Prolific author/illustrator Keller presents a lovely picture book that incorporates a tiny bit of science into a comforting theme of belonging. Miranda bathes in the water, sees a hermit crab, builds a castle for him, watches seagulls and becomes predictably upset when the ocean obliterates the castle. Her mother lovingly ties things up for the girl by assuring her of the inherent connections between crab and sea, castle and sand, birds and air, and, most importantly, the child and her mother. The reassuring and simple message provides a circular momentum to the book. The watercolor-and–printed-collage illustrations are an apt combination for showing the day Miranda and her mother share at the ocean. Breezy patterns and interesting color combinations add movement and depth to the pictures. The depiction of ocean waves is particularly interesting, foam and water layered for depth and texture. On the last page the author explains, with photographs, the collage techniques she used. Recommended for all collections. (Picture book. 2-5)
Pub Date: May 1, 2009
ISBN: 978-0-06-158298-1
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2009
Like marshmallow on top of caramel.
Little Bear loves everything about Christmas, but there’s one thing he loves even more.
The Bear household is busily getting ready for Christmas. Mommy Bear wraps and bakes; Daddy Bear brings home a humongous tree; Little Bear exults in it all. With each new Christmas tradition that’s introduced, from opening Christmas cards to receiving carolers, Little Bear sings a song that celebrates it. “I love ornaments, and garland, and lights on a string, / candy canes, stockings—and all of the things / that make Christmas perfect—oh, yes, I do! / But the thing that I love more than Christmas is—” But before Little Bear can complete his rhyme, each time he is interrupted by a new element of Christmas to celebrate. Since that terminal rhyme is always set up with one that ends with an “oo” sound, readers will not be surprised in the least when Mommy and Daddy interrupt him one last time with an emphatic “YOU!” It’s all so uber-idealized readers may find themselves gagging on the syrup—it even seems to get at Hattie: Daddy Bear’s smug “What an exceedingly talented family we are” has a whiff of irony to it. Warnes’ cartoon bears inhabit a cozy, middle-class home; while the carolers are clothed, the Bear family is not, but readers may notice a white marking on Mommy Bear’s chest where a string of pearls might rest.
Like marshmallow on top of caramel. (Picture book. 3-5)Pub Date: Sept. 15, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-68010-208-6
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Tiger Tales
Review Posted Online: Aug. 17, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2020
The message is universal, and the words can’t be said enough. The bears are certainly stand-ins for any adoring mother-child...
Though expressed by a mother polar bear in the snowy Arctic, this is a very warm message of love to a small child.
In quiet, lilting verse, the bear mother assures her little one that she will always be there, no matter what the circumstances—sharing in her tot’s happiness, consoling her in sad and scary times, finding her when she’s lost, and always encouraging her hopes and dreams. The best part, of course, is mom’s heartfelt promise that she will love her child forever. The simple digital illustrations are sweet and comforting, usually rendered in stark white and black against muted background hues; most feature close-ups of mother and child embracing or enjoying activities in each other’s company. Some scenes are particularly striking—one spread depicts a bold, blue night sky with a bright full moon casting the duo’s reflections on still water; another spread shows the bears marveling at the vivid colors of the aurora borealis—but the general quietness of the artwork reflects the gentleness of a mother’s calm, heartfelt assurances.
The message is universal, and the words can’t be said enough. The bears are certainly stand-ins for any adoring mother-child pair. (Final, foil-embellished art not seen.) (Picture book. 2-5)Pub Date: Oct. 22, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-7636-7132-7
Page Count: 24
Publisher: Templar/Candlewick
Review Posted Online: July 30, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2013
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