An uncomplicated opener, with some funny bits and a clear but not heavy agenda.
Hank Zipzer, poster boy for dyslexic middle graders everywhere, stars in a new prequel series highlighting second-grade trials and triumphs.
Hank’s hopes of playing Aqua Fly, a comic-book character, in the upcoming class play founder when, despite plenty of coaching and preparation, he freezes up during tryouts. He is not particularly comforted when his sympathetic teacher adds a nonspeaking role as a bookmark to the play just for him. Following the pattern laid down in his previous appearances as an older child, he gets plenty of help and support from understanding friends (including Ashley Wong, a new apartment-house neighbor). He even manages to turn lemons into lemonade with a quick bit of improv when Nick “the Tick” McKelty, the sneering classmate who took his preferred role, blanks on his lines during the performance. As the aforementioned bully not only chokes in the clutch and gets a demeaning nickname, but is fat, boastful and eats like a pig, the authors’ sensitivity is rather one-sided. Still, Hank has a winning way of bouncing back from adversity, and like the frequent black-and-white line-and-wash drawings, the typeface is designed with easy legibility in mind.
An uncomplicated opener, with some funny bits and a clear but not heavy agenda. (Fiction. 7-9)Pub Date: Feb. 14, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-448-48239-2
Page Count: 128
Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap
Review Posted Online: Dec. 10, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2014
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A kids’ story that offers a warm reminder of what it means to be openhearted.
A young boy learns to face his fears in Annunziata’s uplifting debut illustrated children’s book.
For as long as he can remember, Caleb has wanted to climb a tall mountain near his house, but fear has kept from attempting it. In fact, he’s so scared of what could go wrong during a climb that he lives in a constant state of worry and anxiety—until one fateful day, when he decides to take his first step on the path up the mountain. Caleb feels an initial rush of excitement, but instead of his fear going away, it becomes even stronger. While resting under a tree, he meets a wise, talking dove that teaches him how to slow down and enjoy the journey. It soon becomes clear to the boy that he was rushing things because he was still afraid. Taking the dove’s advice, he slowly begins to notice the wondrous beauty that surrounds him and ultimately sees the world in a new way. Soon, he feels ready to take on more adventures. This children’s story presents a surprisingly profound message with beautiful, full-color illustrations and a gentle tone. The dove represents the boy’s guardian angel, and the dialogue reflects this deeper sentiment: “I have always been with you, Caleb. My guidance has been ever present for you and forever will be.” An accompanying image then depicts an angel following Caleb, instead of a bird. (The angel and Caleb both appear to be light-skinned in the uncredited illustrations.) This notion of a spiritual being guiding one’s every move appears throughout the narrative, which also effectively emphasizes the importance of learning to be present in the moment. Caleb’s personal transformation from a scared little boy to a brave one will be relatable to readers of all ages.
A kids’ story that offers a warm reminder of what it means to be openhearted.Pub Date: Sept. 6, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-982234-00-3
Page Count: 40
Publisher: BalboaPress
Review Posted Online: March 2, 2020
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
A sure hit for jazz fans who like to dance along with their read-alouds.
A band of insects, speaking Spanish, French, and jazz scat, survives a shipwreck in this third installment of a picture-book series.
The Jazz Bugs—featuring Jazz Fly on drums, Nancy the Gnat on saxophone, Centipede Sam on piano, and Willie the Worm on bass—perform on the cruise ship SS Le Magnifique, with Capt. Cockroach at the helm. The group plays so well that no one notices the thunder in the distance or the rolling of the ship until a storm hits and the vessel crashes on the shoals. With the help of the band, Capt. Cockroach gets the passengers aboard lifeboats. Most of the musicians find safety in a glass bottle until the tempest passes. While much of the adventure involves the band’s waiting for rescue, the story isn’t the highlight here. Gollub’s use of music, especially when the book is accompanied by the included CD or audio download, gives the tale its texture. The author’s phrases don’t always rhyme, which could baffle grown-ups trying to read this work aloud. But the audio enhances the experience, exposing kids to music in 5/4 or 7/8 time. The inclusion of Spanish and French is seamless, especially when pronounced by Gollub and the other performers. Hanke’s bright, eye-catching illustrations are sure child pleasers, and, despite the dangerous storm, her depictions of peril are never too scary for young readers.
A sure hit for jazz fans who like to dance along with their read-alouds.Pub Date: Jan. 1, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-889910-54-3
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Tortuga Press
Review Posted Online: Aug. 5, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2020
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
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