Here’s hoping reluctant readers will be inspired to search for their own perfect books.
Choices abound at a library.
For those who love to read, the library is a wondrous place—books as far as the eye can see. Morris leans into the magic and enchantment even further: At this library, books are stacked in mountainous piles, with eager children scaling the teetering towers, trying to find the perfect tale just for them. All of the kids in a visiting class are excited, except one. Zach, with arms crossed in defiance, declares, “I don’t like books. / I really don’t. / I will not read them—no, I won’t!” Ro, another student, cajoles Zach into taking a look around. “I think you’d like a FUNNY story! / A thrilling tale…or something gory? // …Or ancient legends, pirate tales / With buried treasure, sharks and whales?” Each illustration thrusts the children into the scenarios Ro describes, surrounding them with snakes, witches, extraterrestrials, and more. Zach needs a lot of convincing. Books have too many words; TV is much more appealing. However, a smile slowly creeps onto Zach’s face. There are books on soccer tricks? Who knew? Ro is patient and persistent while giving possibilities—a future librarian for sure. Dawnay’s rhyming couplets scan well and read aloud easily. Zach presents White, and Ro has brown skin and straight, black hair. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Here’s hoping reluctant readers will be inspired to search for their own perfect books. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Aug. 3, 2021
ISBN: 978-0-500-65260-2
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Thames & Hudson
Review Posted Online: June 15, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A disappointing follow-up.
Inventor Izzy Gizmo is back in this sequel to her eponymous debut (2017).
While busily inventing one day, Izzy receives an invitation from the Genius Guild to their annual convention. Though Izzy’s “inventions…don’t always work,” Grandpa (apparently her sole caregiver) encourages her to go. The next day they undertake a long journey “over fields, hills, and waves” and “mile after mile” to isolated Technoff Isle. There, Izzy finds she must compete against four other kids to create the most impressive machine. The colorful, detail-rich illustrations chronicle how poor Izzy is thwarted at every turn by Abi von Lavish, a Veruca Salt–esque character who takes all the supplies for herself. But when Abi abandons her project, Izzy salvages the pieces and decides to take Grandpa’s advice to create a machine that “can really be put to good use.” A frustrated Izzy’s impatience with a friend almost foils her chance at the prize, but all’s well that ends well. There’s much to like: Brown-skinned inventor girl Izzy is an appealing character, it’s great to see a nurturing brown-skinned male caregiver, the idea of an “Invention Convention” is fun, and a sustainable-energy invention is laudable. However, these elements don’t make up for rhymes that often feel forced and a lackluster story.
A disappointing follow-up. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: March 1, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-68263-164-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Peachtree
Review Posted Online: Jan. 11, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2020
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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