by Joseph Theobald & illustrated by Joseph Theobald & developed by Pekingese Puppy ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 30, 2012
At first glance, just a mildly comical set of ovine antics—but with (speaking of “silly games”) a not-so-amusing subtext.
Sheep play sexual politics on the lea in this deceptively bucolic outing.
Suddenly seeing her longtime best friend Marvin “in a different way,” Molly makes courtship overtures to which Marvin is oblivious. She then plays the jealousy card by going off with another sheep who has a feather and other “special things.” Wandering off sadly, Marvin comes upon an outdoor music festival where he’s primped, pampered and given such special things of his own as star-shaped shades and polka-dot shorts. Back in the field, he sings a wild song about how special he is and proposes to Molly—who accepts “[when] we are grown up. But first let’s play lots of silly games together!” In the painted illustrations, flowers nod over clipped greenswards as fleecy sheep drift by and baa or change expression when poked. Along with audio and autoplay options for the story, the app includes painting and dress-up features, plus a link to an unstable but free satellite app in which Marvin can entertainingly be made to blush, fart and belch.
At first glance, just a mildly comical set of ovine antics—but with (speaking of “silly games”) a not-so-amusing subtext. (iPad storybook app. 5-7)Pub Date: July 30, 2012
ISBN: N/A
Page Count: -
Publisher: Pekingese Puppy
Review Posted Online: Sept. 11, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2012
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More by Joseph Theobald
BOOK REVIEW
by Joseph Theobald & illustrated by Joseph Theobald
by Alex Vern & illustrated by Alex Vern ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 2001
The lifecycle of the frog is succinctly summarized in this easy reader for children reading at the late first-grade level. In just one or two sentences per page, Vern details the amazing metamorphosis of the frog from egg to tadpole to adult, even injecting a little humor despite the tight word count. (“Watch out fly! Mmmm!) Large, full-color photographs on white backgrounds clearly illustrate each phase of development. Without any mention of laying eggs or fertilization, the title might be a bit misleading, but the development from black dot egg to full-grown frog is fascinating. A simple chart of the three main lifecycle steps is also included. Lifecycles are part of the standard curriculum in the early elementary grades, and this will be a welcome addition to school and public libraries, both for its informational value and as an easy reader. (Nonfiction/easy reader. 5-7)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2001
ISBN: 0-15-216304-2
Page Count: 20
Publisher: Green Light/Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2001
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by Jory John ; illustrated by Pete Oswald ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 26, 2024
Another quirky take on the series theme that it’s cool to be kind.
The cool beans again step up to do a timorous fellow legume a fava…this time at the pool.
Will a rash decision to tackle the multistory super-slide lead to another embarrassing watery fail for our shy protagonist? Nope, for up the stairs right behind comes a trio of cool beans, each a different type and color, all clad in nothing but dark shades. They make an offer: “It’s not as scary if you go with friends!” As the knobby nerd explains once the thrilling ride down is done, “They all realized that I just needed some encouragement and support.” Just to make sure that both cool and uncool readers get the message, the narrator lets us know that “there are plenty of kind folks who have my back. They’re always there when I need them.” The beany bonhomie doesn’t end at the bottom of the slide, with all gliding down to the shallow end of the pool (“3 INCHES. NO DIVING”) for a splashy finale. This latest early reader starring characters from John and Oswald’s immensely popular Food Group series will be a hit with fans. Fun accessories, such as a bean who rocks pink cat-eye frames, add some pizzazz to the chromatically and somatotypically varied cast.
Another quirky take on the series theme that it’s cool to be kind. (Easy reader. 5-7)Pub Date: March 26, 2024
ISBN: 9780063329560
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Feb. 17, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2024
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by Sarah Weeks ; illustrated by Alex Willmore
by Laura Driscoll ; illustrated by Catalina Echeverri
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BOOK REVIEW
by Jory John ; illustrated by Olivier Tallec
BOOK REVIEW
by Jory John ; illustrated by Pete Oswald
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by Jory John ; illustrated by Erin Kraan
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