by Elias Barks ; illustrated by Meg Hunt ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 8, 2020
Mythic and magically charming.
Yeti Baby is another cryptid, a creature that may or may not exist beyond folklore. The yeti is also known as the Abominable Snowman, and while Yeti Baby is cute and not at all abominable, the hairy hominid is definitely at home in a snowy, wintry landscape. As in the previous books, a question is posed on the verso of each double-page spread and then answered by opening a thick, durable, and easily operated flap on the facing page. “Who’s tromping through a chilly snowstorm?” When the flap with the image of a snowman is folded down, readers see: “It’s Yeti Baby, bundled up warm.” With snowy scenes, “gumdrop elves on candy cane skis,” a toymaker with a white beard and an elf assistant, and mistletoe, among other cues, this book is both a great winter read and a cute Christmas book. Similarly, companion title Pumpkin Baby! is ideal autumn reading, an only slightly spooky romp through a mildly creepy Halloween night. The artwork in both is eye-catching, with Pumpkin Baby!’s chilly fall colors, skeletons, bats, and jack-o-lanterns especially effective and surreal. Each baby encounters engaging supporting characters—elves and Arctic animals, or friendly witches and black cats, for example—and each book ends with its protagonist tucked safely and snugly in bed.
Mythic and magically charming. (Board book. 1-4)Pub Date: Sept. 8, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-948931-12-0
Page Count: 12
Publisher: Hazy Dell Press
Review Posted Online: Sept. 28, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2020
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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.
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
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by Patricia Hegarty ; illustrated by Summer Macon ‧ RELEASE DATE: Dec. 24, 2019
Light, friendly, and not at all preachy—a gentle win for a kinder world.
Rhyming couplets use the alphabet to simply explain the abstract concept of kindness.
Each letter of the alphabet stands for a word that adds nuance to the notion while line drawings of pink-cheeked stuffed animals—bear, bunny, elephant, mouse, lion, and giraffe—illustrate the behavior. The verses hint at exactly how to act kindly. Some are concrete: “Ii is for inviting everyone to play.” Some suggest attitudes that facilitate kindness. For example, “Bb is for believing things will be okay in the end!” and “Hh is for hope—tomorrow’s another day!” While many might take issue with the simplistic assertion that “Ee is for everyone—we are all the same,” taken as a whole, the book will lead even the youngest toddlers to the message. Organizationally, the book devotes one page each to 11 letters while 14 others share pages. “Zz is sleeping peacefully when your day of kindness is through” sprawls across a final double-page spread, showing all the animals fast asleep. Creating an ABC book is harder than this makes it look. The true test is what is chosen to represent Q, X, Y, and Z. “Quiet times,” “Yes I can,” and the aforementioned “zzz”s ably rise to the challenge. “Xx is for kisses” is a bit of a stretch but understandable. Pastel backgrounds, uncluttered design, and unforced rhymes keep the focus on the concept.
Light, friendly, and not at all preachy—a gentle win for a kinder world. (Board book. 1-4)Pub Date: Dec. 24, 2019
ISBN: 978-0-593-12307-2
Page Count: 22
Publisher: Rodale Kids
Review Posted Online: Feb. 8, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2020
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