In this tale, the rich bonds of family and friendship feel as warm and cozy as a comfy wrap.
We can travel far, but we never really leave home.
When Peter is very young, his grandmother knits him a “too big” sweater, and he wears the thick, purple wool garment daily for years. When he outgrows their seaside village, he leaves to see the world. Peter embarks on adventures, still wearing the sweater and corresponding with his grandmother. Years later, he returns home to discover his grandmother is gone (presumably deceased) and a new family lives next door. They’ve also traveled from afar to this place with their young son, Little P. Peter and the boy become friends, Little P telling Peter about his former home and reminiscing wistfully about his own grandmother. Peter recalls all his journeys as he reviews the letters his grandmother lovingly saved. Peter dons his sweater “for what he knew would be the last time” because he’s decided to give it to Little P, another long-distance traveler who needs to be “reminded of home.” This Canadian import’s themes of close friendship and intergenerational family connections should resonate with children, though its nostalgic feel has an adult sensibility that may go over their heads. The delicately colored gouache, pencil, and digital illustrations are warmly emotional. Peter is brown-skinned; his grandmother and Little P and his family are lighter-skinned. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
In this tale, the rich bonds of family and friendship feel as warm and cozy as a comfy wrap. (Picture book. 5-8)Pub Date: May 16, 2023
ISBN: 9781459834736
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Orca
Review Posted Online: Feb. 24, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2023
Cuándo quieras un perro feliz, look no further.
A young Latine boy finally gets to rescue the dog of his dreams, but training can be a challenge in two languages.
Like many children, José has been dreaming of having a pet of his own, specifically un perro, a dog. Like any good owner, José promptly begins training his new canine companion but soon realizes his rescue mutt, Feliz, knows only words in English. This is a problem because in José’s home everyone speaks both Spanish and English. José and Feliz must rise to the challenge; fortunately, treats and snuggles are great motivators. The narrative uses Spanish words and phrases throughout (“perros blancos,” “¡Yo quiero este!” “¡Sientate!”), usually with English context clues for understanding. This is complex vocabulary for an early reader, and the shifting in phonics from English to Spanish will be challenging for true beginners; the book is best suited for intermediate to advanced readers in dual-language classrooms or homes. Much like Feliz, however, it is sure to find a loving (and bilingual) home. Cheerful illustrations complement the text, helping readers make sense of the narrative. While José and his mother are darker-skinned, his father and sister are lighter-skinned. (This review has been updated for accuracy.)
Cuándo quieras un perro feliz, look no further. (glossary of Spanish-English words) (Early reader. 6-8)Pub Date: April 25, 2023
ISBN: 978-0-593-52116-8
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Penguin Workshop
Review Posted Online: Jan. 11, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
An effective early chapter book conveyed in a slightly overdone gag.
Epistolary dispatches from the eternal canine/feline feud.
Simon the cat is angry. He had done a good job taking care of his boy, Andy, but now that Andy’s parents are divorced, a dog named Baxter has moved into Andy’s dad’s house. Simon believes that there isn’t enough room in Andy’s life for two furry friends, so he uses the power of the pen to get Baxter to move out. Inventively for the early-chapter-book format, the story is told in letters written back and forth; Simon’s are impeccably spelled on personalized stationery while Baxter’s spelling slowly improves through the letters he scrawls on scraps of paper. A few other animals make appearances—a puffy-lipped goldfish who for some reason punctuates her letter with “Blub…blub…” seems to be the only female character (cued through stereotypical use of eyelashes and red lipstick), and a mustachioed snail ferries the mail to and fro. White-appearing Andy is seen playing with both animals as a visual background to the text, as is his friend Noah (a dark-skinned child who perhaps should not be nicknamed “N Man”). Cat lovers will appreciate Simon’s prickliness while dog aficionados will likely enjoy Baxter’s obtuse enthusiasm, and all readers will learn about the time and patience it takes to overcome conflict and jealousy with someone you dislike.
An effective early chapter book conveyed in a slightly overdone gag. (Fiction. 6-8)Pub Date: May 12, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-8234-4492-2
Page Count: 80
Publisher: Holiday House
Review Posted Online: Jan. 20, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2020
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