Not the most smoothly transitioned of Froggy fare, but endearing nevertheless.
Fans expect a flop flop flop in every Froggy adventure, but in this latest work, Froggy’s emotions flip-flop more than his webbed feet ever do.
Froggy wakes up, excited to start the weekend by going outside to play. But none of his friends are home. Luckily, his mom has a solution: She has set up a play date with Frogilina. Froggy’s reaction? “I’M NOT GOING!” Froggy slams the door—“BLAM!”—wails on his saxophone (“SQUAAAAAAWK”) and throws a ball against the wall (“thump thump thump”) to release some anger. But then he realizes that he does want to see the movie, even if Frogilina has to come along. He snaps on his favorite bowtie, slaps on some of Dad’s aftershave (Froggy’s true feelings come out) and heads to the theater. Froggy, of course, can’t sit still for an entire movie, and somehow Frogilina manages yet again to give him a great big smooch on the cheek. EEEWWW. London deals with a classic young-child dilemma—wrestling with the embarrassment of having a crush—with sympathetic humor. A post-movie visit to an ice-cream stand feels more tacked on to provide additional sound-effect opportunities than derived organically from the story, alas.
Not the most smoothly transitioned of Froggy fare, but endearing nevertheless. (Picture book. 3-5)Pub Date: Feb. 7, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-670-01427-9
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Dec. 25, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2013
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
It’s a tiger, and it’s sure to be a hit.
This metafictive romp follows a child who encounters, flees from and then befriends a tiger.
The protagonist’s direct address and gaze immediately engage readers with the question, “Are you ready for a story?” Ensuing pages deliver a hide-and-seek narrative as the child spies: a tiger’s tail amid swinging monkeys; its shadow hidden in a bat cave; its tail hidden among slithering snakes; and its body camouflaged by flowers. The tiger seems less than fearsome, but the child nevertheless flees when it appears disguised as a ship's captain, and again when it emerges with a roar from a treasure chest. But, lo and behold, the tiger isn’t roaring after all; it’s only yawning. “If we scratch his ears and rub his belly, maybe he’ll go to sleep,” the child says. “Better yet, let’s tell him a story.” A page turn finds the child back at the opening scene with the monkeys to start the story again. This time, however, a crocodile tail (rather than the initial scene’s tiger tail) hangs from above, delivering a punch line that promises another race through the jungle, if a rather obvious quasi-resolution. Throughout, Tankard’s vibrant ink and digitally rendered illustrations express the excitement and fun of the story, elevating the exuberant text to ideal storytime fare.
It’s a tiger, and it’s sure to be a hit. (Picture book. 3-5)Pub Date: Aug. 1, 2012
ISBN: 978-0-8118-6925-6
Page Count: 36
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Review Posted Online: June 12, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2012
Smart and accessible, charming and witty, this is one for educators and adventurers alike.
Hall cleverly plays with homophones in this diverting word adventure.
Three curious cats, propelled by their imaginations, bring books to life as they traverse spacious, white spreads. Together they “flee a steer,” “steer a plane,” “plane a board” and “board a train.” Each sentence or scenario offers hints of what’s to come. Discerning compositions and a rhyming text further drive the momentum until, alas! The words’ many meanings confound these friendly felines. Humorous permutations ensue as the kitties try to untangle their tales. After they successfully "shoo a truly naughty gnu," (it's munching shoes—truly naughty indeed!), things go sadly awry. "They use their paws to rock a squashberry! Rock a squashberry?" Once back on track, they befriend a bear, sail a whale and ultimately find comfort and contentment in words. Digitally collaged illustrations with appealing characters pop from the page. The artwork, simple in its appearance yet interwoven with the text with utmost sophistication, playfully offers the easiest and funniest lesson on homophones possible, inviting repeat readings and likely inspiring continuing silliness.
Smart and accessible, charming and witty, this is one for educators and adventurers alike. (Picture book. 3-5)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2012
ISBN: 978-0-06-191516-1
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Review Posted Online: July 17, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2012
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