Glow-in-the-dark display type on the cover really sets the mood for this Halloween ramble. Resolutely setting out into the night in the wake of her friend James’s dare, Annie makes her way down a deserted street, past spooky shadows and blowing leaves, to an ill-favored mansion. Braving rustles and whispers, she pushes open the door—a gatefold—and the lights blaze on, revealing a roomful of costumed “creatures,” including James, now sporting vampire teeth, loudly wishing her a happy birthday. Annie’s wide-eyed, unchanging look of worry gives the art a wooden feel, but Krosoczka expertly heightens both the suspense and the climactic, well-designed release. Young audiences will shiver with pleasure. (Picture book. 6-8)
Pub Date: Aug. 26, 2003
ISBN: 0-375-81567-2
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Knopf
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2003
The commotion over preparations for Mama’s surprise birthday party form the basis for Quattlebaum’s latest, told from the point of view one of the daughters in the household. “To buy” and “to do” lists are quickly compiled with the help of two well-meaning aunts, slapdash Aunt CeeCee and nitpicking Aunt Belle, with nary a thought given to what could go wrong. In no time, little sister Flo is boo-hooing and younger brother Squeal nearly gives away the surprise. The father forgets the password, the cats tear into the presents, and the cake is still “bald as a stone” as the clock tick-ticks toward party time. Only a “take-charge kind of girl” can save the day, and the young narrator does precisely that. Mama’s surprise is no surprise to readers, but despite the anticipated event, it’s the prelude that counts. Snazzy Jazz-Age-inspired drawings are as full of fuss and frenzy as the party preliminaries themselves. Chesworth uses comic-book style panels to divulge action and dialogue balloons to deliver sharp humor. A whispered conversation not meant to be heard by Mama is cleverly rendered in silhouette. This is ideal for those who prefer the fixings over the fanfare of the festivities themselves. (Picture book. 5-8)
Pub Date: May 11, 1999
ISBN: 0-385-32275-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Doubleday
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1999
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
It is dawn on a day of street parties, and children are donning minimalist costumes (an underwater mask for a deep-sea diver, a cowboy hat to evoke a cowboy) so that “even those who love us must guess our identities.” Of course the children aren’t truly disguised: “I know you, Mardi Gras,” one friend calls from the sidewalk. By the fifth spread, readers understand that this is more than a children’s party; “Mardi Gras Indians live in our neighborhood,” and each emerges from “the door blinds of his small house like a spring flower opening.” Five of the double-page oil paintings are given over to actual parade scenes; the rest of the book features more domestic scenes of children in their homes and backyards during the long Mardi Gras day. The story is poetic, but puzzling to children new to the subject: Where is the story taking place? What are “Mardi Gras Indians,” and how to makes sense of the statement “A parade named Zulu will pass”? In read-aloud sessions, cover the author’s note in the back first, for a more succinct introduction to some of the customs of the New Orleans parade. Shaik’s narrative is deliberately child-centered, offering an insider’s view of the day but not quite succeeding in beckoning newcomers to it. (Picture book. 4-8)
Pub Date: Jan. 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-8037-1442-4
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Dial Books
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 1999
BOOK REVIEW
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