Sly, ironic humor and unusual illustrations make this translation from the German more likely to appeal to adults than to children—if it appeals at all. While the first-person narrator professes a desire to behave well as an adult, the illustrations show a young boy consistently failing to meet those standards. From tying up a friend and stashing her under the sofa while playing cowboys and Indians to running away from the consequences when he accidentally breaks a window, the young boy’s actions contrast deliberately with his high-minded intentions. Unfortunately, this dissonance may confuse or dismay young listeners rather than amusing them. Muted colors and vaguely cartoonish characters with pointed noses and tiny feet add to the oddness and seem unlikely to have much kid appeal. While it seems likely that some part of the humor has gotten lost in translation—or, rather, simply doesn’t translate well—the most likely use of this lighthearted story will be as a heavy-handed tool to teach good manners, a fate it doesn’t deserve. (Picture book. 4-6)
Pub Date: Oct. 10, 2006
ISBN: 0-374-38313-8
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2006
The happy and positive message that not all new beginnings are to be feared is a welcome one.
When Miguel leaves the island of Puerto Rico for the mainland U.S., he worries about all the things he’ll miss—most of all, his pet frog, Coquí.
In San Juan, Miguel takes Coquí everywhere: to play baseball with his friends, to visit the pond in the park, to buy his favorite snack at the bakery, or to visit his abuelos. But when his parents tell him they are moving to the mainland, he worries. Won’t he miss Coquí, flying kites, his grandparents, and taking part in Christmas festivities? In New York, Miguel and his mother explore a neighborhood “full of interesting sights, sounds, and people.” And though Spanish words are around them, so too are other unfamiliar languages. Soon they discover a pond with frogs, a food cart selling empanadillas, a baseball field, and a bakery that sells his favorite snack. As Miguel drifts off to sleep he realizes Puerto Rico will always be with him, in his heart—and though some things in New York are different, some are the same. Perez’s illustrations depict a multiethnic, multicultural New York that is just as colorful, vibrant, and upbeat as the city back home. Miguel and his family have light brown skin and dark hair. A Spanish version, De aquí como el coquí, publishes simultaneously, ably translated by Farah Perez.
The happy and positive message that not all new beginnings are to be feared is a welcome one. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: March 16, 2021
ISBN: 978-0-593-10903-8
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Dial Books
Review Posted Online: Dec. 14, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A dinosaur friendship story that will turn first-day jitters into first-day joy.
Even a dinosaur can be nervous about the first day of school.
Jewel, a little teal stegosaurus who walks on two legs, would rather stay in bed than go to school, but her two dads are here to buoy her each step of the way. Jewel’s dread is endearingly obvious as she trudges her way to the kitchen for breakfast and reluctantly polishes her scales. Jewel and the other students are met at the school gate by their teacher, who introduces the young dinos to the classroom. Their teacher shows them their personalized hooks for their school bags, the lava pits where they’ll play, and the ever important bathroom. Once lessons begin, Jewel sits next to super-tall Roary, who loves school. Roary saves Jewel a seat during lunch and plays with her at recess. During art class, Jewel’s enthusiasm grows, and at the end of the day, she proclaims that school was great—but she’s a bit confused that she has to go back again. Readers will easily relate to Jewel’s initial nervousness and feel encouraged by her progress. Colorful cartoon illustrations feature typical classroom scenes of delightful and busy young dinosaurs with oversized heads and eyes. One student uses a wheelchair. Pre-read this book before sharing, as the meter is not always consistent. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A dinosaur friendship story that will turn first-day jitters into first-day joy. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: June 20, 2023
ISBN: 9780241607275
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Ladybird
Review Posted Online: March 28, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
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