The creator of Kapow! (2004) takes the same crew and basic concept to the beach, alternating supercharged scenes of superhero action with more down-to-earth views of two young buddies and a little brother taking on a bully. Waiting for Mom to let them into the water, the three no sooner discover a little crab in their plastic bucket than a big, grabby assailant with braces and a bad attitude descends. It’s time for “American Eagle,” “Bug Lady” and “Manphibian” to spring to the rescue! Laid-back seaside scenes expand with a turn of the page to spread-filling dustups featuring grimacing, mightily thewed warriors in appropriately melodramatic garb and postures. A deft bit of distraction later, the deed is done, the heroes have escaped into the surf with Mom and the bully is left sitting on a dune, oblivious to the newly freed crab taking aim at his butt. Rousing fare for fans of Brian Pinkney’s Adventures of Sparrow Boy (1997) or for budding superheroes in general. (Picture book. 6-8)
Pub Date: June 1, 2005
ISBN: 0-689-87682-3
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2005
PLB 0-7358-1055-9 Buddy is the new dog on the block, a chartreuse pudge-ball of immense visual appeal. His problem is that he can’t make any friends; every creature in the vicinity—mouse to sheep, cats, rabbits, and even other dogs—either leaves him, glowers at him, or chases him off. Buddy, reduced to tears, is approached by a sympathetic fox. When Buddy relates that nobody seems to like him, the fox suggests he ask why, a question that demands courage. The fox accompanies Buddy on his friendship quest, and, as in Mike McClintock’s classic A Fly Went By (1958), it turns out to be a case of mistaken intentions—the cats thought Buddy was going to attack them, the sheep thought he was going to herd them, and so forth. Once things get straightened out, they all become friends. Krischanitz’s message—that making that second effort is fraught with emotional landmines, but might be worth the effort—is a noble one, and that it was recommended by a fox will give it the seal of approval with children. The artwork is stellar, a feast of highly expressive imagery. (Picture book. 4-7)
Pub Date: March 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-7358-1054-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: NorthSouth
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1999
Sailor Song (32 pp.; $13.00; Mar. 22; 0-395-82511-3): A modest lullaby sung by a mother to her child at bedtime, telling of a fisherman returning home after a long sojourn at sea. His boat doesn’t just sail into harbor; it floats through forests and over fields, climbs stony paths, and soars across the night sky. When the sailor comes through the door, it’s clear he’s returning to the family, evoked from the mists by the mother’s singing. Vitale’s artwork on wood characteristically fuses various styles for images of the little family at home and the seafarer on his journey. (Picture book. 3-6)
Pub Date: March 22, 1999
ISBN: 0-395-82511-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Clarion Books
Review Posted Online: June 24, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1999
BOOK REVIEW
© 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.
