For preschoolers preparing to become dog owners, this tale offers a valuable introduction.
A young boy takes care of a new puppy in this debut illustrated children’s book.
Zade is one of several puppies born on a ranch. When Zade is 8 weeks old, he is adopted by pale-skinned Connor and his family, who live in a city. The city is very different from the ranch, and Zade must learn new rules in dealing with this human family. Zade also has to learn to behave around Connor’s diverse friends. But Connor helps his pals know the right signals to give Zade to become his friend and to keep him from jumping up. Connor also learns a lot about all the care that Zade needs and how even though the boy is a canine owner, he should “never approach a strange dog—that can be dangerous.” Eliason and Copeland, both canine trainers, introduce characters and concepts in simple language, focusing particularly on drawing connections between puppies’ feelings and kids’ emotions: “Puppies are just as nervous about changes as little children.” In this series opener, the authors acknowledge Zade’s feelings—that he will miss his parents—without making leaving the ranch seem traumatic since clearly the puppy loves his new family. Sections of the accessible text are broken down by topic, allowing young readers easy stopping points to pause and digest the information. Darley’s sweet illustrations of children are reminiscent of the style of the Precious Moments Company, and some of the pooches evoke Gustaf Tenggren’s classic Poky Little Puppy. A Utah artist, Darley gives the simple line and color paintings depth and action that capture the enthusiasm of a puppy. Some images show moments not explained in the text—a poodle is depicted by a doghouse, and pictures of Connor or Zade with balls are featured. But the dog training techniques Darley portrays, particularly the posture to keep a canine from jumping, are incredibly helpful.
For preschoolers preparing to become dog owners, this tale offers a valuable introduction.Pub Date: N/A
ISBN: N/A
Page Count: -
Publisher: FriesenPress
Review Posted Online: May 28, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2020
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
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
A tale of intergenerational bonding to be shared by grandparents and grandchildren.
In talk-show host Fallon and illustrator Ordóñez’s latest picture-book collaboration, an elderly pooch waxes rhapsodic about a life well lived.
Observing Papa sitting in his chair watching TV all day, a young pup says, “I’m starting to think…you don’t do ANYTHING.” So Papa proceeds to list his accomplishments, both big and small, mundane and profound. Some are just a result of being older and physically bigger (being tall enough to reach a high shelf and strong enough to open jars); others include winning a race and performing in a band when he was younger. Eventually, the pup realizes that while Papa may have slowed down in his old age, he’s led a full life. The most satisfying thing about Papa’s life now? Watching his grandchild take center stage: “I can say lots of thoughts / but I choose to be quiet. / I’d rather you discover things and then try it.” Fallon’s straightforward text is sweetly upbeat, though it occasionally lacks flow, forcing incongruous situations together to fit the rhyme scheme (“I cook and I mow, / and I once flew a plane. // I play newspaper puzzles because it’s good for my brain”). Featuring uncluttered, colorful backgrounds, Ordóñez’s child-friendly digital art at times takes on sepia tones, evoking the sense of looking back at old photos or memories. Though the creators tread familiar ground, the love between Papa and his little one is palpable.
A tale of intergenerational bonding to be shared by grandparents and grandchildren. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: May 13, 2025
ISBN: 9781250393975
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Review Posted Online: May 3, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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