In a wordless outing, a yellow umbrella in the rain is joined by a blue umbrella, then a red one. As they move through city streets, additional umbrellas in varied colors join them one by one. In ever-growing, ever-changing configurations they cross a bridge, pass through a playground, go around a fountain, descend steps, pause at a railway barricade, traverse a crosswalk flanked by waiting cars, and at last arrive at school. The luscious colors of the umbrellas stand out against grayed and misty backgrounds. The legs and feet of the children carrying them are shown only at the beginning and at the end. Accompanying music—a theme and variations—is provided on a compact disk neatly stored in an attached pocket. The single song, sung in Korean, is printed in English at the end along with the music. “Everyone hold up your umbrella / standing underneath the sky. / Everyone—with your umbrella. / Listen to the rain.” The disk opens with the sound of falling rain before the delicate piano music begins. A note explains that brief periods of silence let the reader know when to turn the page. The umbrellas seem to move to the music as the reader turns the pages at the appropriate intervals. This lovely and unusual treat will lend itself to multiple readings and interpretations, and inspire classroom activities ranging from art and creative writing to quiet contemplation. (Picture book. 2-6)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2002
ISBN: 1-929132-36-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Kane Miller
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2002
A young boy wonders aloud to a rabbit friend what he will be when he grows up and imagines some outrageous choices. “Puddle stomper,” “bubble gum popper,” “mixing-bowl licker,” “baby-sis soother” are just some of the 24 inspiringly creative vocations Spinelli’s young dreamer envisions in this pithy rhymed account. Aided by Liao’s cleverly integrated full-bleed mixed-media illustrations, which radiate every hue of the rainbow, and dynamic typesetting with words that swoop and dive, the author’s perspective on this adult-inspired question yields some refreshingly child-oriented answers. Given such an irresistible array of options—“So many jobs! / They’re all such fun”—the boy in the end decides, in an exuberant double gatefold, “I’m going to choose… / EVERY ONE!”—a conclusion befitting a generation expected to have more than six careers each. Without parents or peers around to corral this carefree child’s dreams, the possibilities of being whatever one wants appear both limitless and attainable. An inspired take on a timeless question. (Picture book. 3-6)
Pub Date: March 1, 2010
ISBN: 978-0-316-16226-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: April 14, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2010
Inside a colorful garden, some plants “grow up,” while others “grow down, and still others grow “around and around.” This catchy, rhyming refrain, with some variation, introduces children to an abundance of garden vegetables and legumes, including corn, carrots, cucumbers, peppers, potatoes, broccoli, beets, green beans, okra, onions and tomatoes, as well as the ambiguous pumpkin, and follows them from seed to plant to lunch. The different plants are shown sprouting under and above ground, and youngsters will delight in the bird- and mole’s-eye perspectives. Energetic watercolor-and-ink illustrations, inhabited by multiracial tots, a farmer, a scarecrow, friendly bugs, worms, crows, rabbits and, of course, a plethora of seeds, plants and produce, are a feast for the eyes and will whet children’s appetites for further knowledge—and for a very healthy lunch. An inviting introduction to the wonder of plants, food and gardening, this charming selection will be a favorite of teachers, students and home readers alike. (Picture book. 2-5)
Pub Date: April 1, 2007
ISBN: 0-7636-2378-4
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2007
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