Lessons in what not to do, whimsically delivered by a crew of characters still figuring it out for themselves.
Daywalt and Jeffers’ crayons get schooled in etiquette.
Our stubby, waxy friends have learned many lessons over the years, but they still might need some practice when it comes to manners. Daywalt sets up the framework with a comically exaggerated statement at the start: “Duncan’s crayons are perfect little angels, who never, ever misbehave and always use their manners. Always, always, always.” Several crayons pose nearby, smiling and hugging, but readers will notice the black crayon making the bunny ears gesture behind the blue crayon—a hint that these characters might not be as angelic as described. The pages that follow each highlight one polite expectation, while the illustrations depict a conflicting behavior. When Daywalt asserts, “They always say ‘please,’” Jeffers’ accompanying image shows the yellow crayon simply shouting, “Gimme!” And when we’re told that the crayons “always share,” the illustration shows the red crayon surrounded by toys while another looks on forlornly. The creators mine humor from bodily functions: “And they never toot at their brother. “ (The blue crayon’s response to the puff of gas? “C’mon man, seriously? Dude. WHY?”) All is forgiven in the end, though, when they realize they aren’t perfect; what matters is apologizing for their missteps—sound advice. Once more, Daywalt relies on archly funny narration, with Jeffers contributing minimalist depictions of his winsome cast in action.
Lessons in what not to do, whimsically delivered by a crew of characters still figuring it out for themselves. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: May 19, 2026
ISBN: 9780593694909
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Philomel
Review Posted Online: Feb. 16, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2026
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Too cute to be spooky indeed but most certainly sweet.
A ghost longs to be scary, but none of the creepy personas she tries on fit.
Misty, a feline ghost with big green eyes and long whiskers, wants to be the frightening presence that her haunted house calls for, but sadly, she’s “too cute to be spooky.” She dons toilet paper to resemble a mummy, attempts to fly on a broom like a witch, and howls at the moon like a werewolf. Nothing works. She heads to a Halloween party dressed reluctantly as herself. When she arrives, her friends’ joyful screams reassure her that she’s great just as she is. Sadler’s message, though a familiar one, is delivered effectively in a charming, ghostly package. Misty truly is too precious to be frightening. Laberis depicts an endearingly spooky, all-animal cast—a frog witch, for instance, and a crocodilian mummy. Misty’s sidekick, a cheery little bat who lends support throughout, might be even more adorable than she is. Though Misty’s haunted house is filled with cobwebs and surrounded by jagged, leafless trees, the charming characters keep things from ever getting too frightening. The images will encourage lingering looks. Clearly, there’s plenty that makes Misty special just as she is—a takeaway that adults sharing the book with their little ones should be sure to drive home.
Too cute to be spooky indeed but most certainly sweet. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Aug. 13, 2024
ISBN: 9780593702901
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: May 17, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A sweet, tender and charming experience to read aloud or together.
A clueless duckling tries to make a new friend.
He is confused by this peculiar-looking duck, who has a long tail, doesn’t waddle and likes to be alone. No matter how explicitly the creature denies he is a duck and announces that he is a cat, the duckling refuses to acknowledge the facts. When this creature expresses complete lack of interest in playing puddle stomp, the little ducking goes off and plays on his own. But the cat is not without remorse for rejecting an offered friendship. Of course it all ends happily, with the two new friends enjoying each other’s company. Bramsen employs brief sentences and the simplest of rhymes to tell this slight tale. The two heroes are meticulously drawn with endearing, expressive faces and body language, and their feathers and fur appear textured and touchable. Even the detailed tree bark and grass seem three-dimensional. There are single- and double-page spreads, panels surrounded by white space and circular and oval frames, all in a variety of eye-pleasing juxtapositions. While the initial appeal is solidly visual, young readers will get the gentle message that friendship is not something to take for granted but is to be embraced with open arms—or paws and webbed feet.
A sweet, tender and charming experience to read aloud or together. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-375-86990-7
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: Nov. 13, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2012
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