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
The combination of lovingly humorous and detailed mixed-media illustrations and infectious rhymes will cause little ones and...
More than skin deep, this rhyming paean to diversity offers readers an array of families of all colors and orientations, living and loving one another in a vibrant city setting.
A giggling baby is tummy-tickled by her white and black mothers (or white mother and black father—impressively, the illustration leaves room for interpretation) in New York’s Central Park in its summertime glory. "This is how we all begin: / small and happy in our skin." This celebration of skin not only extols the beauty and value of various skin colors, but also teaches the importance of skin as an essential body part: “It keeps the outsides out / and your insides in.” Park, public-pool, and block-party scenes allow readers to luxuriate in a teeming city where children of all colors, abilities, and religions enjoy their families and neighbors. The author and illustrator do not simply take a rote, tokenistic approach to answering the cry for diverse books; the words and pictures depict a much-needed, realistic representation of the statement “it takes a village to raise a child” when a child skins her knee and many rush to her aid and comfort. Though her palette of browns is a little limited, Tobia creates sheer joy with her depictions of everything from unibrows, dimples, and birthmarks to callouts to recognizable literary characters.
The combination of lovingly humorous and detailed mixed-media illustrations and infectious rhymes will cause little ones and their families to pore over this book again and again. (Picture book. 2-5)Pub Date: Aug. 25, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-7636-7002-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: May 11, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2015
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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