by Ian Wilms illustrated by Natalia Starikova-Abud ‧ RELEASE DATE: Dec. 4, 2017
A funny, enjoyable fairy tale and hygiene guide.
Awards & Accolades
Our Verdict
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Kids learn about the Tooth Fairy, Prince Plaque, and brave Sir Brushalot in Wilms’ picture book.
When Nicholas isn’t sure about giving up his baby tooth for the Tooth Fairy, his mother tells him and his two siblings the story of Pearly White City, home of the Tooth Fairy and the Tooth-Making Factory. There, citizens create grown-up teeth that grow into the holes that baby teeth leave behind. The city’s greatest enemy is Prince Plaque, whose evil wizards tempt children with sugar potions. He and his Tartar Troopers attack the city three times daily only to be foiled by Sir Brushalot, the Tooth Fairy’s brother and the leader of the Knights of Floss. At story’s end, the children brush and floss to fight Prince Plaque. The ongoing battle between plaque and brushing has never been so much fun, and Wilms’ characters make delightful additions to the traditional Tooth Fairy legend. The main characters in Starikova-Abud’s (I’m Awesome Because, 2014) bright illustrations all appear to be white, but the smiling people of Pearly White City are more diverse; young readers will gravitate toward the colorful images and charming cast. (The book may be purchased as part of a kit that contains toothbrushes and a plush doll of Den-Tist, Sir Brushalot’s horse.)
A funny, enjoyable fairy tale and hygiene guide.Pub Date: Dec. 4, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-5255-0643-7
Page Count: 44
Publisher: FriesenPress
Review Posted Online: Jan. 24, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2018
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
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PERSPECTIVES
by Chloe Perkins ; illustrated by Sandra Equihua ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 13, 2016
A nice but not requisite purchase.
A retelling of the classic fairy tale in board-book format and with a Mexican setting.
Though simplified for a younger audience, the text still relates the well-known tale: mean-spirited stepmother, spoiled stepsisters, overworked Cinderella, fairy godmother, glass slipper, charming prince, and, of course, happily-ever-after. What gives this book its flavor is the artwork. Within its Mexican setting, the characters are olive-skinned and dark-haired. Cultural references abound, as when a messenger comes carrying a banner announcing a “FIESTA” in beautiful papel picado. Cinderella is the picture of beauty, with her hair up in ribbons and flowers and her typically Mexican many-layered white dress. The companion volume, Snow White, set in Japan and illustrated by Misa Saburi, follows the same format. The simplified text tells the story of the beautiful princess sent to the forest by her wicked stepmother to be “done away with,” the dwarves that take her in, and, eventually, the happily-ever-after ending. Here too, what gives the book its flavor is the artwork. The characters wear traditional clothing, and the dwarves’ house has the requisite shoji screens, tatami mats and cherry blossoms in the garden. The puzzling question is, why the board-book presentation? Though the text is simplified, it’s still beyond the board-book audience, and the illustrations deserve full-size books.
A nice but not requisite purchase. (Board book/fairy tale. 3-5)Pub Date: Sept. 13, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-4814-7915-8
Page Count: 24
Publisher: Little Simon/Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Oct. 11, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2017
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by Kobi Yamada ; illustrated by Gabriella Barouch ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 15, 2019
More gift book than storybook, this is a meaningful addition to nursery bookshelves
A young child explores the unlimited potential inherent in all humans.
“Have you ever wondered why you are here?” asks the second-person narration. There is no one like you. Maybe you’re here to make a difference with your uniqueness; maybe you will speak for those who can’t or use your gifts to shine a light into the darkness. The no-frills, unrhymed narrative encourages readers to follow their hearts and tap into their limitless potential to be anything and do anything. The precisely inked and colored artwork plays with perspective from the first double-page spread, in which the child contemplates a mountain (or maybe an iceberg) in their hands. Later, they stand on a ladder to place white spots on tall, red mushrooms. The oversized flora and fauna seem to symbolize the presumptively insurmountable, reinforcing the book’s message that anything is possible. This quiet read, with its sophisticated central question, encourages children to reach for their untapped potential while reminding them it won’t be easy—they will make messes and mistakes—but the magic within can help overcome falls and failures. It’s unlikely that members of the intended audience have begun to wonder about their life’s purpose, but this life-affirming mood piece has honorable intentions. The child, accompanied by an adorable piglet and sporting overalls and a bird-beaked cap made of leaves, presents white.
More gift book than storybook, this is a meaningful addition to nursery bookshelves . (Picture book. 2-8)Pub Date: Sept. 15, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-946873-75-0
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Compendium
Review Posted Online: May 21, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2019
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