An aesthetically pleasing fairy-fix.
A team of fairies rescues forest animals in distress.
In four short stories, the Superfairies (Asian Rose, white Star, black Silk, and brown-skinned Berry, possibly Latina, South Asian, or mixed-race) work as a team to help the animals of Peaseblossom Woods. In “Basil the Bear Cub,” the little bear ends up stuck and dangling from Shaky Bridge after a dare, resulting in a river rescue via fairycoptor. In “Dancer the Wild Pony,” the fairies provide comfort to a dance-champion pony who is struggling with the pressure of expectations. In “Martha the Little Mouse,” after an autumn storm damages the home of a family of mice, young Martha rushes out to greet the fairies and is swept away by the storm; after completing the rescue, the fairies tell the Autumn Queen that her storm got out of hand, so she can scale back (the storm is to knock leaves off of trees to prepare for winter). In “Violet the Velvet Rabbit,” Violet skis down a snowy slope after some ribbing and encouragement from Basil and is caught up in a slight avalanche. The stories are simple, and the fairies are frequently indistinguishable as characters, but the full-color artwork’s cheery palette and use of textures and patterns, as well as the friendly, rounded animal forms and spindly fairies, hold great appeal.
An aesthetically pleasing fairy-fix. (Fantasy. 6-9)Pub Date: April 1, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-62370-819-1
Page Count: 192
Publisher: Capstone Young Readers
Review Posted Online: Feb. 3, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2017
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Cuándo quieras un perro feliz, look no further.
A young Latine boy finally gets to rescue the dog of his dreams, but training can be a challenge in two languages.
Like many children, José has been dreaming of having a pet of his own, specifically un perro, a dog. Like any good owner, José promptly begins training his new canine companion but soon realizes his rescue mutt, Feliz, knows only words in English. This is a problem because in José’s home everyone speaks both Spanish and English. José and Feliz must rise to the challenge; fortunately, treats and snuggles are great motivators. The narrative uses Spanish words and phrases throughout (“perros blancos,” “¡Yo quiero este!” “¡Sientate!”), usually with English context clues for understanding. This is complex vocabulary for an early reader, and the shifting in phonics from English to Spanish will be challenging for true beginners; the book is best suited for intermediate to advanced readers in dual-language classrooms or homes. Much like Feliz, however, it is sure to find a loving (and bilingual) home. Cheerful illustrations complement the text, helping readers make sense of the narrative. While José and his mother are darker-skinned, his father and sister are lighter-skinned. (This review has been updated for accuracy.)
Cuándo quieras un perro feliz, look no further. (glossary of Spanish-English words) (Early reader. 6-8)Pub Date: April 25, 2023
ISBN: 978-0-593-52116-8
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Penguin Workshop
Review Posted Online: Jan. 11, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
This outing lacks the sophistication of such category standards as Clementine; here’s hoping English amps things up for...
A gentle voice and familiar pitfalls characterize this tale of a boy navigating the risky road to responsibility.
Gavin is new to his neighborhood and Carver Elementary. He likes his new friend, Richard, and has a typically contentious relationship with his older sister, Danielle. When Gavin’s desire to impress Richard sets off a disastrous chain of events, the boy struggles to evade responsibility for his actions. “After all, it isn’t his fault that Danielle’s snow globe got broken. Sure, he shouldn’t have been in her room—but then, she shouldn’t be keeping candy in her room to tempt him. Anybody would be tempted. Anybody!” opines Gavin once he learns the punishment for his crime. While Gavin has a charming Everyboy quality, and his aversion to Aunt Myrtle’s yapping little dog rings true, little about Gavin distinguishes him from other trouble-prone protagonists. He is, regrettably, forgettable. Coretta Scott King Honor winner English (Francie, 1999) is a teacher whose storytelling usually benefits from her day job. Unfortunately, the pizzazz of classroom chaos is largely absent from this series opener.
This outing lacks the sophistication of such category standards as Clementine; here’s hoping English amps things up for subsequent volumes. (Fiction. 6-9)Pub Date: Dec. 17, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-547-97044-8
Page Count: 128
Publisher: Clarion Books
Review Posted Online: Oct. 1, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2013
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