by Julia Donaldson & illustrated by Anna Currey ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 1, 2006
This counting rhyme is sure to comfort any child who has had a stuffed friend suffer a nighttime fall. When Ted tumbles to the bedroom floor, he tries to pull his way back up, but he gets no help from the bed’s sleeping occupant, even when he begins to fuss. Three mice notice, though, and ask him to play. They have adventures galore, driving in four cars, gazing at five stars, but Ted still misses his bed. A frog suggests he build a stair, and all help him, counting each block added. But, “ten bricks crash, / nine frogs hop, / And eight balloons go / BANG SNAP POP!” Luckily, two represents the eyes of his beloved friend, which open and see Ted safely back to bed. Donaldson’s gentle rhymes will lull youngsters to sleep, likely dreaming of their own stuffed animals’ adventures. The numbers are a natural and seamless part of the story. Currey’s objects are large and easy for young listeners to spot and count. Her illustrations fit the mood perfectly, especially the facial expressions on the toys and the mice—they truly come alive. A sweet addition to any bedtime routine. (Picture book. 2-6)
Pub Date: June 1, 2006
ISBN: 0-8050-7787-1
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Henry Holt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2006
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by Katherine Ayres & illustrated by Nadine Bernard Westcott ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 2007
Inside a colorful garden, some plants “grow up,” while others “grow down, and still others grow “around and around.” This catchy, rhyming refrain, with some variation, introduces children to an abundance of garden vegetables and legumes, including corn, carrots, cucumbers, peppers, potatoes, broccoli, beets, green beans, okra, onions and tomatoes, as well as the ambiguous pumpkin, and follows them from seed to plant to lunch. The different plants are shown sprouting under and above ground, and youngsters will delight in the bird- and mole’s-eye perspectives. Energetic watercolor-and-ink illustrations, inhabited by multiracial tots, a farmer, a scarecrow, friendly bugs, worms, crows, rabbits and, of course, a plethora of seeds, plants and produce, are a feast for the eyes and will whet children’s appetites for further knowledge—and for a very healthy lunch. An inviting introduction to the wonder of plants, food and gardening, this charming selection will be a favorite of teachers, students and home readers alike. (Picture book. 2-5)
Pub Date: April 1, 2007
ISBN: 0-7636-2378-4
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2007
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by Jerry Spinelli and illustrated by Jimmy Liao ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 1, 2010
A young boy wonders aloud to a rabbit friend what he will be when he grows up and imagines some outrageous choices. “Puddle stomper,” “bubble gum popper,” “mixing-bowl licker,” “baby-sis soother” are just some of the 24 inspiringly creative vocations Spinelli’s young dreamer envisions in this pithy rhymed account. Aided by Liao’s cleverly integrated full-bleed mixed-media illustrations, which radiate every hue of the rainbow, and dynamic typesetting with words that swoop and dive, the author’s perspective on this adult-inspired question yields some refreshingly child-oriented answers. Given such an irresistible array of options—“So many jobs! / They’re all such fun”—the boy in the end decides, in an exuberant double gatefold, “I’m going to choose… / EVERY ONE!”—a conclusion befitting a generation expected to have more than six careers each. Without parents or peers around to corral this carefree child’s dreams, the possibilities of being whatever one wants appear both limitless and attainable. An inspired take on a timeless question. (Picture book. 3-6)
Pub Date: March 1, 2010
ISBN: 978-0-316-16226-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: April 14, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2010
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