A charming look at a traditional and contemporary Thanksgiving celebration offers youngsters a chance to share their thanks for everything from play to family, kisses to piggyback rides. “Thank you for school—I love to feel smart!” Nothing seems to be missing—except perhaps a mention of grandma and grandpa, though they are at the table—in this thoughtful and lively recitation of all things for which one is thankful. Easy-to-read large black type will attract the very youngest of readers. Barrette’s watercolors are inspired—reflecting and embellishing—with children, not quite perfect, endearing animals, and fun-filled scenes full of details, from drawer handles to table decorations. Each double-paged spread seems worthy of being framed as a piece of whimsical art. A perfect offering for inspiring one’s own list of thankful thoughts. (Picture book. 4-8)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2004
ISBN: 0-06-051096-X
Page Count: 32
Publisher: HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2004
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Another resounding success for this series.
A new dino-centered collaboration from Yolen and Teague is definitely a sweet treat.
In rhyming text, Yolen amuses by wondering how these trick-or-treating reptiles would carry their candy and speculating on some unwelcome behaviors (“Does he stomp on the pumpkins and throw around bits?” “Does she grab for more treats and then make a big mess?”) before asserting that dinosaurs would never! Encountering the dinos on a suburban street, diverse costumed kids initially look startled, then pleased when the creatures show they know the ropes. Cadence and clear language carry readers smoothly along to a message of loving reassurance. Teague depicts lesser-known genera, including Massospondylus, Jainosaurus, and Labocania. As in the other titles in this extensive and popular series, he combines accuracy with rampant imagination and artistic flair; the dinosaurs have authentic body shapes, but since we know little about what their skin or feathers looked like, he freely plays with pattern and color. Teague’s precise, hyperrealistic reptiles walk—or strut—upright. They sport swaths of lime green or electric blue and purple, their scales embellished with flamelike streaks, bands, stripes, dots, and studs. The gentle words, absurd humor, and elegant artwork remind readers about social norms. Children can see themselves in these books and will enjoy the unthreatening proximity to some scaly but fascinating prehistoric predators.
Another resounding success for this series. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: July 2, 2024
ISBN: 978-1338891980
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Scholastic
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2024
A sweet story highlighting nonromantic love during the Valentine season.
In a big, old house on a snowy hill, the Amore family of nine celebrates Valentine's Day.
Mia Valentina, the youngest family member, and Mama clean the house and decorate for the Amores’ favorite holiday. Then Mia’s mother helps her make thoughtful but funny valentines for her 6 siblings. When Papa and the rest of the clan return home from a basketball game, Mia’s siblings get a kick out of their valentines, and Papa presents Mama with chocolate cherry cordials, but no one gives Mia a gift. While the family has dinner and plays games, Mia’s sadness seemingly goes unnoticed. It’s not until bedtime that she makes a discovery that chases away her gloom. The pages of this book are text-heavy, making it a good springboard for young readers making the transition to chapter books. The light pink pages, cheerful illustrations, and homespun authenticity of the text will appeal to children. The cozy Appalachian mountain setting shines through. Crafty types will glean inspiration to create a gumdrop tree, custom valentines, or themed cupcakes. Mentions of an antique washing machine and patched-up windows establish the Amores as a working-class family. The old house and large family could be read as standard storybook fare or, by more critical readers, as a romanticized image of rural life, and the didactic ending feels old-fashioned. The Amores are White. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A sweet story highlighting nonromantic love during the Valentine season. (Illustrated text. 4-7)Pub Date: Dec. 28, 2021
ISBN: 978-0-593-20331-6
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Dec. 2, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
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