Many an older sibling will identify with the story and beg for repeat readings.
A loud and terrible growl envelops the house—what could it be? What does it want?
As a toddler-age child plays, eats, reads, and gets ready for bed, there is an ever present “GGGGRRRR” in the background. As the text speculates on the source of the growl, delicately lined, crisp illustrations, done in soft colors against white space, depict the possibilities. “Is it a big, hairy bear from the dark woods?” Or maybe “a mean, ugly ogre who lives in a castle of bones?” Or worse yet, “a spiky, green sea monster from the bottom of the ocean?” The recurring text “What’s that terrible GROWL?” and “What does it want?” along with the playful use of typeset and the outlandish speculative possibilities make for a breathless and spirited read-aloud. The first time through, readers might be so caught up they won’t take time to stop and explore the illustrations. That can be done calmly on the inevitable second pass. The source of the growl? The delightful answer is kept a secret until the very end. The young protagonist and his family present white. Unfortunately, the simultaneously publishing Spanish version, ¿Qué es ese ruido?, is marred by a few awkward translations.
Many an older sibling will identify with the story and beg for repeat readings. (Picture book. 2-5)<Pub Date: June 4, 2019
ISBN: 978-84-17123-55-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: NubeOcho
Review Posted Online: March 16, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2019
Although a bit on the slight side, this offering is infused with a warm, light humor just right for cuddling up with a young...
This title previously published in the U.K. takes a cozy look at all kinds of kisses.
Walsh’s rhyming text is full of cutesy rhythms: “Kisses on noses, kisses on toes-es. Sudden kisses when you least supposes.” Sometimes the phrasing stumbles: “Who likes to kiss? I do! I do! Even the shy do. Why not try, too?” But toddlers and young preschoolers will probably not mind. They will be too engaged in spotting the lively penguin on each spread and too charmed by Abbot’s winsome illustrations that fittingly extend the wording in the story. Patient dogs queue up for a smooch from a frog prince, cool blue “ ’normous elephants” contrast strikingly with bright red “little tiny ants” and a bewildered monkey endures a smattering of lipstick kisses. Be the kiss small or tall, one to start or end the day, young readers are reminded that “the very best kiss… / is a kiss from you!” Perhaps no big surprise but comforting nonetheless.
Although a bit on the slight side, this offering is infused with a warm, light humor just right for cuddling up with a young tyke or sharing with a gathering for storytime. (Picture book. 2-5)Pub Date: Dec. 20, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4424-2769-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Paula Wiseman/Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Nov. 19, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2011
A good choice for caregivers looking for a positive, uncomplicated introduction to a new baby that focuses on everything an...
A little boy exults in his new role as big brother.
Rhyming text describes the arrival of a new baby and all of the big brother’s rewarding new duties. He gets to help with feedings, diaper changes, playtime, bathtime, and naptime. Though the rhyming couplets can sometimes feel a bit forced and awkward, the sentiment is sweet, as the focus here never veers from the excitement and love a little boy feels for his tiny new sibling. The charming, uncluttered illustrations convincingly depict the growing bond between this fair-skinned, rosy-cheeked, smiling pair of boys. In the final pages, the parents, heretofore kept mostly out of view, are pictured holding the children. The accompanying text reads: “Mommy, Daddy, baby, me. / We love each other—a family!” In companion volume I Am a Big Sister, the little boy is replaced with a little girl with bows in her hair. Some of the colors and patterns in the illustrations are slightly altered, but it is essentially the same title.
A good choice for caregivers looking for a positive, uncomplicated introduction to a new baby that focuses on everything an older sibling can do to help. (Board book. 2-4)Pub Date: Jan. 27, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-545-68886-4
Page Count: 24
Publisher: Cartwheel/Scholastic
Review Posted Online: March 16, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2015
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