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WHEELS ON THE BUS HD

Name: WHEELS ON THE BUS HD
Author: Duck Duck Moose

developed by Duck Duck Moose ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A

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Based on the children’s song, this sunny sing-along’s opening screen invites kids to “Poke or slide things on the screen to see what happens!” On the titular bus, the door slides open and closed, windshield wipers swish to-and-fro and school children hop up from their seats; the activities are activated by finger presses and swipes. The sharp, digitally illustrated scenes are aided audibly by versions of the titular song in languages including English (male or female), French, Spanish, Italian or German, or performed with instruments like cello, kazoo and “Gibberish.” There’s also an option to record the reader’s voice to accompany the thin story, which consists of only eight pages. More suited for toddlers who want to get their hands on that iPad than older kids who want a narrative, the app has great presentation, but not a lot of re-read value once all the interactive animations have been fiddled with and the wheels have gone round-and-round a few times. For a truly exciting interactive bus ride, Paul O. Zelinsky’s 1990 pop-up adventure is still the gold standard. (iPad storybook app. 18 mos.-4)

Pub Date: N/A

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: N/A

Review Posted Online: Dec. 22, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2011

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HOW TO CATCH A REINDEER

by Alice Walstead ; illustrated by Andy Elkerton ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 4, 2022

These reindeer games are a bit tired but, given the series’ popularity, should have a large, ready-made audience.

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The How to Catch A… crew try for Comet.

Having already failed to nab a Halloween witch, the Easter Bunny, a turkey, a leprechaun, the Tooth Fairy, and over a dozen other iconic trophies in previous episodes of this bestselling series, one would think the racially diverse gaggle of children in Elkerton’s moonlit, wintry scenes would be flagging…but no, here they lay out snares ranging from a loop of garland to an igloo baited with reindeer moss to an enticing candy cane maze, all in hopes of snagging one of Santa’s reindeer while he’s busy delivering presents. Infused with pop culture–based Christmas cheer (“Now I’ve already seen the shelf with the elf”), Comet prances past the traps until it’s time to gather up the kids, most of whom look terrified, for a group snapshot with the other reindeer and then climb back into harness: “This was a great stop but a few million to go / Christmas Eve must continue with style!” Though festive, the verse feels trite and unlikely to entice youngsters. A sprinkling of “True Facts About Reindeer” (“They live in the tundra, where they have friends like the arctic bunny”) wrap up this celebration of the predatory spirit. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

These reindeer games are a bit tired but, given the series’ popularity, should have a large, ready-made audience. (Picture book. 5-7)

Pub Date: Oct. 4, 2022

ISBN: 9781728276137

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Sourcebooks Wonderland

Review Posted Online: Dec. 12, 2022

Categories:

CHILDREN'S HOLIDAYS & CELEBRATIONS | CHILDREN'S ACTION & ADVENTURE FICTION

- BOOK REVIEW
HOW TO CATCH BIGFOOT
by Alice Walstead ; illustrated by Andy Elkerton

- BOOK REVIEW
HOW TO CATCH AN INVISIBLE BAD GUY
by Alice Walstead ; illustrated by Andy Elkerton

- BOOK REVIEW
HOW TO CATCH A GROUNDHOG
by Alice Walstead ; illustrated by Emma Gillette & Andy Elkerton

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HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS!

by Dr. Seuss ; illustrated by Dr. Seuss ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 12, 1957

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Another Seuss-chimera joins the ranks of the unforgettable Herlar and with the advent of the Grinch— a sort of Yule Ghoul who lives in a cave just north of who-ville. While all the Who's made ready on Christmas Eve the Grinch donned a Santa-Claus disguise. In gurgling verse at a galloping gait, we learn how the Grinch stole the "presents, the ribbons, the wrappings, the tags, the tinsel and trappings," from all the Who's. But the Grinch's heart (two sizes too small) melted just in time when he realized that the Who's enjoyed Christmas without any externals. Youngsters will be in transports over the goofy gaiety of Dr. Seuss's first book about a villain — easily the best Christmas-cad since Scrooge. Inimitable Seuss illustrations of the Grinch's dog Max disguised as a reindeer are in black and white with touches of red. Irrepressible and irresistible.