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I SPY UNDER THE SEA

Name: I SPY UNDER THE SEA
Author: Edward Gibbs
ISBN: 978-0-7636-5952-3

From the I Spy… (Gibbs) series

by Edward Gibbs & illustrated by Edward Gibbs ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 27, 2012

A clever introduction to ocean life.

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An under-the-sea guessing and counting game from the creator of I Spy with My Little Eye (2011).

In alternating spreads, readers receive clues about a sea creature, with the answer revealed in the next. In the first, each verso features an image of the creature’s eye paired with the bold words “I spy with my little eye . . .” If children look carefully, they will spot a full or partial silhouette of the animal, too. The recto provides further information: “something with stripes,” “big claws,” “lots of arms.” A die-cut hole allows youngsters to peek at part of the creature, and an additional hint is provided. Hints vary from leading prompts “I have a funny name” to common observations “I walk sideways on the beach” to the factual “My arms are called tentacles.” Turn the page, and a colorful scene unfolds. Digital art mimics paint with black-ink outlines, creating texture and movement. Each friendly-looking animal is named (clownfish, crab, octopus and more) and the quantity noted. This starts arbitrarily with the number seven and counts down to one shark. His smile, unfortunately, may appear more menacing than merry when he says “I’m a SHARK, and I spy… / YOU!” In the end, children are invited to discover their own world through a spy-hole.

A clever introduction to ocean life. (Picture book. 2-5)

Pub Date: March 27, 2012

ISBN: 978-0-7636-5952-3

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Templar/Candlewick

Review Posted Online: Dec. 13, 2011

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2012

Categories:

CHILDREN'S ANIMALS

- BOOK REVIEW
I SPY IN THE SKY
by Edward Gibbs ; illustrated by Edward Gibbs

- BOOK REVIEW
LITTLE ACORN GROWS UP
by Edward Gibbs ; illustrated by Edward Gibbs

- BOOK REVIEW
I SPY ON THE FARM
by Edward Gibbs & illustrated by Edward Gibbs

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LITTLE BLUE TRUCK'S HALLOWEEN

by Alice Schertle ; illustrated by Jill McElmurry ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 5, 2016

Beloved Little Blue takes a bit of the mystery—and fear—out of Halloween costumes.

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A lift-the-flap book gives the littlest trick-or-treaters some practice identifying partygoers under their costumes.

Little Blue Truck and his buddy Toad are off to a party, and they invite readers (and a black cat) along for the ride: “ ‘Beep! Beep! Beep!’ / says Little Blue. / ‘It’s Halloween!’ / You come, too.” As they drive, they are surprised (and joined) by many of their friends in costume. “Who’s that in a tutu / striking a pose / up on the tiniest / tips of her toes? / Under the mask / who do you see?” Lifting the flap unmasks a friend: “ ‘Quack!’ says the duck. / ‘It’s me! It’s me!’ ” The sheep is disguised as a clown, the cow’s a queen, the pig’s a witch, the hen and her chick are pirates, and the horse is a dragon. Not to be left out, Little Blue has a costume, too. The flaps are large and sturdy, and enough of the animals’ characteristic features are visible under and around the costumes that little ones will be able to make successful guesses even on the first reading. Lovely curvy shapes and autumn colors fade to dusky blues as night falls, and children are sure to notice the traditional elements of a Halloween party: apple bobbing, lit jack-o’-lanterns, and punch and treats.

Beloved Little Blue takes a bit of the mystery—and fear—out of Halloween costumes. (Board book. 2-4)

Pub Date: July 5, 2016

ISBN: 978-0-544-77253-3

Page Count: 16

Publisher: HMH Books

Review Posted Online: July 19, 2016

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2016

Categories:

CHILDREN'S ANIMALS | CHILDREN'S HOLIDAYS & CELEBRATIONS | CHILDREN'S TRANSPORTATION

- BOOK REVIEW
LITTLE BLUE TRUCK AND RACER RED
by Alice Schertle ; illustrated by Jill McElmurry

- BOOK REVIEW
LITTLE BLUE TRUCK MAKES A FRIEND
by Alice Schertle ; illustrated by Jill McElmurry

- BOOK REVIEW
TIME FOR SCHOOL, LITTLE BLUE TRUCK
by Alice Schertle ; illustrated by John Joseph

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IF WE WERE DOGS

by Sophie Blackall ; illustrated by Sophie Blackall ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 16, 2025

Perfect for every underdog who wants to have a say.

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A dog-loving child encourages a less-than-enthusiastic younger one to imagine they’re both canines.

From the first declaration—“I’d be a big dog! And you’d be a little one!”—readers know who’s calling the shots. Initially, the protagonists cavort off the page and through the neighborhood together, performing doggy capers such as tail wagging, stick carrying, and dirt digging. But by the time they encounter a multitude of like-minded creatures at the dog park, the disgruntled small pup is exhibiting out-and-out rebellion: “Being a dog is YOUR idea! Sometimes I HAVE IDEAS TOO!” The narrative wraps up with the younger child pretending to be a different animal entirely—cleverly foreshadowed through subtle details in the illustrations. Even the endpapers—lively silhouettes of dogs in the beginning and many different animals in closing—extend the theme to suggest the imaginative possibilities of pretend play. Cheerful, lightly hued colors fit the whimsical mood, while expressive body language allows the art to tell the story with a minimum of words. Ending on a surprising note, with a sweet compromise between the two main characters, the tale gives both kids the freedom to embrace their own preferences and styles—while still enjoying their game.

Perfect for every underdog who wants to have a say. (Picture book. 3-5)