Bunting wastes no time getting started in this energetic story about a small-town library in jeopardy. On the first page, a group of assorted woodland creatures are told by their librarian that the library needs too many repairs and must close. The enterprising animals decide to take out books on roof repairs and painting, and they get the library spiffed up in no time. Miss Goose (the librarian) is pleased, but says they still need more money to stay open, so after a few more books, they solve this problem—and others that crop up. The story’s simple plot moves along, but the animals solve their problems so quickly that the tension disappears before it has a chance to build. This might be comforting to younger readers, but a bit boring to older ones. No surprises here and not billed to be a future classic, but entertaining and useful, with Smith’s lively watercolor-and-acrylic illustrations providing a happy, small-town context. Librarians will probably find it hard to pass up. (Picture book. 4-7)
Pub Date: Aug. 18, 2008
ISBN: 978-0-618-49458-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Clarion Books
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2008
When a young panda asks each of his parents for a kiss, they give him choices: “A soft kiss? / A sweet kiss? / A sticky bamboo treat kiss?” High or low, in the sun or the rain, from a bunny or a fish? In the end the young panda determines that “There are many kisses that will do! / But the best kiss is—from both of you!” A large font, rhythm and rhyme, picture clues and a low word count per page will help emergent readers succeed. Widdowson’s bright illustrations scatter Chinese elements throughout, adding international flair, and sprinkle other animals exchanging smooches for extra interest. A sweet treat to share with a beginning reader. (Early reader. 4-7)
Pub Date: Dec. 9, 2008
ISBN: 978-0-375-84562-8
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2008
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A feathered cast of flight experts can’t lift one up as high as a friend.
A tot tries to fly a paper airplane but is hampered by unsolicited advice.
After carefully studying the book Flying 101, Riley is ready. Wearing aviator goggles and a scarf, light-skinned Riley prepares to fold a paper airplane and watch it soar. The countdown begins: “3 … 2 … 1…” Suddenly a large eagle appears, shouting, “STOP!” The eagle boastfully explains that Riley’s airplane won’t fly: “I rule the sky because I’m large and in charge. Trust me, it needs to be bigger!” So Riley folds a bigger plane. The countdown begins again. This time, a colorful parrot dives in, interrupting the process once more. “Only the best and brightest can rise above the rest. Don’t you see? It needs to be fancier!” So Riley adds vibrant colors. However, more and more birds squawk their suggestions (“faster!” “taller!” “longer!” “smarter!”). Fed up, Riley marches to a quiet spot, meeting one more avian visitor. But this one just might have what is needed for the airplane—and friendship—to soar. Set against large swaths of white space, the realistically depicted but expressive birds swoop in through the frames with their opinions. The repeating countdown refrain and consistent interruptions are surefire crowd pleasers for a read-aloud delight.
A feathered cast of flight experts can’t lift one up as high as a friend. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: March 12, 2024
ISBN: 9780593696729
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Dial Books
Review Posted Online: Jan. 5, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2024
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