Stoeke’s (A Friend For Minerva Louise, 1997, etc.) inquisitive chicken returns for another adventure when she visits a nearby fair. With a smile on her beak, the nosy hen ambles off to investigate the loud noises disrupting the evening serenity at her farm: “BOOM! That’s not a cricket. BOOM!” Preschoolers are in for a treat, getting to see a country fair through the naïve chicken’s eyes: to Minerva Louise, fireworks are stars falling from the sky, and the Ferris wheel is a star-bedecked bulldozer. Humor abounds as the inimitable chicken ambles past game booths, the mirrored fun house, and the carousel. Whimsical puns are just right for pint-sized audiences; Minerva thinks the stuffed-animal prizes at the booth are “stuffy old roosters” and that the gourd-judging tent is filled with sleeping hens. Exhausted from her meanderings, Minerva Louise searches for the hen house for a nice little nap. Settling in with some rabbits, she awakes the next morning to discover her owner joyfully hugging her. The pictures tell the real story . . . Minerva had settled herself into the judging tent and has won the blue ribbon denoting first place. Brief sentences combined with gentle humor and large, bright illustrations are ideal for read-aloud sessions. Despite being simply drawn, Minerva Louise radiates oodles of charm. This latest escapade is a delight both for newcomers and those already familiar with the plucky hen. (Picture book. 2-6)
Pub Date: Aug. 1, 2000
ISBN: 0-525-46439-5
Page Count: 24
Publisher: Dutton
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2000
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
The familiar singsong repetitiveness is catchy in all settings, holiday or otherwise.
A hoppy, snappy Easter version of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt.
Three young tots, with varied skin tones and baskets ready in their hands, eagerly scamper on a spring day to find some eggs. But of course, they meet hindrances along the way. “Ooh, look … // Chickens! / Flapping, pecking chickens.” Thus starts the rolling refrain: “Can’t go over them. / Can’t go under them. / Can’t go around them. // Got to go through them!” The waddling chickens don’t pose much of an obstacle, but they do “Cluck-cluck!” loudly as they scatter in the sun. The three youngsters then must face “fluffy, hungry bunnies” (adorable long-eared puffballs with carrot fronds in their mouths) and “happy, hopping frogs” as they balance on stones to cross a pond. All of this leads to a garden bursting with colorful flowers (“Rustle-swish! / Rustle-swish!”) and finally…10 eggs in pastel patterns. Each egg has a number on it to encourage readers to count along and strengthen their numeracy skills. Rozelaar’s plump and rounded world, with roly-poly trees, flowers, and hills, wraps the tale in coziness.
The familiar singsong repetitiveness is catchy in all settings, holiday or otherwise. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Jan. 7, 2025
ISBN: 9798887771304
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Nosy Crow
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2024
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