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
A sweet, tender and charming experience to read aloud or together.
A clueless duckling tries to make a new friend.
He is confused by this peculiar-looking duck, who has a long tail, doesn’t waddle and likes to be alone. No matter how explicitly the creature denies he is a duck and announces that he is a cat, the duckling refuses to acknowledge the facts. When this creature expresses complete lack of interest in playing puddle stomp, the little ducking goes off and plays on his own. But the cat is not without remorse for rejecting an offered friendship. Of course it all ends happily, with the two new friends enjoying each other’s company. Bramsen employs brief sentences and the simplest of rhymes to tell this slight tale. The two heroes are meticulously drawn with endearing, expressive faces and body language, and their feathers and fur appear textured and touchable. Even the detailed tree bark and grass seem three-dimensional. There are single- and double-page spreads, panels surrounded by white space and circular and oval frames, all in a variety of eye-pleasing juxtapositions. While the initial appeal is solidly visual, young readers will get the gentle message that friendship is not something to take for granted but is to be embraced with open arms—or paws and webbed feet.
A sweet, tender and charming experience to read aloud or together. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-375-86990-7
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: Nov. 13, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2012
WOO-HOO! This is the perfect way to foster healthy self-esteem in little ones.
What’s better than a cheerleading chicken?
Are you ever blue, unsure, tired, or overworked? Do you ever feel lost or overwhelmed? This uplifting book, expressed in delightful, jaunty verse, explains how to lift your spirits pronto: What you need is a booster chicken telling you’re doing great even when you’re not so confident, as when you’re learning or practicing a new skill, for instance. Your feathered champion will be right there, encouraging you all the way, with a loud “WOO HOO!” that’ll keep you going and remove any doubt you’re super terrific. But what if your cheerful chick errs and doesn’t do what it set out to do? Don’t worry—your cheery chicken just needs a reminder that everyone makes mistakes. That alone is a pep talk, enhanced by the wisdom that making mistakes allows everyone to learn and demonstrate they did their best. So forgive yourself, chickens! But the best thing is…instead of relying on someone else—like a chicken—to strengthen your ego, say a generous daily “WOO HOO!” to yourself. This riotous book hits all the right notes and does so succinctly and hilariously. The energetic, comical illustrations, in Boynton’s signature style, will elicit giggles and go far to make the book’s important point. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
WOO-HOO! This is the perfect way to foster healthy self-esteem in little ones. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: April 4, 2023
ISBN: 978-0-316-48679-8
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: Dec. 23, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2023
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