A wily nod to the power of reading.
A clever—er, clover—thief is outwitted.
With immense joy, a scruffy boar finds a big patch of green clover. He quickly sprawls across it to claim his territory. The clover needs just a bit more time to bloom; Roy is willing to wait. However, he warily eyes his neighbor, Jarvis, a gopher who would also enjoy munching on the sweet, green treat. “Don’t even think about stealing my patch of clover, Jarvis,” Roy grumbles. Jarvis assures Roy he would never do such a thing. But he does have a cookbook that he would like to share. It’s called How To Cook With Clover. Roy starts to read the recipes and is inspired. When the book calls for added ingredients, Roy ambles off to find them. When he returns, part of his clover patch is gone! Roy is furious. He resolves to guard his clover day and night. But Jarvis keeps offering books…and Roy’s clover patch keeps getting smaller and smaller. That is—until Roy goes to the library to find “the right book.” In both text and illustration, Parsley strikes distinct, humorous tones for each character, and the twist at the end is giggleworthy and offbeat. There is a distinct Looney Tunes feel to the story, enlivened by both the literary theme and the fact that their relationship, though antagonistic, is not that of predator to prey.
A wily nod to the power of reading. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Feb. 9, 2021
ISBN: 978-0-316-53428-4
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: Nov. 17, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2020
BOOK REVIEW
Plenty of visual cues, lots of repetition and a clear story arc make this a perfect choice for beginning readers—and parents...
This cheery entry in the I Like to Read series successfully tells a simple tale and creates a sense of community using just 20 unique words.
Short, declarative sentences describe the action. Cat enters a house, climbs up three floors and finds a cozy room just big enough to make a perfect home. Colorful, cartoon-style illustrations help fill in the details. The eponymous hero is a round, yellow cat with a shy smile who starts out shivering on a cold and snowy sidewalk. Jumping into an open window, he lands in a snug cellar, where he meets a friendly rat who sends him up the stairs. The animals who live in the upper stories welcome Cat and offer gifts that reflect their interests. When “Cat [meets] Dog,” who sits in a cozy armchair surrounded by bookshelves, Cat leaves with a book tucked under his arm. Rabbit, an enthusiastic gardener, gives him a small potted plant, Bird offers a painting, and Elephant takes time out from playing the piano to provide a hot cup of tea. By the end, “Cat [is] happy,” and readers will be too.
Plenty of visual cues, lots of repetition and a clear story arc make this a perfect choice for beginning readers—and parents pressed for time will likely be happy to find such a short, sweet read-aloud. (Early reader.4-7)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-8234-2659-1
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Holiday House
Review Posted Online: June 11, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2013
Young readers will be “antsy” to join the hero on her satisfying escapade.
An ant explores her world.
Addie Ant’s ready for adventure. Despite some trepidation about leaving the Tomato Bed, where she lives with her aunt, she plucks up her courage and ventures forth across the garden to the far side of the shed. On her journey, she meets her pal Lewis Ladybug, who greets her warmly, points the way, and offers sage advice. When Addie arrives at her destination, she’s welcomed by lovely Beatrix Butterfly and enjoys an “ant-tastic” helping of watermelon. Beatrix also provides Addie with take-home treats and a map for the “Cricket Express,” which will take her straight home. Arriving at the terminal, Addie’s delighted to meet another friend, Cleo Cricket, whose carriage service returns Addie home in “two hops.” After eating a warm tomato soup dinner, Addie falls asleep and dreams of future exploits. Adorable though not terribly original, this story brims with sensuous pleasures, both textual and visual. Kids who declare that they dislike fruits or veggies may find their mouths watering at the mentions and sights of luscious tomatoes, peas, beans, watermelons, berries, and other foodstuffs; insect-averse readers may likewise think differently after encountering these convivial, wide-eyed characters. And those flowers and herbs everywhere! The highlights are the colors that burst from the pages. Addie’s an endearing, empowering character who reassures children they’ll be able to take those first independent steps successfully.
Young readers will be “antsy” to join the hero on her satisfying escapade. (author’s note about ants) (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: April 9, 2024
ISBN: 9781797228914
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Review Posted Online: Feb. 3, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
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