Blooms with positive textual messages (not so much in the art, though).
Two flowers learn the power of self-acceptance.
Blossom, a tall, willowy sunflower, and Bud, a tiny budding sprout, both live in Mr. Baxter’s shop. They are surrounded by roses, lilies, daisies and more. The other flowers (with glaring eyes and laughing mouths) ridicule and mock them: “Blossom, you’re too tall!” and “When are you ever going to grow, Bud?” The poor pals droop in dejection. When Mr. Baxter announces a special project, Blossom and Bud shrink away, knowing they will never be chosen. But the very same traits that embarrass them turn out to be exactly what are needed. Blossom is used as a bouquet centerpiece, and Bud is used as a corsage—for a couple to be married who share similar qualities to the floral pair, the slender bride towering over the diminutive (but also thin) groom. Continuous yellow rays of sunshine stream throughout, adding extra warmth and cheer. Two full pages of notes to “Adult Florists” about fostering a healthy body image in children are appended. While the text lauds “love and beauty in all shapes and sizes,” Lakin misses the opportunity to offer children a fat protagonist, and although the supporting cast is racially diverse, Mr. Baxter, the bride and groom, and many front-and-center guests all present White. (This book was reviewed digitally with 10-by-16-inch double-page spreads viewed at 56.3% of actual size.)
Blooms with positive textual messages (not so much in the art, though). (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: April 13, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-4338-3516-2
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Magination/American Psychological Association
Review Posted Online: March 1, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
Too cute to be spooky indeed but most certainly sweet.
A ghost longs to be scary, but none of the creepy personas she tries on fit.
Misty, a feline ghost with big green eyes and long whiskers, wants to be the frightening presence that her haunted house calls for, but sadly, she’s “too cute to be spooky.” She dons toilet paper to resemble a mummy, attempts to fly on a broom like a witch, and howls at the moon like a werewolf. Nothing works. She heads to a Halloween party dressed reluctantly as herself. When she arrives, her friends’ joyful screams reassure her that she’s great just as she is. Sadler’s message, though a familiar one, is delivered effectively in a charming, ghostly package. Misty truly is too precious to be frightening. Laberis depicts an endearingly spooky, all-animal cast—a frog witch, for instance, and a crocodilian mummy. Misty’s sidekick, a cheery little bat who lends support throughout, might be even more adorable than she is. Though Misty’s haunted house is filled with cobwebs and surrounded by jagged, leafless trees, the charming characters keep things from ever getting too frightening. The images will encourage lingering looks. Clearly, there’s plenty that makes Misty special just as she is—a takeaway that adults sharing the book with their little ones should be sure to drive home.
Too cute to be spooky indeed but most certainly sweet. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Aug. 13, 2024
ISBN: 9780593702901
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: May 17, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A good choice for offering comfort and support to a budding perfectionist.
Can anyone be perfect?
Beatrice Bottomwell always does everything right. “Most people in town didn’t even know Beatrice’s name. They just called her ‘The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes,’ because for as long as anyone could remember, she never did.” One Thursday though, she almost does something wrong (she drops some eggs while cooking at school but catches them just in time). Straightforward text describes Beatrice’s predicament as, unnerved, she ponders her almost-error and begins to worry. What if she really does do something wrong? Brightly colored watercolors and gentle humor combine to portray Beatrice’s eventful day, her growing fear and her sprightly pet hamster. During a school talent show, Beatrice finally makes a real mistake—in front of everyone. How will she cope? Learning how to relax enough to laugh and simply be herself just might do the trick. While the plot is predictable and the solution to the problem fairly pat, this is a well-intentioned story, full of acceptance and goodwill. It will be especially useful in a therapeutic setting; it may be a real comfort to a child who is afraid of making mistakes, while children dealing with similar issues will also find reassurance here.
A good choice for offering comfort and support to a budding perfectionist. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Oct. 4, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4022-5544-1
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Review Posted Online: Sept. 13, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2011
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