A picture book about life’s big and small questions and an adventurous exploration of penguin ecology.
A story about a little penguin who is full of questions.
Empson takes us on an adventure as we follow the journey of a little penguin named Tiny Blue and his papa. As they travel from their home on land to the ocean, Tiny Blue asks questions that Papa can answer easily, such as “Why can’t I fly?” and “Will you always keep me safe?” He also asks stumpers that require more complex answers, such as “What is love?” and “How do you know you love me?” This book captures many of the questions that youngsters might ask trusted adults. Caregivers of young children will see their inquisitive wards reflected in Tiny Blue, whose insatiable curiosity sometimes veers toward random yet thought-provoking subjects (“Papa, is there sand on the moon?”), while children can connect to the tiny penguin’s thirst for knowledge. As Tiny Blue and Papa explore their undersea world, readers learn about other animals that share the water with them, such as jellyfish, a whale shark, and seals. While Papa tries his best to answer all of Tiny Blue’s inquiries about these other creatures, he also has his hands—ahem, flippers—full keeping Tiny Blue safe; but any unanswered questions are addressed in the fun backmatter. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A picture book about life’s big and small questions and an adventurous exploration of penguin ecology. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: May 3, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-5460-0221-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: WorthyKids/Ideals
Review Posted Online: Feb. 8, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2022
A stocking stuffer par excellence, just right for dishing up with milk and cookies.
Pigeon finds something better to drive than some old bus.
This time it’s Santa delivering the fateful titular words, and with a “Ho. Ho. Whoa!” the badgering begins: “C’mon! Where’s your holiday spirit? It would be a Christmas MIRACLE! Don’t you want to be part of a Christmas miracle…?” Pigeon is determined: “I can do Santa stuff!” Like wrapping gifts (though the accompanying illustration shows a rather untidy present), delivering them (the image of Pigeon attempting to get an oversize sack down a chimney will have little ones giggling), and eating plenty of cookies. Alas, as Willems’ legion of young fans will gleefully predict, not even Pigeon’s by-now well-honed persuasive powers (“I CAN BE JOLLY!”) will budge the sleigh’s large and stinky reindeer guardian. “BAH. Also humbug.” In the typically minimalist art, the frustrated feathered one sports a floppily expressive green and red elf hat for this seasonal addition to the series—but then discards it at the end for, uh oh, a pair of bunny ears. What could Pigeon have in mind now? “Egg delivery, anyone?”
A stocking stuffer par excellence, just right for dishing up with milk and cookies. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Sept. 5, 2023
ISBN: 9781454952770
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Union Square Kids
Review Posted Online: Sept. 12, 2023
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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
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