A relatable tale about comfort items for young readers.
A small child takes their toy everywhere they go in Levy’s picture book.
An unnamed narrator is annoyed that their 6-year-old brother, Sam, frequently leaves his beloved stuffed lamb, Lulu Lamby, in restaurants and shops, among other places. The text details Sam’s attachment to Lulu and explains how the toy has grown gray and floppy over the years. Although Sam’s mother implores him to stop bringing Lulu everywhere, he refuses; the boy is relieved when his doctor tells him, “Having a lovey is okay.” The narrator goes on to explain how Mom often misplaces her cellphone, too, and Sam realizes that her phone is her own “lovey.” After the boy points this out, the narrator says, “Mom didn’t try quite as hard to get Sam to leave Lulu Lamby at home.” Sam’s attachment to his beloved toy will be very familiar to readers around his age, and the book’s discussion questions will encourage them to think about their own special items. Hope’s colorful, cheerful illustrations simply and sweetly reflect scenarios mentioned throughout the story. The adorable toy lamb is shown in a range of different places, including the beach, a taco truck, and a fire station. The narrator is never shown in the illustrations, and Mom's and Sam’s faces are hidden; the doctor appears light-skinned.
A relatable tale about comfort items for young readers.Pub Date: Dec. 14, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-578-83263-0
Page Count: -
Publisher: Self
Review Posted Online: Jan. 10, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2021
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
A book that will make young dog-owners smile in recognition and confirm dogless readers' worst suspicions about the mayhem caused by pets, even winsome ones. Sam, who bears passing resemblance to an affable golden retriever, is praised for fetching the family newspaper, and goes on to fetch every other newspaper on the block. In the next story, only the children love Sam's swimming; he is yelled at by lifeguards and fishermen alike when he splashes through every watering hole he can find. Finally, there is woe to the entire family when Sam is bored and lonely for one long night. Boland has an essential message, captured in both both story and illustrations of this Easy-to-Read: Kids and dogs belong together, especially when it's a fun-loving canine like Sam. An appealing tale. (Picture book. 4-8)
Pub Date: April 1, 1996
ISBN: 0-8037-1530-7
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Dial Books
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1996
Sloat collaborates with Huffman, a Yu’pik storyteller, to infuse a traditional “origins” tale with the joy of creating. Hearing the old women of her village grumble that they have only tasteless crowberries for the fall feast’s akutaq—described as “Eskimo ice cream,” though the recipe at the end includes mixing in shredded fish and lard—young Anana carefully fashions three dolls, then sings and dances them to life. Away they bound, to cover the hills with cranberries, blueberries, and salmonberries. Sloat dresses her smiling figures in mixes of furs and brightly patterned garb, and sends them tumbling exuberantly through grassy tundra scenes as wildlife large and small gathers to look on. Despite obtrusively inserted pronunciations for Yu’pik words in the text, young readers will be captivated by the action, and by Anana’s infectious delight. (Picture book/folktale. 6-8)
Pub Date: June 1, 2004
ISBN: 0-88240-575-6
Page Count: 32
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2004
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