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
Familiarity breeds a birthday for the ages in this party worth attending.
Don’t let the Pigeon ruin his own special day!
Anyone who has ever encountered the title character in any of his books—whether his first, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus (2003), or one of its many sequels—will understand that the bird’s innate self-love drives his every interaction. Little wonder, then, that he’s thrilled about his own “bird-day.” He has the hat. He has his “FANCY PLUMAGE.” And, best of all, he will get to blow out a candle “on my bird-day hot dog!” As he revels in the knowledge that this day is all for him, comeuppance is lurking. Someone has already blown out the bird-day candle—and eaten half the hot dog. It turns out that the Pigeon’s frenemy, the Duckling, has the same bird-day—as do a slew of newly hatched chicks. The Pigeon’s obligatory eight-panel freakout ensues. “What am I—invisible? I just want to be seen,” he whimpers, and when he receives some much-needed reassurance, he settles down and willingly shares his special day. While the switch from unapologetic narcissism to mature acceptance happens in the record-breaking span of two pages, the book is as enchanting as the Pigeon’s earlier outings. Even as it walks in the footsteps of its predecessors, there’s no denying the fun to be had.
Familiarity breeds a birthday for the ages in this party worth attending. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: March 31, 2026
ISBN: 9781454999621
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Union Square Kids
Review Posted Online: Nov. 22, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2026
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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
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