A common nighttime predicament with a few not-so-common solutions.
Little Mouse is having trouble falling asleep; Mama Mouse has many suggestions of what to try.
Snuggled up in his yellow pajamas, with his cozy, blue-checked blanket, Little Mouse should be drifting off to dreamland. But he is not sleepy. In fact, he’d much rather be jumping on the bed (with his many toys as accomplices). “If you want to fall asleep and you’re jumping on the bed … / Read pages in a story,” Mama says. “Not one or two or three, / but the whole book, from cover to cover.” Then, the most important piece of advice: “And wait for yawning.” Little Mouse reads a story, but the yawning doesn’t come. Mama then suggests thinking of the many pancakes Little Mouse will eat in the morning. “Not one or two or three, / but mountains of tasty goodness.” With each suggestion, a few more toys nod off to sleep, but Little Mouse is still awake. Until…a hug. Lulling language, key bedtime trigger words, and gentle repetition are sure to help tiny eyes close. Children will enjoy witnessing Little Mouse’s mischief and that of his many toys. (It should be noted that his human dolls all have light skin, and at one point a teddy bear with painted face dresses in a stereotypical Plains Indian costume.)
A common nighttime predicament with a few not-so-common solutions. (Picture book. 2-5)Pub Date: May 1, 2018
ISBN: 978-1-60537-364-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Clavis
Review Posted Online: March 3, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2018
Although a bit on the slight side, this offering is infused with a warm, light humor just right for cuddling up with a young...
This title previously published in the U.K. takes a cozy look at all kinds of kisses.
Walsh’s rhyming text is full of cutesy rhythms: “Kisses on noses, kisses on toes-es. Sudden kisses when you least supposes.” Sometimes the phrasing stumbles: “Who likes to kiss? I do! I do! Even the shy do. Why not try, too?” But toddlers and young preschoolers will probably not mind. They will be too engaged in spotting the lively penguin on each spread and too charmed by Abbot’s winsome illustrations that fittingly extend the wording in the story. Patient dogs queue up for a smooch from a frog prince, cool blue “ ’normous elephants” contrast strikingly with bright red “little tiny ants” and a bewildered monkey endures a smattering of lipstick kisses. Be the kiss small or tall, one to start or end the day, young readers are reminded that “the very best kiss… / is a kiss from you!” Perhaps no big surprise but comforting nonetheless.
Although a bit on the slight side, this offering is infused with a warm, light humor just right for cuddling up with a young tyke or sharing with a gathering for storytime. (Picture book. 2-5)Pub Date: Dec. 20, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4424-2769-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Paula Wiseman/Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Nov. 19, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2011
A good choice for caregivers looking for a positive, uncomplicated introduction to a new baby that focuses on everything an...
A little boy exults in his new role as big brother.
Rhyming text describes the arrival of a new baby and all of the big brother’s rewarding new duties. He gets to help with feedings, diaper changes, playtime, bathtime, and naptime. Though the rhyming couplets can sometimes feel a bit forced and awkward, the sentiment is sweet, as the focus here never veers from the excitement and love a little boy feels for his tiny new sibling. The charming, uncluttered illustrations convincingly depict the growing bond between this fair-skinned, rosy-cheeked, smiling pair of boys. In the final pages, the parents, heretofore kept mostly out of view, are pictured holding the children. The accompanying text reads: “Mommy, Daddy, baby, me. / We love each other—a family!” In companion volume I Am a Big Sister, the little boy is replaced with a little girl with bows in her hair. Some of the colors and patterns in the illustrations are slightly altered, but it is essentially the same title.
A good choice for caregivers looking for a positive, uncomplicated introduction to a new baby that focuses on everything an older sibling can do to help. (Board book. 2-4)Pub Date: Jan. 27, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-545-68886-4
Page Count: 24
Publisher: Cartwheel/Scholastic
Review Posted Online: March 16, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2015
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