by Elle van Lieshout & Erik van Os & illustrated by Paula Gerritsen ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 30, 2003
A friend offers a perfect gift in this brief import. When Gus confesses that he’s not looking forward to his upcoming birthday party, since he’ll have to endure the attentions of a gaggle of loud, overbearing relatives, his friend Boris suggests a quick fishing trip instead. While the aforementioned relatives gather to make merry, and barely notice that the guest of honor isn’t present, Gus and Boris sit peacefully at a stream’s edge, chowing down on a luscious-looking cake. Gerritsen casts big, rumpled-looking bears for all the parts here, and gives the tale a homey woodland setting decorated with balloons, banners, and party detritus. Young readers with a yen for peace and quiet will identify with gloomy Gus, wish for a friend like Boris, and be charmed by the goofy protagonists. Now, on to Frog and Toad. (Picture book. 5-7)
Pub Date: April 30, 2003
ISBN: 1-886910-89-8
Page Count: 32
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2003
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by Elle van Lieshout ; Erik van Os ; illustrated by Alice Hoogstad ; adapted by MaryChris Bradley
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by Alex Vern & illustrated by Alex Vern ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 2001
The lifecycle of the frog is succinctly summarized in this easy reader for children reading at the late first-grade level. In just one or two sentences per page, Vern details the amazing metamorphosis of the frog from egg to tadpole to adult, even injecting a little humor despite the tight word count. (“Watch out fly! Mmmm!) Large, full-color photographs on white backgrounds clearly illustrate each phase of development. Without any mention of laying eggs or fertilization, the title might be a bit misleading, but the development from black dot egg to full-grown frog is fascinating. A simple chart of the three main lifecycle steps is also included. Lifecycles are part of the standard curriculum in the early elementary grades, and this will be a welcome addition to school and public libraries, both for its informational value and as an easy reader. (Nonfiction/easy reader. 5-7)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2001
ISBN: 0-15-216304-2
Page Count: 20
Publisher: Green Light/Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2001
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by Jory John ; illustrated by Pete Oswald ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 26, 2024
Another quirky take on the series theme that it’s cool to be kind.
The cool beans again step up to do a timorous fellow legume a fava…this time at the pool.
Will a rash decision to tackle the multistory super-slide lead to another embarrassing watery fail for our shy protagonist? Nope, for up the stairs right behind comes a trio of cool beans, each a different type and color, all clad in nothing but dark shades. They make an offer: “It’s not as scary if you go with friends!” As the knobby nerd explains once the thrilling ride down is done, “They all realized that I just needed some encouragement and support.” Just to make sure that both cool and uncool readers get the message, the narrator lets us know that “there are plenty of kind folks who have my back. They’re always there when I need them.” The beany bonhomie doesn’t end at the bottom of the slide, with all gliding down to the shallow end of the pool (“3 INCHES. NO DIVING”) for a splashy finale. This latest early reader starring characters from John and Oswald’s immensely popular Food Group series will be a hit with fans. Fun accessories, such as a bean who rocks pink cat-eye frames, add some pizzazz to the chromatically and somatotypically varied cast.
Another quirky take on the series theme that it’s cool to be kind. (Easy reader. 5-7)Pub Date: March 26, 2024
ISBN: 9780063329560
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Feb. 17, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2024
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