Next book

BUSY BUZZY BEE

paper 0-7894-4758-4 Readers will delight in this entry in the Eyewitness Readers series, in which Wallace combines a very brief, controlled vocabulary and striking full-color photographs to gracefully explain the life cycle of the honey bee. Inserts of labeled images are provided to help children connect specialized words—those not usually part of a basic reading vocabulary, e.g., hive, nectar, pollen, cell, and bee grub. The only mild reservation may be that the photographs in the book show bees and the hive greatly enlarged; some children will need to be provided with a frame of reference for such giant insects. This is a welcome resource for beginning readers, whose curiosity about nature will propel them through page after page. (Nonfiction. 4-7)

Pub Date: Nov. 1, 1999

ISBN: 0-7894-4759-2

Page Count: 32

Publisher: DK Publishing

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 1999

Categories:
Next book

QUACK AND COUNT

Baker (Big Fat Hen, 1994, etc.) engages in more number play, posing ducklings in every combination of groups, e.g., “Splashing as they leap and dive/7 ducklings, 2 plus 5.” Using a great array of streaked and dappled papers, Baker creates a series of leafy collage scenes for the noisy, exuberant ducklings to fill, tucking in an occasional ladybug or other small creature for sharp-eyed pre-readers to spot. Children will regretfully wave goodbye as the ducks fly off in neat formation at the end of this brief, painless introduction to several basic math concepts. (Picture book. 4-6)

Pub Date: Aug. 1, 1999

ISBN: 0-15-292858-8

Page Count: 24

Publisher: Harcourt

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 1999

Next book

FROGGY PLAYS SOCCER

This latest Froggy title (Froggy Goes to School, 1996, etc.) is utterly unfocused, with the star careening from soccer dolt to Mr. Superkick. Froggy’s team has a big game coming up with the Wild Things, and he is trying to remember the mantra his father, and assistant coach, taught him: “Head it! Boot it! Knee it! Shoot it! But don’t use your hands!” But illegally touching the ball seems to be the least of Froggy’s worries; distraction is his problem. He is so busy turning cartwheels, tying his shoes, and more, that the only time he makes contact with the ball is when it bounces off his head by mistake. Then, when the Wild Things make a breakaway, Froggy has some dazzling moves to avert a score, but forgetfully grabs the ball at the last second. The other team gets a penalty kick, converts it, but then Froggy makes a field-long kick for a game-winning score. London forces Froggy into too many guises—the fool, the hero, the klutz, the fancy dancer—but none of them stick. Remkiewicz’s illustrations have charm; it is in their appeal that this book will find its audience. (Picture book. 2-6)

Pub Date: March 1, 1999

ISBN: 0-670-88257-7

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Viking

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 1999

Close Quickview