After reading the book, follow up with a visit to the New York Public Library if possible—your local if not.
A nighttime adventure and memories of reading with a grandfather remind a child of the pleasures to be found in books.
On the night before turning 8, a child is given a book by their parents—a great disappointment. Surely they know their offspring prefers “toys, games, and movies.” Then, in the middle of the night, an enormous lion out on the lawn beckons. Introductions are made as the child climbs on the lion’s back. The lion’s name is Fortitude, and they are on their way to meet Patience. Yes! The iconic lions that stand guard in front of the New York Public Library. At the library the books arrange themselves into all sorts of shapes that remind the child of books that Grandpa read aloud before he passed away. The child also finds books that are not familiar. With a reawakened interest in reading, that spurned birthday gift is now welcome. More than the story, the charm here is in Colón’s always-beautiful artwork. The olive-skinned family is so real and the little child’s face so full of expression. The amusing rearrangement of the books at the library is whimsical and captivating.
After reading the book, follow up with a visit to the New York Public Library if possible—your local if not. (author’s note) (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: April 2, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-5247-1798-8
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: Jan. 14, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2019
Likely to find mass appeal but should be considered with scrutiny. (Picture book. 4-8)
Jim Panzee—the primate protagonist of Grumpy Monkey (2019) fame—is having a fine day until he receives an invitation to a party; the comic anxiety commences.
The source of Jim’s nerves is the idea of dancing. Jim Panzee, as it turns out, doesn’t know how to dance. This information shocks his jungle friends, who each give him pointers on how to bust a move on the dance floor. Jim tries to go along with his friends but discovers he’s not having a good time, not because he can’t dance, but because he actually doesn’t like dancing. Speaking out about his preferences inspires other animals to voice that they aren’t fans of the pastime either. They discover there are many other fun things to do at a party, like enjoy refreshments and play games, and still have a great time. Like its precursor, this title emphasizes self-acceptance and authenticity. It effectively communicates through the fanciful illustrations the feelings of facing pressure to conform to others’ expectations and the relief of honesty. Whatever gains this title develops in terms of social-emotional learning concepts, however, are offset by the insensitive use of a monkey protagonist, particularly linked to the racialized skill of dancing. It’s a shame that a series so imbued with emotional intelligence does not demonstrate more awareness of historical use of simian imagery as a derogatory referent to black people.
Likely to find mass appeal but should be considered with scrutiny. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Oct. 15, 2019
ISBN: 978-0-593-11862-7
Page Count: 44
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: July 27, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2019
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A rousing tale worth sneaking into youngsters’ Easter baskets.
It’s nearly time for the Easter egg hunt…but where’s the guest of honor?
The minutes are ticking away, but the eggs haven’t been hidden, and the Easter Bunny (described with they/them pronouns) is lost! Five children, who vary in skin tone, decide to shepherd the bunny to the city park where the hunt is being held, but they face delays at each turn. Knowing that grown-ups will “fuss and hover” if they notice the Easter Bunny, they disguise the rabbit as a street musician, but a crowd gathers to listen. A wagon, a bonnet, and a pacifier transform the bunny into the cutest baby ever, but they swiftly draw a horde of admirers. Later, a minimally disguised Easter Bunny joins a random throng of turkeys in the park—a shoutout to the creators’ Turkeys in Disguise (2025)—and somehow avoids detection. Eventually, all the eggs are hidden, and the Easter Bunny hops away. Realizing that they’ve missed the egg hunt amid the chaos, the children are dismayed―until they discover the perfect treats that the rabbit has hidden just for them. Cleland’s vibrant digital cartoon illustrations have a scribbly, childlike feel as they depict the fun-loving kids cooperating and actively problem-solving; readers will enjoy searching for the eggs and the sometimes hidden Easter Bunny. Platt’s jaunty, action-packed rhyme includes vocabulary to engage older listeners as well.
A rousing tale worth sneaking into youngsters’ Easter baskets. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Jan. 20, 2026
ISBN: 9780063483033
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Clarion/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Nov. 8, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2025
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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