In the end it’s a morality tale that may not be worth raiding the cookie jar for
Elephant and Piggie introduce a beginning reader that’s a math lesson: how can three cookies be divided equally among four friends?
A hippo, a crocodile, and two squirrels really want to share, fairly, but getting there isn’t easy. Eventually, the hippo nervously breaks the cookies into six, and then 12 pieces—making the math work perfectly. Dividing three glasses of milk will be a whole different problem. The art looks little like Santat's Caldecott-winning The Adventures of Beekle (2014). It is lighter, cartoonish, and more cheerful than most of his work, matching the silliness of the slight story. The crocodile is endearing rather than threatening, and the hippo is a big, friendly purple one. The blue squirrel wears glasses, and the orange squirrel wears pigtails, denoting gender. Speech bubbles outlined in the same color as the character speaking make following the dialogue fairly easy, though side comments that will go over the heads of most beginning readers are distracting. The story relies on variations in font sizes to communicate excitement and drama. Over 100 words, mostly sight words, are used, with very few repeated more than once or twice, gearing this for readers with some practice behind them. Commentary from Elephant and Piggie that frames the story may sell the book to teachers or parents hungry for more from the popular brand.
In the end it’s a morality tale that may not be worth raiding the cookie jar for . (Early reader. 6-8)Pub Date: Sept. 20, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-4847-2636-5
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Hyperion
Review Posted Online: June 27, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2016
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Just right.
What does it mean to be content with what we have?
In a world where we are constantly urged to seek out the newer, better, best, debut children’s author Whipple makes a solid case for the concept of Enough. A fascination with bears has taken hold over a diverse neighborhood, with children throughout the book donning trendy bear-themed apparel. Amid the fad, the brown-haired, light-skinned protagonist explores the idea of Enough while learning to find fulfillment in their own bear sweater, purchased from a thrift store rather than the “Fancy Clothes” shop or “Better Market.” How many stories before bedtime are Enough? How many sandwiches? Bubbles? Friends? Sometimes, Enough means that we can share lunch with someone in need, give someone else a turn, or give someone money. There is happiness to be found, because after all, “when you find Enough, it’s easy to share.” The soft textures of Wong’s illustrations add a gentleness and warmth to Whipple’s lyrical text with a balanced palette of neutral and vibrant colors that seem to echo the sentiment of the title. Although young readers may miss some of the subtler details of the visual narrative, it's overall a good introduction to a valuable yet abstract idea that is bound to spark discussion as kids consider what Enough means to them. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Just right. (Picture book. 6-8)Pub Date: April 18, 2023
ISBN: 9780884489320
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Tilbury House
Review Posted Online: Jan. 24, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2023
After a promising start, this autumnal offering ultimately disappoints.
Change is on the horizon for a trio of leaves at home in the branches of various trees in a park.
When the air grows chilly, Birch, Oak, and Maple all experience different emotions. Birch is optimistic and expectant, Oak is cautious and reluctant, and obstinate Maple feels left out as the other leaves change colors but she doesn’t. Illustrations rendered in acrylic gouache, colored pencil, and collage depict endearingly anthropomorphized leaves, with autumnal colors that pop. As the leaves learn more about fall from a pair of knowledgeable squirrels, Maple’s slow change to red is overshadowed by her impatience to join her friends. It’s only when she pulls herself free that she learns about the downside of fall—namely, the bottoms of boots, rain gutters, and rakes. Much like the shift from the bright crisp early days of autumn to the damp cold ones later in the season, it’s here that the story changes, going from a surprisingly nuanced examination of growth to something fluffy and less interesting. A young girl with straight black hair and tan skin finds the fallen leaves and takes them home, where she draws them as anthropomorphic characters, and all discussion of the importance of change is lost. Caregivers looking for a springboard to a discussion about growing up and the uncertainty of change may find this useful, but its sputtering ending detracts from its early momentum. Maybe next year will bring a more promising crop of leaves. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
After a promising start, this autumnal offering ultimately disappoints. (Picture book. 6-8)Pub Date: Aug. 2, 2022
ISBN: 978-0-358-41945-7
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Clarion/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Aug. 16, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2022
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