Another lively and engaging presentation from a talented pair.
One night, a spotted skunk reveals a surprising secret ability to its new friend, a porcupine.
“Call me Polecat,” says our protagonist, who has a “DOOZY of a superpower.” Porcupine knows what it is. After all, everyone’s well aware that skunks ward off predators with their stinky spray. But this species—“smaller than our striped cousins”—can do things that other skunks can’t. Polecat’s a talented—and fast—climber; plus, its spots allow it to camouflage itself. The two animals discuss their diets (Porcupine, a herbivore, blanches as the omnivorous Polecat gobbles up crickets and caterpillars) and how they evade predators. Porcupine explains that it runs off when it’s afraid; porcupines can’t shoot their quills, which stick only when something touches them. Polecat notes that before it sprays, it will “spring into a handstand,” walking on its forepaws and imitating a much larger animal, often scaring the predator away. The latest in Esbaum and Shea’s effective series (previous titles covered the parrotfish and the hoatzin bird) is another winner. Polecat’s introductory statements and its conversation with Porcupine carry all the information. The dialogue bubbles are distinctive in color and shape, making things easier for fledgling readers. Both the narrative and the colorful cartoon illustrations brim with appealing humor. These animals have plenty of personality. Though the use of the word polecat makes for clever alliteration (paired with porcupine), it might confuse readers; in some regions of the U.S., this term refers to the black-footed ferret.
Another lively and engaging presentation from a talented pair. (“True or false?” facts about polecats) (Informational picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: July 15, 2025
ISBN: 9780593699997
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Putnam
Review Posted Online: April 19, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Spires’ understanding of the fragility and power of the artistic impulse mixes with expert pacing and subtle...
Making things is difficult work. Readers will recognize the stages of this young heroine’s experience as she struggles to realize her vision.
First comes anticipation. The artist/engineer is spotted jauntily pulling a wagonload of junkyard treasures. Accompanied by her trusty canine companion, she begins drawing plans and building an assemblage. The narration has a breezy tone: “[S]he makes things all the time. Easy-peasy!” The colorful caricatures and creations contrast with the digital black outlines on a white background that depict an urban neighborhood. Intermittent blue-gray panels break up the white expanses on selected pages showing sequential actions. When the first piece doesn’t turn out as desired, the protagonist tries again, hoping to achieve magnificence. A model of persistence, she tries many adjustments; the vocabulary alone offers constructive behaviors: she “tinkers,” “wrenches,” “fiddles,” “examines,” “stares” and “tweaks.” Such hard work, however, combines with disappointing results, eventually leading to frustration, anger and injury. Explosive emotions are followed by defeat, portrayed with a small font and scaled-down figures. When the dog, whose expressions have humorously mirrored his owner’s through each phase, retrieves his leash, the resulting stroll serves them well. A fresh perspective brings renewed enthusiasm and—spoiler alert—a most magnificent scooter sidecar for a loyal assistant.
Spires’ understanding of the fragility and power of the artistic impulse mixes with expert pacing and subtle characterization for maximum delight. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: April 1, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-55453-704-4
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Kids Can
Review Posted Online: Feb. 25, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2014
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share.
In this latest in the series, Little Blue Truck, driven by pal Toad, is challenged to a countryside race by Racer Red, a sleek, low-slung vehicle.
Blue agrees, and the race is on. Although the two start off “hood to hood / and wheel to wheel,” they switch positions often as they speed their way over dusty country roads. Blue’s farm friends follow along to share in the excitement and shout out encouragement; adult readers will have fun voicing the various animal sounds. Short rhyming verses on each page and several strategic page turns add drama to the narrative, but soft, mottled effects in the otherwise colorful illustrations keep the competition from becoming too intense. Racer Red crosses the finish line first, but Blue is a gracious loser, happy to have worked hard. That’s a new concept for Racer Red, who’s laser-focused on victory but takes Blue’s words (“win or lose, it’s fun to try!”) to heart—a revelation that may lead to worthwhile storytime discussions. When Blue’s farm animal friends hop into the truck for the ride home, Racer Red tags along and learns a second lesson, one about speed. “Fast is fun, / and slow is too, / as long as you’re / with friends.”
A friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: March 25, 2025
ISBN: 9780063387843
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Clarion/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Jan. 18, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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