It’s not the freshest take on friendship, but the toys bring the point home.
Can these toys get along? Not if they can help it.
Duck and Penguin—the toys in question—are the beloved stuffed-animal pals of BFFs Betty and Maud, respectively. The two love playing together and are convinced their cloth companions are equally enamored of their activities—swinging, building sandcastles, baking, painting, and playing baby dolls. However, the girls are so caught up in their own enjoyment that they’re oblivious to the enmity between the plush animals. When Betty and Maud briefly leave Duck and Penguin on their own, the toys seize the chance to escape being “itty-bitty babies” and do the things they testily endured earlier—but this time, they’ve chosen to do so; unsurprisingly, they have fun. Trouble was, the toys disliked having friendship and games imposed on them. Children will likely get this unoriginal message, but there’s also a cautionary note for well-meaning caregivers who overenforce togetherness on kids. The energetic, expressive, and childlike illustrations will elicit chuckles as spreads portray how much Duck and Penguin initially oppose each other; incorporated onomatopoeic words reinforce their displeasure. The toys are depicted the worse for wear: Duck trails a thread from an unraveling seam, Penguin’s losing stuffing. The ever smiling, brown-haired girls are appealing: Betty is white and bespectacled; Maud is black and wears her hair in two afro puffs.
It’s not the freshest take on friendship, but the toys bring the point home. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-68263-132-4
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Peachtree
Review Posted Online: May 11, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2019
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A tasty holiday confection.
Actor Witherspoon’s latest sees her exuberant young hero returning to celebrate the holidays.
Realizing that it’s nearly Christmas, Busy Betty launches into a brainstorming whirlwind; Betty wants to buy the perfect gifts but lacks the necessary funds. Last summer, Betty and best friend Mae had good luck running a lemonade stand, so the kids start a Christmas cookie stand. But chilly temperatures keep prospective customers away even after Betty and Mae sing loud, creative Christmas carols to get people’s attention and build snowpeople to create the illusion of customers. When Betty’s dog, Frank, accidentally crashes the stand and ruins the beautiful treats, a distraught Betty is sure that “Christmas is ruined!” But upon discovering one intact cookie, Betty has a great idea and dashes to the kitchen to whip up some perfect presents. On Christmas morning, Betty’s homemade gifts are scrumptious and tailor-made for their recipients—a holiday success! Though the story is slightly predictable, Betty’s inimitable voice (“Sweet cinnamon biscuits, it’s Christmas!”) sets it apart; Witherspoon ably captures the emotional extremes that young children often grapple with. Yan’s illustrations effectively portray the steps of Betty’s journey, using a vivid palette of greens and pinks and a dynamic use of perspective to keep wiggly young readers entranced. An appended recipe for cookie bars encourages readers to follow Betty’s worthy example. Busy Betty presents white; Mae is tan-skinned with dark hair.
A tasty holiday confection. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Oct. 15, 2024
ISBN: 9780593525159
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Flamingo Books
Review Posted Online: July 19, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A validating and comforting look at big emotions.
The first day of school overflows with feelings.
Children starting school experience conflicting emotions; the racially diverse youngsters in this book are no different. Throughout, they exhibit excitement, nervousness, fear, happiness, and anxiety. Sobel acknowledges these universal emotions, which stand out on the page in colorful capitals letters: “EMBARRASSED! / Oops! Paint in my hair!” “Hello HAPPY soaring by. / A joyful bird loves to fly.” Lively digital illustrations depict a variety of realistic school scenarios: a child having a meltdown after breaking a pencil and losing a folder; children excitedly playing at recess. The author makes clear that we all experience a range of feelings and that our emotions matter; she also acknowledges that feelings depend on circumstances. The illustrations provide jumping-off points for discussion, so grown-ups reading this book aloud should encourage youngsters to talk about how starting school—or navigating any new life experiences—made them feel and what events triggered the feelings. Helpful backmatter includes questions that adults can ask kids as they read. The author includes comforting, mindful messages: Breathe deeply when you’re upset, don’t be afraid to try new things, and “take time out” when angry. Perhaps most reassuring: “Feelings are not right or wrong. / They find a spot where they belong.”
A validating and comforting look at big emotions. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: June 11, 2024
ISBN: 9780063265783
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Clarion/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: March 9, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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