A brilliantly crafted tale in which persistence pays off.
The plucky pachyderm who mastered cycling in Elena Rides (2023) returns for a new adventure: camping!
Elena, a chunky blue elephant, lugs an enormous box discreetly labeled “Tent-o-Matic.” In her scoutlike neckerchief, Elena’s confident about her tent-pitching abilities. But as soon as she pulls out the tent…“GA-BUNK!” The yellow tent swallows her up! As Elena stews—and thinks—astute readers will have spotted a piece of paper she seems to have missed. Is that a list of instructions? Despite her mental work, the tent is winning: “GA-BOING!” Stomping and pouting, Elena rejects her friend the little red bird’s offer to help. But when she finally follows the directions, cheered on by her avian pal, the tent goes up: “TA-DA!” Sporting a pair of pajamas, with the bird (wearing a jaunty nightcap) perched on her arm, Elena is ready to camp. Both the artwork and the minimal, deliciously onomatopoeia-laden text beautifully convey action, humor, and emotion, from Elena’s initial optimism to her slowly mounting frustration, short-lived rage, and, finally, satisfaction at a job well done. Firm outlines focus on bright indigo Elena, set against white backgrounds, giving the cheery yellow tent in all its contorted configurations maximum impact. For all their simplicity, the illustrations will reward observant readers; Elena’s an endearing yet fully realized character whose emotions ring true.
A brilliantly crafted tale in which persistence pays off. (Early reader. 4-7)Pub Date: June 17, 2025
ISBN: 9781536216424
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: March 22, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2025
Halloween is used merely as a backdrop; better holiday titles for young readers are available.
A ghost learns to appreciate his differences.
The little ghost protagonist of this title is unusual. He’s a quilt, not a lightweight sheet like his parents and friends. He dislikes being different despite his mom’s reassurance that his ancestors also had unconventional appearances. Halloween makes the little ghost happy, though. He decides to watch trick-or-treaters by draping over a porch chair—but lands on a porch rail instead. A mom accompanying her daughter picks him up, wraps him around her chilly daughter, and brings him home with them! The family likes his looks and comforting warmth, and the little ghost immediately feels better about himself. As soon as he’s able to, he flies out through the chimney and muses happily that this adventure happened only due to his being a quilt. This odd but gently told story conveys the importance of self-respect and acceptance of one’s uniqueness. The delivery of this positive message has something of a heavy-handed feel and is rushed besides. It also isn’t entirely logical: The protagonist could have been a different type of covering; a blanket, for instance, might have enjoyed an identical experience. The soft, pleasing illustrations’ palette of tans, grays, white, black, some touches of color, and, occasionally, white text against black backgrounds suggest isolation, such as the ghost feels about himself. Most humans, including the trick-or-treating mom and daughter, have beige skin. (This book was reviewed digitally with 11-by-16.6-inch double-page spreads viewed at 66.2% of actual size.)
Halloween is used merely as a backdrop; better holiday titles for young readers are available. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-7352-6447-2
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Tundra Books
Review Posted Online: July 13, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2020
BOOK REVIEW
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
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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