A delightfully silly rhyming picture book about cats, rats, bats, and high fashion.
A happy cat has a yellow mat where it likes to play, rest, and dream about fish.
The cat is content until it sees a rat wearing an enormous pink hat—and wants it. The cat chases the rat and, ultimately, takes the hat. But the rat is not willing to give up so easily. What ensues is a true game of cat and mouse, with the rat and the cat chasing each other and vying for ownership of the precious, gigantic pink hat. Things get even more complicated when the dueling pair is noticed by a bat—who happens to be wearing a fancy cravat. Then the bat decides that it, too, wants the hat, and the cat and the rat lose interest in the hat and instead decide that they want the bat’s fancy cravat. The chase is on as each animal tries to get a hold of the item of clothing it desires, all the while trying to outsmart its peers. This charming rhyming book’s ridiculously humorous premise will appeal to children and adults alike. The colorful pictures are delightfully absurd and enhanced by clever textual design. (Most notably, when the bat speaks, its words appear upside down.) Lynas turns the primer-level language into a deliciously clever, rhythmic text; paired with the vibrant illustrations it makes for an ideal read-aloud. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A delightfully silly rhyming picture book about cats, rats, bats, and high fashion. (Picture book. 2-6)Pub Date: Sept. 21, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-5362-2310-1
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Nosy Crow
Review Posted Online: Aug. 17, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
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
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A disappointing follow-up.
Inventor Izzy Gizmo is back in this sequel to her eponymous debut (2017).
While busily inventing one day, Izzy receives an invitation from the Genius Guild to their annual convention. Though Izzy’s “inventions…don’t always work,” Grandpa (apparently her sole caregiver) encourages her to go. The next day they undertake a long journey “over fields, hills, and waves” and “mile after mile” to isolated Technoff Isle. There, Izzy finds she must compete against four other kids to create the most impressive machine. The colorful, detail-rich illustrations chronicle how poor Izzy is thwarted at every turn by Abi von Lavish, a Veruca Salt–esque character who takes all the supplies for herself. But when Abi abandons her project, Izzy salvages the pieces and decides to take Grandpa’s advice to create a machine that “can really be put to good use.” A frustrated Izzy’s impatience with a friend almost foils her chance at the prize, but all’s well that ends well. There’s much to like: Brown-skinned inventor girl Izzy is an appealing character, it’s great to see a nurturing brown-skinned male caregiver, the idea of an “Invention Convention” is fun, and a sustainable-energy invention is laudable. However, these elements don’t make up for rhymes that often feel forced and a lackluster story.
A disappointing follow-up. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: March 1, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-68263-164-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Peachtree
Review Posted Online: Jan. 11, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2020
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