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
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
A hymn to the intrinsic loveliness of the wild and the possibility of sharing it.
What happens when a robot washes up alone on an island?
“Everything was just right on the island.” Brown beautifully re-creates the first days of Roz, the protagonist of his Wild Robot novels, as she adapts to living in the natural world. A storm-tossed ship, seen in the opening just before the title page, and a packing crate are the only other human-made objects to appear in this close-up look at the robot and her new home. Roz emerges from the crate, and her first thought as she sets off up a grassy hill—”This must be where I belong”—is sweetly glorious, a note of recognition rather than conquest. Roz learns to move, hide, and communicate like the creatures she meets. When she discovers an orphaned egg—and the gosling Brightbill, who eventually hatches—her decision to be his mother seems a natural extension of her adaptation. Once he flies south for the winter, her quiet wait across seasons for his return is a poignant portrayal of separation and change. Brown’s clean, precise lines and deep, light-filled colors offer a sense of what Roz might be seeing, suggesting a place that is alive yet deeply serene and radiant. Though the book stands alone, it adds an immensely appealing dimension to Roz’s world. Round thumbnails offer charming peeks into the island world, depicting Roz’s animal neighbors and Brightbill’s maturation.
A hymn to the intrinsic loveliness of the wild and the possibility of sharing it. (author’s note) (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: June 24, 2025
ISBN: 9780316669467
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: March 22, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2025
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