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I LIKE A SNACK ON AN ICEBERG

Name: I LIKE A SNACK ON AN ICEBERG
Author: Iris Hiskey Arno
ISBN: 0-694-01176-2

by Iris Hiskey Arno ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 30, 1999

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This Growing Tree entry features a series of animals, one to a page, nibbling on appropriate tidbits: “I like a snack on an iceberg,” says a polar bear with a fish in its mouth, opposite a woodpecker who says, “I like a snack in a tree.” Chickens, cows, pigs, kittens, elephants, and frogs have their say, as does the puppy that steals a sandwich off a checkered tablecloth. The last word is a girl’s, whose rich brown tresses and glowing dark eyes contrast nicely with the big red apple in her hand. The meticulously detailed illustrations, with their stippled lines depicting every feather and blade of grass, are attractive if static. The text, however, is bouncy enough for repeated read-alouds. (Picture book. 2-6)

Pub Date: Sept. 30, 1999

ISBN: 0-694-01176-2

Page Count: 24

Publisher: HarperFestival

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 1999

Categories:

CHILDREN'S ANIMALS

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QUACK AND COUNT

by Keith Baker & illustrated by Keith Baker ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 1, 1999

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Baker (Big Fat Hen, 1994, etc.) engages in more number play, posing ducklings in every combination of groups, e.g., “Splashing as they leap and dive/7 ducklings, 2 plus 5.” Using a great array of streaked and dappled papers, Baker creates a series of leafy collage scenes for the noisy, exuberant ducklings to fill, tucking in an occasional ladybug or other small creature for sharp-eyed pre-readers to spot. Children will regretfully wave goodbye as the ducks fly off in neat formation at the end of this brief, painless introduction to several basic math concepts. (Picture book. 4-6)

Pub Date: Aug. 1, 1999

ISBN: 0-15-292858-8

Page Count: 24

Publisher: Harcourt

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 1999

Categories:

CHILDREN'S ANIMALS | CHILDREN'S CONCEPTS

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LMNO PEA-QUEL
by Keith Baker ; illustrated by Keith Baker

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HAP-PEA ALL YEAR
by Keith Baker ; illustrated by Keith Baker

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LITTLE GREEN PEAS
by Keith Baker ; illustrated by Keith Baker

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FROGGY PLAYS SOCCER

by Jonathan London ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 1, 1999

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This latest Froggy title (Froggy Goes to School, 1996, etc.) is utterly unfocused, with the star careening from soccer dolt to Mr. Superkick. Froggy’s team has a big game coming up with the Wild Things, and he is trying to remember the mantra his father, and assistant coach, taught him: “Head it! Boot it! Knee it! Shoot it! But don’t use your hands!” But illegally touching the ball seems to be the least of Froggy’s worries; distraction is his problem. He is so busy turning cartwheels, tying his shoes, and more, that the only time he makes contact with the ball is when it bounces off his head by mistake. Then, when the Wild Things make a breakaway, Froggy has some dazzling moves to avert a score, but forgetfully grabs the ball at the last second. The other team gets a penalty kick, converts it, but then Froggy makes a field-long kick for a game-winning score. London forces Froggy into too many guises—the fool, the hero, the klutz, the fancy dancer—but none of them stick. Remkiewicz’s illustrations have charm; it is in their appeal that this book will find its audience. (Picture book. 2-6)