASTED THE WHOLE DAY!…And for WHAT!?” Piggie then gestures up to the Milky Way, which an awed Gerald acknowledges “was worth the wait.” Willems relies even more than usual on the slightest of changes in posture, layout and typography, as two waiting figures can’t help but be pretty static. At one point, Piggie assumes the lotus position, infuriating Gerald. Most amusingly, Gerald’s elephantine groans assume weighty physicality in spread-filling speech bubbles that knock Piggie to the ground. And the spectacular, photo-collaged images of the Milky Way that dwarf the two friends makes it clear that it was indeed worth the wait.
A lesson that never grows old, enacted with verve by two favorite friends . (Early reader. 6-8)Pub Date: Nov. 4, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-4231-9957-1
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Hyperion
Review Posted Online: Nov. 4, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2014
Cuándo quieras un perro feliz, look no further.
A young Latine boy finally gets to rescue the dog of his dreams, but training can be a challenge in two languages.
Like many children, José has been dreaming of having a pet of his own, specifically un perro, a dog. Like any good owner, José promptly begins training his new canine companion but soon realizes his rescue mutt, Feliz, knows only words in English. This is a problem because in José’s home everyone speaks both Spanish and English. José and Feliz must rise to the challenge; fortunately, treats and snuggles are great motivators. The narrative uses Spanish words and phrases throughout (“perros blancos,” “¡Yo quiero este!” “¡Sientate!”), usually with English context clues for understanding. This is complex vocabulary for an early reader, and the shifting in phonics from English to Spanish will be challenging for true beginners; the book is best suited for intermediate to advanced readers in dual-language classrooms or homes. Much like Feliz, however, it is sure to find a loving (and bilingual) home. Cheerful illustrations complement the text, helping readers make sense of the narrative. While José and his mother are darker-skinned, his father and sister are lighter-skinned. (This review has been updated for accuracy.)
Cuándo quieras un perro feliz, look no further. (glossary of Spanish-English words) (Early reader. 6-8)Pub Date: April 25, 2023
ISBN: 978-0-593-52116-8
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Penguin Workshop
Review Posted Online: Jan. 11, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2023
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