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THE OWL AND THE PUSSY-CAT

Name: THE OWL AND THE PUSSY-CAT
Author: Edward Lear
ISBN: 978-0-7636-9080-9

by Edward Lear ; illustrated by Charlotte Voake ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 3, 2017

An endearing version that appeals to children and adults alike.

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Edward Lear’s famous lovers sail away for a year and a day in this lushly illustrated picture-book edition.

Voake’s signature pen-and-watercolor style works perfectly with Lear’s prose, enabling her to pay homage to the original tale while also constructing a whimsical world all of her own making. Deft use of double-page spreads allows for illustration of small moments not explicitly stated in the poem, such as the purchase of the pea-green boat that takes the Owl and the Pussy-cat away to their new life and the search for the Piggy-wig from whom they purchase the wedding ring. The soft color palette, with soothing shades of green and blue in the sea and delicate pinks evoking the late-afternoon sky, creates a dreamlike quality that makes this version ideal for bedtime. Voake’s light, capable pen strokes conjure the bustling activity of the seaport from which the lovers embark and the gorgeous tropical island populated with all races of people where they finally marry. Most affecting, however, are the spreads on the sea, when the Owl and the Pussy-cat are alone beneath a blanket of stars. While children may overlook the loving glances exchanged between the animals, adults reading along are sure to notice them and smile with remembrance.

An endearing version that appeals to children and adults alike. (Picture book. 2-6)

Pub Date: Jan. 3, 2017

ISBN: 978-0-7636-9080-9

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Candlewick

Review Posted Online: Oct. 10, 2016

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2016

Categories:

CHILDREN'S GENERAL CHILDREN'S

- BOOK REVIEW
NONSENSE!
by Edward Lear ; illustrated by Etienne Delessert

- BOOK REVIEW
THE COURTSHIP OF THE YONGHY-BONGHY BÒ
by Edward Lear & illustrated by Sam Tannen & developed by Corky Portwine

- BOOK REVIEW
OWL AND CAT
by Edward Lear & illustrated by Ewa Podles & developed by NitroLab

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UMBRELLA

by Taro Yashima ; illustrated by Taro Yashima ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 1, 1958

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Momo longed to carry the blue umbrella and wear the bright red rubber boots she had been given on her third birthday. But day after day Indian summer continued. Momo tried to tell mother she needed to carry the umbrella to nursery school because the sunshine bothered her eyes. But Mother didn't let her use the umbrella then or when she said the wind bothered her. At last, though, rain fell on the city pavements and Momo carried her umbrella and wore her red boots to school. One feels the urgency of Momo's wish. The pictures are full of the city's moods and the child's joy in a rainy day.

Pub Date: March 1, 1958

ISBN: 978-0-14-050240-4

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Viking

Review Posted Online: Dec. 9, 2013

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1958

Categories:

CHILDREN'S GENERAL CHILDREN'S

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PICK A PERFECT EGG

by Patricia Toht ; illustrated by Jarvis ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 14, 2023

Egg-stra special.

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The creators of Pick a Pine Tree (2017) and Pick a Pumpkin (2019) cover each step of a popular Easter tradition.

The first stop for a light-skinned caregiver and child is the farm. Peering into the henhouse, they spot an egg (reminding readers that eggs don’t originate at the grocery store). More eggs are collected throughout the spring countryside and brought home, ready to hard boil. While the eggs are cooling, it’s time to prepare the dye! The lively text highlights natural methods first (“Stew some plants / to make a brew: / beets turn eggs / a rosy hue. / Spinach? Green! / Berries? Blue! / Try some herbs / or spices, too”) but also gives a nod to store-bought kits. After a full day of egg decorating, the youngster wakes up the next morning for a festive neighborhood egg hunt. Happily, treats found inside plastic eggs are not limited to sugar only; they include secret notes, tiny toys, and coins, too. (The child adds their dyed eggs to this bounty.) Sprays of bright greens, a shining sun, and dotted buds on trees as well as pastel bunting and fuzzy bunny ears and flower crowns on little ones bring a light, airy lift to this joyful community gathering. The children involved in the egg hunt are diverse in skin tone. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Egg-stra special. (Picture book. 3-6)