Yummy cuteness for toddlers and preschoolers.
Celebrate dumplings from around the world.
Rhyming couplets introduce the idea that dumplings are ubiquitous. “We’re little dumplings! / We’re found everywhere! / All the world’s cultures / have dumplings to share.” Written for very young readers, the poem sticks to generalities and few specifics. “We take many shapes, / some big and some small. / And we’re delicious! / You’ll love us all!” Accompanying digital illustrations dominated by bright blocks of color portray diverse people with dot eyes and smiley faces, but it is the exuberant dumplings themselves that steal the show. Dozens of different types of dumplings with kawaii-style happy faces populate landscapes, are fried in pans, or are served on platters. Every happy dumpling is captioned with its name (from wontons to pierogi to samosas), and backmatter lists every one that appears in the book along with its pronunciation and associated regions. No information is given about what fills them or what they taste like, and the poem’s meter is often uneven, making it awkward to read aloud. Little ones won’t mind—they’ll be captivated by the plethora of wrapped cuteness, and the simple message will resonate. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Yummy cuteness for toddlers and preschoolers. (Board book. 2-5)Pub Date: May 9, 2023
ISBN: 978-1-79721-692-8
Page Count: 24
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Review Posted Online: April 24, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2023
A sweet, well-developed tale that will entice and educate young readers.
Concepcion’s illustrated children’s book tells a story about farming and friendship.
Pirate Pearl was an accomplished seafarer, but she felt the food aboard her ship—hardtack biscuits—could be improved. Spotting land, she hops into a small raft with her parrot, Petunia, and paddles to shore. After a long journey, the pirate spots a huge red barn; tuckered out, she collapses but quickly finds herself hoisted into a wheelbarrow by Farmer Fay. The new acquaintance gives Pearl potato soup, which rejuvenates her. Dazzled by this new food, the pirate wishes to be shown the entire potato-growing process. She learns what vitamins potatoes contain, and she’s shocked by various types of farm technology, including sprinklers and tractors. Farmer Fay is kind enough to let Pearl drive the tractor and then explains how potatoes signal that they’re ready to be harvested by dropping their flowers. Pearl wonders if she could grow them aboard her pirate ship and then becomes intrigued by the fact that potatoes can be eaten in many different ways. The next morning, Pearl’s reluctant to leave the farm, but she takes a bunch of potatoes back to her ship and embarks on a new journey. Over the course of this book, Conception delivers an appealing and informative story as Pearl makes new discoveries and a new friend. Burgett’s full-color cartoon illustrations are lighthearted and adorable; Pearl is portrayed with pale skin, and Farmer Fay is an older woman of color with light-brown skin. In a lovely touch that evokes the style of a graphic novel, some spreads include scrolls, used as illustration text inserts. Back matter includes helpful recipes and information about growing potatoes on one’s own. With luck, more agricultural adventures for Pirate Pearl will be on the horizon.
A sweet, well-developed tale that will entice and educate young readers.Pub Date: Sept. 19, 2023
ISBN: 978-1948898157
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Feeding Minds Press
Review Posted Online: Oct. 12, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2023
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
A simple story enhanced by its funny, gently ironic illustrations.
A little girl diligently gets ready for her day but leaves lots of messes in her wake.
The unnamed girl has light brown skin and dark brown curls similar to her dad’s, and her mom is white. The characters in the digital illustrations have big, exaggerated eyes. The child narrates the text matter-of-factly in simple rhyming sentences: “Time to go potty. I can do this! / Mommy is there to make sure I don’t miss.” Each double-page spread presents a slightly different, humorous visual interpretation of the situation, and it’s in this juxtaposition that the book shines. The cat’s in the hamper, underwear and socks are on the floor, and the pink toilet paper is trailing all over. The two parents seem a little overwhelmed. As they both try to get the girl into her clothes, one arm escapes, and the dad is really sweating from exertion. She insists on tying her laces and buttoning her coat, and the illustrations show the exuberant but incomplete results. As the girl grabs her backpack, her apple rolls out, and Mommy has to grab it. At school, she hangs her coat up, but somehow it lands on the floor (her scarf is also awry), and observant viewers will notice that her shoelace is still untied. In her diverse classroom, she proudly announces: “But this time Daddy, I won’t cry”—and now readers can believe her: there’s nary a tear in sight.
A simple story enhanced by its funny, gently ironic illustrations. (Picture book. 3-5)Pub Date: May 1, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-60537-342-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Clavis
Review Posted Online: March 28, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2017
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