For those who want a little more pizzazz in their storytime fare, Grimly packs a punch in a pretty package.
Grimly goes perky in this updated take on an old classic.
Known best for his macabre imagery, Grimly shifts gears entirely in this kooky adaptation for the younger set. A gnomish, white Old MacDonald visits the animals on his farm. Though these illustrations are recognizably from the hand of the dark, unnerving artist he’s always been, these have an effervescent cheer, emblematic in the sunflower affixed to Old MacDonald’s hat. As readers watch, Old MacDonald visits his chickens, turkey, ducks, donkey, pigs, cow, sheep, and, in a bit of a last-minute twist, bear. This is an Old MacDonald that points his toes as he traipses around his farm. He’s just so plumb delighted with everything he sees that his joy and enthusiasm are contagious. The sheer joy in the proceedings threatens to distract readers from Grimly’s wondrous watercolor work. His use of shadow and light on the rural landscape may leave even casual readers breathless. An artist’s note at the end provides copious context, explaining that the illustrator came from a long line of farmers and tipping a hat to the book’s primary audience and muse: his own son. Sheet music is also included.
For those who want a little more pizzazz in their storytime fare, Grimly packs a punch in a pretty package. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Oct. 10, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-338-11243-6
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Scholastic
Review Posted Online: July 16, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2017
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A lively look at self-acceptance.
A tiny frog desperately wishes to be any other animal.
After reading a book about a cat, the young frog stretches open his mouth as wide as it will go and decidedly declares, “I want to be a CAT.” His father patiently explains, “You can’t be a CAT.…Because you’re a FROG.” But frogs are too wet and slimy. The little frog then decides to be a rabbit. After all, he can already hop. But father points out that he does not have long ears. The young amphibian is not deterred. There are many other options—a pig, perhaps? Or an owl? But his no-nonsense father explains away each one. Until a wolf, who enjoys eating many animals—except wet, slimy frogs—comes along and changes the young frog’s perspective. Debut author Petty presents a droll take on this oft-explored wish of being different. But what shines the brightest is Boldt’s expressive frog duo. Question-weary grown-ups will understand the father’s heavy-lidded eyes, and nothing embodies a childlike curiosity (and/or crazy, determined declarations) more than the tiny frog’s wide-open mouth. Colored speech bubbles distinguish the speakers’ words and tumble over each other on the page.
A lively look at self-acceptance. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Feb. 24, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-385-37866-6
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Doubleday
Review Posted Online: Nov. 3, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2014
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Daddy-and-child dog lovers can try some of these canine ways of expressing affection.
Puppies celebrate the many ways their dads are awesome.
“Daddies are playful. / They swing you around. // You ride on their shoulders / or hang upside down.” The first spread pictures a scruffy pup, mouth clamped on its dad’s tail, hanging. The second features a long dachshund, his four pups using the large expanse of his back as a jungle gym or resting spot. The husky dad is labeled as daring, brave, and strong, while the hound takes his pup on adventures (digging and hiding under a bush). Other dog dads give kisses and tickles, tell bedtime stories and help count sheep (a stuffed toy), and help their pups grow (challenging them with stairs and carrying them when the going gets tough). Lovšin creatively interprets some of the text that applies well to kids but not so well to canines: dad and pup at each end of a long stick held in their mouths is the dog equivalent of holding hands. Though many dog breeds will be familiar, some are just mutts, though all are shown caring for and enjoying the company of their offspring. White backgrounds keep the focus on the dogs.
Daddy-and-child dog lovers can try some of these canine ways of expressing affection. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: May 17, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-62779-452-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Henry Holt
Review Posted Online: March 15, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2016
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