A solid pick for readers who have graduated from Elephant and Piggie, Frog and Toad, and Narwhal and Jelly.
Two sloth friends explore the world beyond their tree in this sweet graphic novel.
Odd-couple sloths Peter and Ernesto live together in a tree, contentedly watching clouds and snacking on hibiscus. Peter bursts into joyful song: “Nothing ever changes for you and me!” Unfortunately for Peter, this has an unintended effect: Ernesto realizes he needs to see more of the world and decides to depart for his journey immediately, leaving worrywart Peter behind. As his concern for Ernesto spirals, Peter frantically decides to follow his friend and make sure he’s safe. The story alternates between the separated duo as Peter follows in Ernesto’s footsteps. They each cross oceans and make new friends before finally reuniting and returning home. Annable’s soft, expressive illustrations juxtapose Ernesto’s easy, optimistic joy with Peter’s apprehensive courage as they explore the world for the first time. Clearly delineated panels ensure that newer readers won’t lose their way. Perplexingly, Annable veers away from the traditional comedy gold sloths provide, giving the duo speedy, apelike movement, opposable thumbs (and no iconic claws), and knowledge of species outside of their environment. Despite these oddities, many readers will look forward to the next adventure.
A solid pick for readers who have graduated from Elephant and Piggie, Frog and Toad, and Narwhal and Jelly. (Graphic fantasy. 6-9)Pub Date: April 10, 2018
ISBN: 978-1-62672-561-4
Page Count: 130
Publisher: First Second
Review Posted Online: Feb. 2, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2018
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Disconcerting and possibly deadly dealings are afoot; certain to charm younger fans of the macabre.
In the latest installment of the delightfully disturbing chapter-book series, the mundane once more takes on supernatural qualities, this time in the form of veggies.
With this follow-up to Troubling Tonsils! (2025), our host, Jasper Rabbit, once more channels Twilight Zone creator Rod Serling. As Jasper narrates, we meet our heroes: fourth graders Thaddeus Badger and Oliver Possum, who love nothing more than eating junk food, particularly the hamburgers at Hurt-A-Burger (a mildly brilliant corporate name on the author’s part). When Oliver’s parents trick the two into a dinner of salads at their favorite fast-food joint, Thaddeus feels betrayed, but Oliver experiences something a little more dire. Soon after, Oliver starts acting strangely, and his parents begin behaving even more oddly. What’s going on? And does it have anything to do with the full moon? Tone is the true star of the show in this series; the mystery unspools thanks to the buildup of unnerving moments. Reynolds combines suspense with a keen ability to artistically frame both sunny innocent sequences and those rich with dark foreboding. Notably, this is no morality tale about eating your vegetables—this tale is fully on the side of its child readers. Brown’s black-and-white images, punctuated with eerie pops of green, heighten both horrifying and comedic moments.
Disconcerting and possibly deadly dealings are afoot; certain to charm younger fans of the macabre. (Chapter book. 6-9)Pub Date: Feb. 3, 2026
ISBN: 9781665961110
Page Count: 96
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2025
Having put together a band with renowned cousin Duck Ellington and singer “Bee” Holiday, Rooster’s chances sure look...
Winning actually isn’t everything, as jazz-happy Rooster learns when he goes up against the legendary likes of Mules Davis and Ella Finchgerald at the barnyard talent show.
Having put together a band with renowned cousin Duck Ellington and singer “Bee” Holiday, Rooster’s chances sure look good—particularly after his “ ‘Hen from Ipanema’ [makes] / the barnyard chickies swoon.”—but in the end the competition is just too stiff. No matter: A compliment from cool Mules and the conviction that he still has the world’s best band soon puts the strut back in his stride. Alexander’s versifying isn’t always in tune (“So, he went to see his cousin, / a pianist of great fame…”), and despite his moniker Rooster plays an electric bass in Bower’s canted country scenes. Children are unlikely to get most of the jokes liberally sprinkled through the text, of course, so the adults sharing it with them should be ready to consult the backmatter, which consists of closing notes on jazz’s instruments, history and best-known musicians.Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-58536-688-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press
Review Posted Online: July 19, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2011
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