While a neatly phrased rhyme enumerates the places three differently colored kittens can be found napping (``Under Mommy's sewing,/All over Granny's hat,/Snuggling next to Fido,/Or across a cuddly lap''), boldly stylized illustrations depict them snoozing, ``but never in their special box,/They're always where they shouldn't be,/Even in my bed with me. Good night!'' For the youngest, the handsome compositions of solid areas of color varied by a few eyes and whiskers and an occasional patterned passage will serve as an intriguing puzzle as they find the kittens and learn to ``read'' the simple forms. Just right for a toddler's bedtime. (Picture book. 1-4)
Pub Date: May 1, 1994
ISBN: 0-688-13288-X
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Morrow/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 1994
BOOK REVIEW
A simple book—two books in one that end in the middle—with a salubrious message: ``Sometimes, you just feel happy'' and ``Sometimes, you just feel sad.'' In the first half of this book a troop of animals savors its happiness—a peacock parades while a tiger is tickled. In the other half, which must be flipped over to be read, a collection of beasts fares less well—a bear broods and a camel curls its lip. This companion to Wide Awake/So Sleepy (1994, not reviewed), with some inventive anthropomorpization, lets children know that it's okay to go with the flow. Paschkis's colorful portraits display a whimsical use of perspective and amiable animals who are expressive without being cute; the background patterns bloom in a robust palette. (Picture book. 2-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1995
ISBN: 0-8050-3862-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Henry Holt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 1995
From Serfozo (Joe Joe, 1993, etc.), an introduction to the square, circle, triangle, rectangle, oval, and diamond. Each one is identified and defined in simple catchy rhymes—bouncy enough to be read aloud—and copiously illustrated with accompanying shapes of all sizes and textures. Cut-paper collages feature bright, anthropomorphized shapes (with very expressive faces) against landscapes suitable for the featured shape. The book is conceived as an entertaining lesson, and concludes with a carefully designed review that makes sense of shapes in an easy and imaginative way. (Picture book. 2-4)
Pub Date: Feb. 1, 1996
ISBN: 0-590-54426-8
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Cartwheel/Scholastic
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 1996
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