A lushly illustrated tale that underscores living fully, appreciating loved ones, and accepting loss.
A young prince’s attempt to defeat Death sparks serious consequences in this picture book.
Hispanic Prince Horatio procures a crystal, enabling him to “peer into” Death’s realm. His fascination with watching Death, a faceless, hooded figure, surges when his mother, Queen Amelia, and sister, Princess Rose Marie, become ill and fall into a deep sleep. When Death threatens to take them, Horatio traps the figure in a sack and ties it to a high tree branch. Death warns that now “no more life shall begin.” Years pass. While nobody dies, people continue aging, including Horatio’s slumbering mother and sister. On his 100th birthday, Horatio expresses regret about his lonely existence. He frees Death and offers his life in exchange for his mother’s and sister’s. Death agrees and shows Horatio an alternate timeline in which his sister lives a wonderful life. Horatio is transported to the day he trapped Death and perishes falling from the tree. Rose Marie is devastated, unaware of Horatio’s sacrifice. Now “one with the wind,” Horatio awaits his loved ones. Poignantly underscoring themes like mortality, remorse, and fate, Oldenburg’s tale about Horatio’s experiences may encourage readers to consider “what truly matters” in their own lives. Fantasy fans will enjoy the adventurous plot and medieval-like settings. Reminiscent of an animated film, Nailon, Ramos, and Thai’s full-color illustrations have a photographic quality, with shadows, shades, and tones. Background locations feature vivid details, including castles, spindly trees, and green hills.
A lushly illustrated tale that underscores living fully, appreciating loved ones, and accepting loss.Pub Date: Sept. 19, 2019
ISBN: N/A
Page Count: 36
Publisher: Self
Review Posted Online: March 7, 2022
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
A retro-futuristic romp, literally and figuratively screwy.
Robo-parents Diode and Lugnut present daughter Cathode with a new little brother—who requires, unfortunately, some assembly.
Arriving in pieces from some mechanistic version of Ikea, little Flange turns out to be a cute but complicated tyke who immediately falls apart…and then rockets uncontrollably about the room after an overconfident uncle tinkers with his basic design. As a squad of helpline techies and bevies of neighbors bearing sludge cake and like treats roll in, the cluttered and increasingly crowded scene deteriorates into madcap chaos—until at last Cath, with help from Roomba-like robodog Sprocket, stages an intervention by whisking the hapless new arrival off to a backyard workshop for a proper assembly and software update. “You’re such a good big sister!” warbles her frazzled mom. Wiesner’s robots display his characteristic clean lines and even hues but endearingly look like vaguely anthropomorphic piles of random jet-engine parts and old vacuum cleaners loosely connected by joints of armored cable. They roll hither and thither through neatly squared-off panels and pages in infectiously comical dismay. Even the end’s domestic tranquility lasts only until Cathode spots the little box buried in the bigger one’s packing material: “TWINS!” (This book was reviewed digitally with 9-by-22-inch double-page spreads viewed at 52% of actual size.)
A retro-futuristic romp, literally and figuratively screwy. (Picture book. 5-7)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-544-98731-9
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Clarion Books
Review Posted Online: June 2, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2020
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
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