Everything was fine and dandy until Mother brought home that pesky Emily Post book. Then, all of a sudden, there were many rules to follow. Too many, in fact. Don’t slump in your chair. Don’t talk with your mouth full. Don’t shout. How could anyone possibly follow them all? Huget’s picture-book debut is a rollicking introduction to Post’s guide to good (and bad) behavior. Mrs. Toplofty, Mr. Kindhart, Mrs. Wellborn and Mrs. Worldly, imaginary characters from Post’s 1922 etiquette book, populate this story as well, peering over the children’s shoulders with stern looks and wagging fingers. The kids are desperate to put an end to all these manners—but Mother certainly is not. Until, that is, they insist that she follow them as well. Boiger’s animated watercolors include sweeping brushstrokes and bouncing curves—an effective representation of the children’s growing frustration and boundless energy. Bits and bobs of Post’s rules—and even a few anecdotes from her life—dot the lively text, but her cultural significance isn’t fully explained until the end note. (Picture book. 4-8)
Pub Date: Sept. 22, 2009
ISBN: 978-0-375-83853-8
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade/Random
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2009
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Fun, silly stuffalo.
What will happen when a surly buffalo has his cover blown?
The book opens on a peaceful, sunny landscape dotted by trees, flowers, and a river. Turning the page, readers meet the Buffalo Fluffalo. The cantankerous creature glares fiercely at readers, his stylized, curly coat puffed out above small bovine feet. A ram, a prairie dog, and a crow each approach the Buffalo Fluffalo with overtures of friendship, but all receive—ahem—a “rebuffalo.” He responds to each with a gruff “I’m the Buffalo Fluffalo—/ I heave and I huffalo./ Leave me alone because/ I’ve had enuffalo!”—a refrain rendered in a large bold text. But after a torrential downpour, the Buffalo Fluffalo is drenched; his fluffy coat plastered to his body, he’s now a fraction of his former size. How will the other animals react? The rhythmic, rhyming verses take plenty of liberties with language and use lots of alliteration, resulting in a humorous read. Despite his aggressive stance, our protagonist is endearingly cross-eyed, and the art exploits the comedic potential of a character who hides behind a puffed-up appearance. Some may wonder why the other animals are working so hard to befriend such a relentlessly hostile character, but all the nonsense words and the complementary art are so appealing that readers will easily accept the sugary ending.
Fun, silly stuffalo. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Jan. 2, 2024
ISBN: 9780593564530
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Random House Studio
Review Posted Online: Oct. 21, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
A lovely homage to a child’s passionate creativity.
A summer day at the beach inspires Jamie to create something with bits and pieces in the sand.
Jamie is intensely involved, humming softly as the waves swish nearby. Several people, including Jamie’s mom and dad, make inane comments or ask what Jamie’s project is. Jamie answers abruptly and vaguely—or doesn’t answer at all. Jamie is totally comfortable there at the edge of the sea, working and observing and listening, and the sea never asks questions. When someone arrives with art supplies and no questions, it is Jamie who asks, “What are you making?” When the woman says she doesn’t know yet, Jamie has found a kindred spirit, and they work side by side without conversation. When their projects are complete, there is a lovely surprise at the reveal. Myers’ spare, almost terse, text is accompanied by acrylic-and-oil illustrations in full- and double-page spreads mixed with vignettes suspended against very bright white spaces. Sand and sea are beautifully rendered in subtle tones of gold and deep blue, and glimpses of Jamie’s project are intriguing. Jamie presents white, and the diverse people encountered are depicted in a manner that is at once realistic and painterly. Jamie’s body language and facial expressions allow readers to feel the child’s fierce dedication and exasperation at being interrupted.
A lovely homage to a child’s passionate creativity. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: June 11, 2019
ISBN: 978-0-8234-4286-7
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Neal Porter/Holiday House
Review Posted Online: March 30, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2019
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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