A pedestrian portrait of problem-solving for pooches.
A pair of pups embark on an educational journey.
The curtain rises on Elvis and Romeo’s latest adventure; this time, it’s the first day of obedience school for Elvis the prickly bulldog and his pal, a larger, chipper, curly-haired poodle mix. The latter, however, isn’t exactly ready to learn; instead, he’s eager to showcase the tricks he’s already mastered as the hounds wait for class to commence. But when instruction begins and the doggie duo are presented with a new task—a game of catch—Romeo demurs, insecure about his inexperience. Under the watchful eye of his capable and encouraging friend, Romeo discovers that even the trickiest challenge isn’t insurmountable when broken into steps; Elvis’ guidance is proof that old dogs can, at least, teach new tricks. While Davis and Soman’s narrative models an actionable solution to overwhelming situations, and their language will prove accessible for new readers, the story is a bit tedious, its dialogue at times distractingly stilted. And while Soman renders his canine protagonists—who were introduced in a picture book earlier this year—with an appealing expressiveness, in this outing, the compositions aren’t nearly as varied, giving them a more static feeling. The result is neither engaging enough to warrant a read-aloud nor comforting enough to enter bedtime rotation. Only the hands and arms of the dogs’ human trainers are visible; one is brown-skinned, while the other is pale-skinned.
A pedestrian portrait of problem-solving for pooches. (Early reader. 4-6)Pub Date: Aug. 12, 2025
ISBN: 9781665947978
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Simon Spotlight
Review Posted Online: May 30, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2025
Too cute to be spooky indeed but most certainly sweet.
A ghost longs to be scary, but none of the creepy personas she tries on fit.
Misty, a feline ghost with big green eyes and long whiskers, wants to be the frightening presence that her haunted house calls for, but sadly, she’s “too cute to be spooky.” She dons toilet paper to resemble a mummy, attempts to fly on a broom like a witch, and howls at the moon like a werewolf. Nothing works. She heads to a Halloween party dressed reluctantly as herself. When she arrives, her friends’ joyful screams reassure her that she’s great just as she is. Sadler’s message, though a familiar one, is delivered effectively in a charming, ghostly package. Misty truly is too precious to be frightening. Laberis depicts an endearingly spooky, all-animal cast—a frog witch, for instance, and a crocodilian mummy. Misty’s sidekick, a cheery little bat who lends support throughout, might be even more adorable than she is. Though Misty’s haunted house is filled with cobwebs and surrounded by jagged, leafless trees, the charming characters keep things from ever getting too frightening. The images will encourage lingering looks. Clearly, there’s plenty that makes Misty special just as she is—a takeaway that adults sharing the book with their little ones should be sure to drive home.
Too cute to be spooky indeed but most certainly sweet. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Aug. 13, 2024
ISBN: 9780593702901
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: May 17, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Gently models kindness and respect—positive behavior that can be applied daily.
A group of young “dinosauruses” go out into the world on their own.
A fuchsia little Hugasaurus and her Pappysaur (both of whom resemble Triceratops) have never been apart before, but Hugasaurus happily heads off with lunchbox in hand and “wonder in her heart” to make new friends. The story has a first-day-of-school feeling, but Hugasaurus doesn’t end up in a formal school environment; rather, she finds herself on a playground with other little prehistoric creatures, though no teacher or adult seems to be around. At first, the new friends laugh and play. But Hugasaurus’ pals begin to squabble, and play comes to a halt. As she wonders what to do, a fuzzy platypus playmate asks some wise questions (“What…would your Pappy say to do? / What makes YOU feel better?”), and Hugasaurus decides to give everyone a hug—though she remembers to ask permission first. Slowly, good humor is restored and play begins anew with promises to be slow to anger and, in general, to help create a kinder world. Short rhyming verses occasionally use near rhyme but also include fun pairs like ripples and double-triples. Featuring cozy illustrations of brightly colored creatures, the tale sends a strong message about appropriate and inappropriate ways to resolve conflict, the final pages restating the lesson plainly in a refrain that could become a classroom motto. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Gently models kindness and respect—positive behavior that can be applied daily. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Dec. 6, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-338-82869-6
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Orchard/Scholastic
Review Posted Online: Sept. 27, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2022
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