Andreae and Dodd team up to create a winning read-aloud for the very young. As it is for most babies and toddlers, mommy is the center of this towheaded tot’s universe. Andreae uses lilting verse as the young narrator takes readers through a typical day with mommy. The title begins with pure adoration: “I love my mommy very much, / She’s great to cuddle, soft to touch.” Soon mother and child are engaged in wiping a nose and tickling toes, singing songs in the car, holding hands, learning to pee, splashing in the tub, reading stories and ending the day with hugs and kisses. Dodd employs her signature style, using thick black lines and saturated bright colors. Her characters and objects fill the page, giving the reader a sense of intimacy. A judicious use of what appears to be red sponge paint adds playful texture in the scene showing the child eating “yummy” but messy spaghetti. In addition, readers can enjoy some interactive fun spotting the child’s purple toy, which is cleverly included on every spread. The large format and warm tone make this truly perfect for little ones. (Picture book. 0-3)
Pub Date: Feb. 22, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4231-4327-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Review Posted Online: April 3, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2011
These reindeer games are a bit tired but, given the series’ popularity, should have a large, ready-made audience.
The How to Catch A… crew try for Comet.
Having already failed to nab a Halloween witch, the Easter Bunny, a turkey, a leprechaun, the Tooth Fairy, and over a dozen other iconic trophies in previous episodes of this bestselling series, one would think the racially diverse gaggle of children in Elkerton’s moonlit, wintry scenes would be flagging…but no, here they lay out snares ranging from a loop of garland to an igloo baited with reindeer moss to an enticing candy cane maze, all in hopes of snagging one of Santa’s reindeer while he’s busy delivering presents. Infused with pop culture–based Christmas cheer (“Now I’ve already seen the shelf with the elf”), Comet prances past the traps until it’s time to gather up the kids, most of whom look terrified, for a group snapshot with the other reindeer and then climb back into harness: “This was a great stop but a few million to go / Christmas Eve must continue with style!” Though festive, the verse feels trite and unlikely to entice youngsters. A sprinkling of “True Facts About Reindeer” (“They live in the tundra, where they have friends like the arctic bunny”) wrap up this celebration of the predatory spirit. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
These reindeer games are a bit tired but, given the series’ popularity, should have a large, ready-made audience. (Picture book. 5-7)Pub Date: Oct. 4, 2022
ISBN: 9781728276137
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Sourcebooks Wonderland
Review Posted Online: Dec. 12, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Another Seuss-chimera joins the ranks of the unforgettable Herlar and with the advent of the Grinch— a sort of Yule Ghoul who lives in a cave just north of who-ville. While all the Who's made ready on Christmas Eve the Grinch donned a Santa-Claus disguise. In gurgling verse at a galloping gait, we learn how the Grinch stole the "presents, the ribbons, the wrappings, the tags, the tinsel and trappings," from all the Who's. But the Grinch's heart (two sizes too small) melted just in time when he realized that the Who's enjoyed Christmas without any externals. Youngsters will be in transports over the goofy gaiety of Dr. Seuss's first book about a villain — easily the best Christmas-cad since Scrooge. Inimitable Seuss illustrations of the Grinch's dog Max disguised as a reindeer are in black and white with touches of red. Irrepressible and irresistible.
Pub Date: Oct. 12, 1957
ISBN: 0394800796
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: Oct. 19, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1957
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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