A gentle acknowledgment that it’s a hard life being a hard-loved stuffed animal.
A toy rabbit realizes the value of home.
Nubby is a blue stuffed rabbit with a thick black unibrow. Fed up with being “carried, buried, dropped, dragged, torn, worn, chewed on, sat on, and even used as a nose wipe,” he sets off into “the great wide world” (aka the cul-de-sac near his home) for a new beginning. Aided (or, rather, carried) by a mischievous dog, he meets some real rabbits, who ignore him. Picked up by an aspiring magician (a child with tan skin and dark hair), he tries his hand (or paw) at fame, and when that doesn’t work out, he goes looking for fortune, digging for treasure with his canine pal. Far from home (across the street), he longs for his little boy—who has peach skin and a blond bowl cut—and the love he once had. Luckily, Nubby is able to hitch a ride home and returns to his life of being loved very hard, this time appreciating “being nuzzled, snuggled, cuddled, clutched, bathed, bundled, squeezed, smooched, and utterly adored” in between all the carrying, burying, dropping, dragging, and chewing. Illustrated with simple black lines, the watercolor, pencil, and digital artwork is attractive and laced with humor; Nubby’s trials are standard fare for a favorite toy but sweet to see nonetheless. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A gentle acknowledgment that it’s a hard life being a hard-loved stuffed animal. (Picture book. 1-5)Pub Date: Jan. 3, 2023
ISBN: 978-0-593-38109-0
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Knopf
Review Posted Online: Sept. 27, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2022
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
An invitation for readers to learn through observation.
Llama Llama and Mama spot different shapes at the farmers market.
Dewdney’s iconic llama stars in this board book, a part of the Learning With Llama Llama series. The story showcases five shapes: rectangles, squares, triangles, circles, and stars. Rather than simply showing the shapes and naming them, illustrator Morrow embeds them inside scenes from the farmers market. Each page turn uncovers a different shape. Signage and a shopping bag pop as rectangles, while umbrellas, a slice of watermelon, and the peaks of the tents form triangles. Shapes that appeared on previous pages are visible even as the story progresses, and the final page helps readers revisit and recall shapes they’ve already found. There are plenty of engaging details to keep readers looking, including other animal shoppers, kite-flying, and sudden, surprising rain. The text is concise, and each spread features a simple question inviting participation. This title is more captivating than other shape concept books, especially those that show block-colored shapes without context. Llama Llama’s popularity will make this a hit with fans, and readers looking for substance will find it. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
An invitation for readers to learn through observation. (Board book. 1-3)Pub Date: Feb. 7, 2023
ISBN: 978-0-593-46509-7
Page Count: 14
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
© Copyright 2025 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
