by Deborah Underwood ; illustrated by Ned Young ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 22, 2018
Super Saurus’ imagination once again conquers a challenging situation.
Having saved kindergarten (2017), Super Saurus tackles his next issue: his parents’ unhatched egg.
This kid’s imagination knows no bounds, so when faced with the uncertainty of a brother or a sister, he does the only thing he can: declare “Super Saurus works alone” and imagine that it’s the “EGG OF DOOM.” He’ll be ready no matter what hatches. His “Super Sun” will shrivel a “vampire-saurus,” his “Robot Ruster” will stop a “planet-crushing robot,” and Maud the Marauder will vamoose at the first sound from his “Bagpipe Blaster.” Super Saurus has to keep the egg close in order to immediately overpower whatever hatches, and despite his words to the contrary, his parents think it’s sweet how taken he is with the idea of being a big brother. When the inevitable happens, Super Saurus truly does vanquish the tot that hatches, but his little sister does some vanquishing of her own…and becomes a great sidekick: Super Goo. Young’s acrylic illustrations play up the dichotomy between Super Saurus’ fancies and, with the turn of a page, reality: Toys, a fish net, a flashlight, and bubbles are the common items that turn into his superhero tools (and that readers are likely to have as well). These dinos are sauropods, the parents with long necks. Super Saurus has blue hair like his dad’s, and Goo, blonde, like her mother’s.
Super Saurus’ imagination once again conquers a challenging situation. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: May 22, 2018
ISBN: 978-1-4231-7569-8
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Review Posted Online: March 17, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2018
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by Jennifer Ward ; illustrated by Steve Jenkins ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 18, 2014
A good bet for the youngest bird-watchers.
Echoing the meter of “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” Ward uses catchy original rhymes to describe the variety of nests birds create.
Each sweet stanza is complemented by a factual, engaging description of the nesting habits of each bird. Some of the notes are intriguing, such as the fact that the hummingbird uses flexible spider web to construct its cup-shaped nest so the nest will stretch as the chicks grow. An especially endearing nesting behavior is that of the emperor penguin, who, with unbelievable patience, incubates the egg between his tummy and his feet for up to 60 days. The author clearly feels a mission to impart her extensive knowledge of birds and bird behavior to the very young, and she’s found an appealing and attractive way to accomplish this. The simple rhymes on the left page of each spread, written from the young bird’s perspective, will appeal to younger children, and the notes on the right-hand page of each spread provide more complex factual information that will help parents answer further questions and satisfy the curiosity of older children. Jenkins’ accomplished collage illustrations of common bird species—woodpecker, hummingbird, cowbird, emperor penguin, eagle, owl, wren—as well as exotics, such as flamingoes and hornbills, are characteristically naturalistic and accurate in detail.
A good bet for the youngest bird-watchers. (author’s note, further resources) (Informational picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: March 18, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-4424-2116-5
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Beach Lane/Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Jan. 3, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2014
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by Ruth Behar & Gabriel Frye-Behar ; illustrated by Maribel Lechuga ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 12, 2023
A heartwarming reminder to embrace change.
A dog who belongs to an expecting couple adjusts to home life as a new baby arrives.
Pepita, the family pet, is beloved and still so little they call her Bebita (baby girl). But Pepita’s world is changing as her Mami and Papi await the arrival of a baby. Pepita is used to being spoiled “with treats and tummy rubs and my favorite fluffy pillow….But lately, things have been changing.” As the home gets new additions like a crib and gifts from the grandparents, Pepita feels left out, no longer the center of attention. Once the baby arrives, Pepita tries to adjust but is kept up at night by crying and doesn’t get playtime like before. But Pepita’s sweetness shines through as she finds ways to help out and bond with the new baby. “I feel so proud to be the big sister,” she concludes. The book is sprinkled with Spanish phrases, reflecting that Pepita is part of a Latine household; readers unfamiliar with Spanish will find the glossary helpful. Illustrations are warm and cuddly throughout, and the story is highly relatable; soon-to-be big siblings fretting over a new arrival will find it especially comforting. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A heartwarming reminder to embrace change. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Sept. 12, 2023
ISBN: 9780593566985
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Knopf
Review Posted Online: July 13, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2023
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