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MAMA

Name: MAMA
Author: Jeanette Winter
ISBN: 0-15-205495-2

A TRUE STORY, IN WHICH A BABY HIPPO LOSES HIS MAMA DURING A TSUNAMI, BUT FINDS A NEW HOME, AND A NEW MAMA.

by Jeanette Winter & illustrated by Jeanette Winter ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 2006

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With only two words, “Mama” and “Baby,” Winter tells a complete story in richly colored and patterned acrylics. A mother and baby hippopotamus feed, swim and bond blissfully, until they are swept apart in a great ocean wave—a tsunami. Rescuers bring the lost and frightened young one to a game preserve, where he immediately bonds with an ancient male giant tortoise (“Mama . . .”; “. . . Baby”). Using a true story from the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, Winter has fashioned a powerful message of fear, release and solace in tragedy. Her dramatic images are reminiscent of Persian miniatures, the most harrowing experiences rendered exquisitely. In this case, the baby’s face registers emotions not quite hippo-like (do hippos shed tears of sorrow?), but that seems beside the point in what will be a sentimental favorite sure to attract a huge audience. (Picture book. 4-7)

Pub Date: April 1, 2006

ISBN: 0-15-205495-2

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Harcourt

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2006

Categories:

CHILDREN'S ANIMALS

- BOOK REVIEW
THE SNOW MAN
by Jonah Winter ; illustrated by Jeanette Winter

- BOOK REVIEW
THE LITTLE OWL & THE BIG TREE
by Jonah Winter ; illustrated by Jeanette Winter

- BOOK REVIEW
SISTER CORITA'S WORDS AND SHAPES
by Jeanette Winter ; illustrated by Jeanette Winter

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ADDIE ANT GOES ON AN ADVENTURE

From the Addie Ant's Garden Friends series

by Maren Morris & Karina Argow ; illustrated by Kelly Anne Dalton ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 9, 2024

Young readers will be “antsy” to join the hero on her satisfying escapade.

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An ant explores her world.

Addie Ant’s ready for adventure. Despite some trepidation about leaving the Tomato Bed, where she lives with her aunt, she plucks up her courage and ventures forth across the garden to the far side of the shed. On her journey, she meets her pal Lewis Ladybug, who greets her warmly, points the way, and offers sage advice. When Addie arrives at her destination, she’s welcomed by lovely Beatrix Butterfly and enjoys an “ant-tastic” helping of watermelon. Beatrix also provides Addie with take-home treats and a map for the “Cricket Express,” which will take her straight home. Arriving at the terminal, Addie’s delighted to meet another friend, Cleo Cricket, whose carriage service returns Addie home in “two hops.” After eating a warm tomato soup dinner, Addie falls asleep and dreams of future exploits. Adorable though not terribly original, this story brims with sensuous pleasures, both textual and visual. Kids who declare that they dislike fruits or veggies may find their mouths watering at the mentions and sights of luscious tomatoes, peas, beans, watermelons, berries, and other foodstuffs; insect-averse readers may likewise think differently after encountering these convivial, wide-eyed characters. And those flowers and herbs everywhere! The highlights are the colors that burst from the pages. Addie’s an endearing, empowering character who reassures children they’ll be able to take those first independent steps successfully.

Young readers will be “antsy” to join the hero on her satisfying escapade. (author’s note about ants) (Picture book. 4-7)

Pub Date: April 9, 2024

ISBN: 9781797228914

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Chronicle Books

Review Posted Online: Feb. 3, 2024

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2024

Categories:

CHILDREN'S ANIMALS

- BOOK REVIEW
BEATRIX BUTTERFLY WINGS IT FOR ONCE
by Maren Morris & Karina Argow ; illustrated by Kelly Anne Dalton

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A GARDEN TO SAVE THE BIRDS

by Wendy McClure ; illustrated by Beatriz Mayumi ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 2021

A welcome can-do story about environmental activism.

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When Emmy and Callum hear a bird hit their window, they are worried that it might be hurt.

The bird flies away unscathed, but it gets Emmy and Callum thinking about what other parts of their home might be dangerous for birds—and what they can do to make it less so. With the help of their mother, they begin by putting decals on their windows, filling the bird feeder, and letting flowers go to seed. As the year progresses, they learn more about what birds need at different times of the year. In the fall, when birds migrate, Emmy and Callum turn off the disorienting porch lights and fill their jack-o’-lantern with healthy birdseed. In the winter, when snow falls, they build a shelter of sticks. Soon Emmy and Callum decide they want to do more, eventually involving the whole neighborhood in transforming the area into a certified wildlife habitat. As narrated by Callum, this book is an engaging guide to environmental activism. Emmy and Callum’s gradual shift from individual actions to community organizing feels organic and doable: Readers can accomplish almost all of the activities they model. (More information is provided in the backmatter, along with resources.) At times the prose gets clunky, but generally the text is clear and fun to read aloud. The gentle, pastel-hued illustrations feature a brown-skinned family and neatly complement the earnest and gentle text.

A welcome can-do story about environmental activism. (Picture book. 4-7)