One precious moment after the other.
Precious Moments characters share the familial love of Christmas.
Tiny tots shout gleefully from their beds: “Wake up! Wake up! / It’s Christmas day! // Santa’s been here, / and it’s time to play.” They scurry downstairs to exchange presents with their family. But then it starts to snow. The neighborhood kids rush out to sled, make snow angels, and build snowmen. Adding to this endless string of idyllic moments, it’s time to bake dessert together, and then gather round the table for a bountiful meal. After bundling up and heading outside for joyful caroling, one youngster questions the nature of gifts. The adult explains: “Santa gives gifts, / and your family does too, // because of the gift from above / that’s been given to you.” Confusingly, the next page turn reveals Santa flying through the sky, which may link “the gift from above” to him in some readers’ minds, though a baby in a manger is visible on the page of a book an adult reads with the children. Complete with distinct Precious Moments teardrop-shaped eyes (even the snowman) and endless cheer, affection, and comfort, this package exudes warmth. There are no holiday missteps in this family. Almost everyone is pale-skinned—similar to the original porcelain figurines—but a few peripheral characters have darker tones. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
One precious moment after the other. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2023
ISBN: 9781728265155
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Sourcebooks Wonderland
Review Posted Online: Aug. 17, 2023
It’s not whether you win or lose; it’s how many mediocre sequels you can squeeze out of Seussian property.
Since a reformed Grinch is hardly any fun, this follow-up Grinches him up once more.
Those seeking more of the same, prepare to receive precisely that. Christmas is coming (again!), and the Grinch can hardly wait. He’s been patient all year, and now he can finally show the Whos down in Who-ville how much he’s changed. When the Grinch learns of a tree-decorating contest, he figures that if he wins, it’ll prove he truly has the Christmas spirit. He throws himself into the task, but when it comes time to judge the trees, the Grinch is horrified to discover that he’s received only the second-place trophy. Can Cindy-Lou Who find the words to save the day? Replicating many of the original beats and wordplay of the original, this tale feels like less a sequel and more like a vaguely rewritten variation. Meanwhile, Ruiz’s art seeks to bridge the gap between the animated Chuck Jones version of the Grinch and the one depicted in the original book. This thankless task results in a strange uncanny valley between Seuss and Jones but does allow the artist a chance to colorize everything and lend some racial diversity to the Who population (Cindy-Lou is light-skinned). (This book was reviewed digitally.)
It’s not whether you win or lose; it’s how many mediocre sequels you can squeeze out of Seussian property. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Sept. 5, 2023
ISBN: 9780593563168
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: Aug. 15, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2023
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
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