While the mini-myth concept falls flat, this is a lighthearted look at the conflict between grown-ups and strong-willed tots...
This selection in the Mini Myths series introduces a little girl named Medusa, whose hair—while it may not be made of poisonous snakes—does seem to have a life of its own.
The initial double-page spread pictures a spunky little girl with a giant mass of yellow tendrils sticking out in all directions and a defiant look on her face; she is in a serious standoff with a hairbrush. Dad tells Medusa that she must have her hair brushed before Grandma comes over, but Medusa is too busy. Before you know it, Grandma has arrived, and her eyes bug out hilariously when she spots Medusa’s mane. She drags the little girl off to a hair salon, and Medusa returns home with a perfectly coiffed head of tame little curls—and a lollipop. Now it’s time to talk about brushing her teeth! While the story is a cute one with a familiar toddler scenario and charming illustrations, the tie to the Medusa story is too tenuous to be meaningful, and the description of the myth provided on the final page, though simplified, will still be much too complex for the board-book crowd.
While the mini-myth concept falls flat, this is a lighthearted look at the conflict between grown-ups and strong-willed tots with their own agendas. (Board book. 2-5)Pub Date: March 24, 2015
ISBN: 978-1-4197-0953-1
Page Count: 24
Publisher: Abrams Appleseed
Review Posted Online: March 31, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2015
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Although a bit on the slight side, this offering is infused with a warm, light humor just right for cuddling up with a young...
This title previously published in the U.K. takes a cozy look at all kinds of kisses.
Walsh’s rhyming text is full of cutesy rhythms: “Kisses on noses, kisses on toes-es. Sudden kisses when you least supposes.” Sometimes the phrasing stumbles: “Who likes to kiss? I do! I do! Even the shy do. Why not try, too?” But toddlers and young preschoolers will probably not mind. They will be too engaged in spotting the lively penguin on each spread and too charmed by Abbot’s winsome illustrations that fittingly extend the wording in the story. Patient dogs queue up for a smooch from a frog prince, cool blue “ ’normous elephants” contrast strikingly with bright red “little tiny ants” and a bewildered monkey endures a smattering of lipstick kisses. Be the kiss small or tall, one to start or end the day, young readers are reminded that “the very best kiss… / is a kiss from you!” Perhaps no big surprise but comforting nonetheless.
Although a bit on the slight side, this offering is infused with a warm, light humor just right for cuddling up with a young tyke or sharing with a gathering for storytime. (Picture book. 2-5)Pub Date: Dec. 20, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4424-2769-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Paula Wiseman/Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Nov. 19, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2011
The soft cadence of the rhyming verses and the joyous pictures of the elephants will make this a bedtime favorite
When a baby elephant is born, “wrinkled and gray,” not just the herd, but the whole world rejoices, from morning to night.
From the proud Mama to the grand Aunts, from the “fertile and firm” Earth to the ancient Banyan tree, everyone and everything around the new baby elephant joins in celebration and care for the Baby “who warms the hearts of the world today.” Glowing with warm golds and greens and shadowed with deep blues and greens, the gorgeous artwork lushly illuminates the day of an elephant’s birth as it is cared for by its family and surroundings. The expressions on the elephant faces are sheer joy to behold; the elephant smiles are realistic and yet radiate affection. Seemingly simple, this gentle rhyming story works on two levels: the playfulness of the young elephant and its friends ensure that young children will be able to see themselves in the story, and given the depiction of the natural scenes, at least some young readers will become fascinated with the lives of elephants as well. An author’s note at the end provides background from the Indian-American author’s own life and also draws attention to the present-day need to protect elephants from poaching and the loss of habitat.
The soft cadence of the rhyming verses and the joyous pictures of the elephants will make this a bedtime favorite . (Picture book. 2-5)Pub Date: Aug. 2, 2016
ISBN: 978-0-399-16684-6
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Review Posted Online: May 13, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2016
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