The only truly distinctive twist on this oft-told tale is the title, but humorously naming a meltdown just may make it...
A little bunny proves she doesn’t always know best when it comes to naptime.
Lucy refuses to nap during the day. Why would she? It’s light outside, and she’s missing time to play with her toys. In fact, they just might be having a dance party without her. She staunchly declares, “I’m not tired!” After remaining awake through naptime, she and her dad take a trip to the grocery store. At every turn (even on a banana phone in the produce aisle) Lucy never misses a chance to remind her dad, “Not tired.” But her face and actions testify otherwise. Poor Lucy fights yawns and drooping lids while struggling to stay alert. In the checkout line, when her request for candy is denied, she can’t take it anymore. Fists clench, knees shake, and rage radiates—it’s a naptastrophe! Krosoczka’s reds, oranges, and yellows pulsate with the heat of the tantrum. Her daddy, with Lucy’s foot in his face as he scoops her up in an effort to leave as quickly as possible, is a picture of pure parental resignation—and Lucy’s faceplant in her mac and cheese at dinnertime will elicit chuckles. For all its artfulness, however, it’s still a pretty familiar tale.
The only truly distinctive twist on this oft-told tale is the title, but humorously naming a meltdown just may make it palatable enough (for parent and child alike). (Picture book. 2-5)Pub Date: May 2, 2017
ISBN: 978-0-385-75483-5
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Knopf
Review Posted Online: Feb. 19, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2017
A good choice for caregivers looking for a positive, uncomplicated introduction to a new baby that focuses on everything an...
A little boy exults in his new role as big brother.
Rhyming text describes the arrival of a new baby and all of the big brother’s rewarding new duties. He gets to help with feedings, diaper changes, playtime, bathtime, and naptime. Though the rhyming couplets can sometimes feel a bit forced and awkward, the sentiment is sweet, as the focus here never veers from the excitement and love a little boy feels for his tiny new sibling. The charming, uncluttered illustrations convincingly depict the growing bond between this fair-skinned, rosy-cheeked, smiling pair of boys. In the final pages, the parents, heretofore kept mostly out of view, are pictured holding the children. The accompanying text reads: “Mommy, Daddy, baby, me. / We love each other—a family!” In companion volume I Am a Big Sister, the little boy is replaced with a little girl with bows in her hair. Some of the colors and patterns in the illustrations are slightly altered, but it is essentially the same title.
A good choice for caregivers looking for a positive, uncomplicated introduction to a new baby that focuses on everything an older sibling can do to help. (Board book. 2-4)Pub Date: Jan. 27, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-545-68886-4
Page Count: 24
Publisher: Cartwheel/Scholastic
Review Posted Online: March 16, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2015
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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
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