An action-packed contretemps, though in the end it's more a bit of technical advice for young artists than a general tribute...
Two artistes conflict, critique and ultimately collaborate amid a bracing mess of splashes and scribbles.
Deftly drawn in ways that reflect their individual styles, Ink the dapper mouse paints neatly limned still lifes, while disheveled Scribbles the cat sketches loose portraits with colored pencils. Turning up their noses at one another’s efforts (“Amateur!” “Hack!”), the two engage in an escalating squabble that begins with insults but soon takes over entire pages with Harold and the Purple Crayon–like figures and pranks. At last, a full-spread mutual meltdown depicted in wild scrawls and blotches leads to an agreement to work together—on a series of paintings (including one on a big double foldout) that bear strong resemblances to art by Leonardo da Vinci, Keith Haring and other renowned artists. Long’s visual exuberance echoes that achieved in the likes of David Catrow’s I Ain’t Gonna Paint No More (written by Karen Beaumont, 2005) and especially David Wiesner’s Art and Max (2010), which has a similar plot to boot. In closing, though, he identifies the artists he’s referenced and adds a distinctive fillip by suggesting that copying great art done by others isn’t a bad way to develop one’s own skills.
An action-packed contretemps, though in the end it's more a bit of technical advice for young artists than a general tribute to the benefits of working together. (downloadable blank sketchbook [not seen]) (Picture book. 7-9)Pub Date: June 25, 2012
ISBN: 978-1-60905-205-8
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Blue Apple
Review Posted Online: April 21, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2012
A satisfying sequel leaving room for more.
When her former best friend Jasmine comes to visit during winter break, third-grader Bernadette ignores her current friends, hurting their feelings and coming close to breaking up the Lunch Bunch.
Bernadette, Keisha, Megan and Annie not only eat together, they plan special menus to make their lunchtimes more interesting. Walking to and from school together, Bernadette and Keisha keep a special dog-watching notebook. They even carry out a project of cleaning and beautifying an elderly neighbor's yard. When Bernadette realizes how much she values these new friends—especially Keisha, who seems the most upset—she comes up with the perfect lunch strategy to make things right. In this sequel to Bernadette and the Lunch Bunch (2009), Glickman again portrays elementary-school life realistically. Bernadette’s difficulties juggling her friendships, her longing for a puppy of her own and her discomfort when her classmates think she’s responsible for the month-long Healthy Food Challenge will feel familiar. The relatively long, mostly un-illustrated chapters are best suited for the most able chapter-book readers, who will appreciate the challenge and are less often served by material appropriate to their lives and experiences.
A satisfying sequel leaving room for more. (Fiction. 7-9)Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-897187-92-0
Page Count: 124
Publisher: Second Story Press
Review Posted Online: Aug. 23, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2011
BOOK REVIEW
This puzzling book makes for a confusing read. Tallulah is a privileged little girl who, because of her wealth, cannot enjoy the hallmarks of childhood. She cannot get dirty because of her lovely dresses, and she unhappily rides to school in a limousine. Readers may be forgiven some confusion. Is Tallulah sad because she is rich and lonely? Or clean? Or because she wants to be like everyone else? At the story’s climax, Tallulah saves a drowning dog (in ridiculously unconvincing fashion—she throws it her sash). Conveniently, an apparently wealthy boy appears in a suit and tie to help her. In the end, Tallulah confesses to the grown-ups who she really is ("I like to wear jeans") and, predictably, gets to keep the soggy puppy. Does this mean that being "like everyone else" means getting what you want? Tallulah is drawn to look like Spelling, with wide-set brown eyes and blond hair. Her diamond earrings sparkle, and her outfits are detailed, in direct contrast to the other children, who are more sketchily drawn. Frankly, the other children seem more interesting. (Picture book. 7-9)
Pub Date: Sept. 21, 2010
ISBN: 978-1-4169-9404-6
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Aladdin
Review Posted Online: July 30, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2010
© Copyright 2025 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
