A calm, quiet book that children will find delightful, enjoying the repetition and seeing themselves through the eyes of a...
This rhyming picture book follows a family through their toddler’s bedtime routine.
As caregivers know, the bedtime routine is the cornerstone of a toddler’s day’s end. It is time for bath and books and snuggles and, of course, a little fun with mom and dad. Silly nonsense phrases such as “Blibbity blub” and “Buggity boo!” will make small kids laugh and have them repeating the words. They also ensure that the rhyme proceeds in sprightly fashion; though not all the couplets include them, they ward against forced rhymes, as does the author’s decision to employ assonance on occasion: “There are ears to nuzzle. / Towel to snuggle.” Wohnoutka’s brightly colored illustrations, done in acrylic gouache and showing both mom and dad participating in different bedtime tasks, are sweet and recognizable for kids and will help them embrace their own bedtime activities. While none of this reinvents the wheel, that’s not really the point; the familiarity will strike chords in readers, who will thoroughly enjoy knowing the protagonist is going through the same loving routine that they are. The dad presents white and the mom has brown skin and wavy black hair, making this a mirror for a lot of interracial families.
A calm, quiet book that children will find delightful, enjoying the repetition and seeing themselves through the eyes of a book. (Picture book. 2-5)Pub Date: March 19, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-250-12232-2
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Christy Ottaviano/Henry Holt
Review Posted Online: Dec. 4, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2019
BOOK REVIEW
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
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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