Part guessing-game and part dance, this rollicking picture book takes readers on a wild safari. Lively verses introduce young readers to several familiar jungle inhabitants; bear, monkey, elephant, leopard, and snake, while the inclusion of a vulture adds an exotic touch. Divided into two sections, the first half of the verse describes movements of an animal. “Down in the jungle where the leaves lie deep, / What can you see learning how to leap? . . .” Readers turn the page to discover the animal and the second part of the verse. “IT’S A LEOPARD / She goes leap, leap, boogie, woogie, oogie! / Leap, leap, boogie, woogie, oogie! / Leap, leap, boogie, woogie, oogie! / That’s the way she’s learning how to leap.” The song trots along at sprightly pace; however, speakers may find themselves (or at least their voices) boogie woogied out by the final animal. Harter’s brilliantly colored illustrations are an exuberant extension of the tale. Bright watercolors bring the jungle to life in a riot of vivid hues. A full-bleed, two-page spread accompanies each section of verse. Harter cleverly incorporates the featured animal, partially obscured by the greenery, into the illustration for the guessing portion of the song, providing readers with a visual clue. Her array of multicultural and differently-abled children all partake enthusiastically in the fun, as each section depicts an inquisitive child searching for and later dancing along with the featured animal. A rambunctious read-aloud that is sure to get listeners on their feet and dancing to the beat. A musical score is included. (Picture book. 2-6)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2000
ISBN: 1-84148-094-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Barefoot Books
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2000
Familiarity breeds a birthday for the ages in this party worth attending.
Don’t let the Pigeon ruin his own special day!
Anyone who has ever encountered the title character in any of his books—whether his first, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus (2003), or one of its many sequels—will understand that the bird’s innate self-love drives his every interaction. Little wonder, then, that he’s thrilled about his own “bird-day.” He has the hat. He has his “FANCY PLUMAGE.” And, best of all, he will get to blow out a candle “on my bird-day hot dog!” As he revels in the knowledge that this day is all for him, comeuppance is lurking. Someone has already blown out the bird-day candle—and eaten half the hot dog. It turns out that the Pigeon’s frenemy, the Duckling, has the same bird-day—as do a slew of newly hatched chicks. The Pigeon’s obligatory eight-panel freakout ensues. “What am I—invisible? I just want to be seen,” he whimpers, and when he receives some much-needed reassurance, he settles down and willingly shares his special day. While the switch from unapologetic narcissism to mature acceptance happens in the record-breaking span of two pages, the book is as enchanting as the Pigeon’s earlier outings. Even as it walks in the footsteps of its predecessors, there’s no denying the fun to be had.
Familiarity breeds a birthday for the ages in this party worth attending. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: March 31, 2026
ISBN: 9781454999621
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Union Square Kids
Review Posted Online: Nov. 22, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2026
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An upbeat Easter outing with a beloved character.
Pookie celebrates Easter with a play date and holiday activities.
Pookie’s friend Bean, a gray puppy, comes over for Easter fun that includes lots of bouncing around and egg decorating. After Bean goes home, Pookie gets excited about the Easter Bunny’s arrival and goes to sleep dreaming of a large chocolate egg. Like the other Pookie books before it, this one is told in rhyme from the perspective of a loving grown-up addressing the little pig, which keeps the pace moving and makes for a great read-aloud. Bean and Pookie are realistically—and endearingly—childlike, from Pookie’s pronunciation of yellow as “lellow!” to the joyful mess they make while decorating eggs. There are plenty of sweet and festive touches, such as the bunny ears that Bean and Pookie (and Pookie’s teddy) wear and the daffodils painted on the end of Pookie’s bed. The illustrations include large, full-page images as well as smaller vignettes against solid backgrounds. One page shows Pookie and parent looking out the window at the moon, anticipating Easter’s spoils. For fans of Boynton and little Pookie, this Easter tale is exactly as expected: a touch of playfulness, a relatable story, and comfort in the familiar. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
An upbeat Easter outing with a beloved character. (Board book. 2-4)Pub Date: Jan. 31, 2023
ISBN: 978-1-66592-838-0
Page Count: 18
Publisher: Boynton Bookworks
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2022
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