In the end, we are not amused.
No doubt meant to be droll, this arch fictionalized biography of the girl who became Queen Victoria misses the mark.
Most of the facts are here: her six unsatisfactory uncles, her beloved dog Dash, her ascension to the throne at age 18. There is a glimpse of Albert, her royal first cousin, whom she loved and who would become her spouse. But the text focuses on the years before: People call her Vicky; much is made of her lack of chin and lack of height; her mother keeps her under tight control. All of her mother's dialogue is written in a Hogan's Heroes–esque, German-accented English, which just doesn't seem very funny in the 21st century. The Duchess, her mother, on her late husband: “How fine he vos! And vot a great kink he vould haf mate, eef his horrid brudders hadn't been born before him. How dey all hated each udder!” The villainous Sir John Conroy, who worked with Victoria's mother to make her utterly dependent (and whom she instantly dismissed from court upon her coronation), plays his part, as does Lehzen, Victoria's cherished governess. The brightly colored illustrations are exaggerated and cartoony, a good match for the text.
In the end, we are not amused. (chronology, list of kings and queens) (Historical fiction. 7-10)Pub Date: July 1, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-84780-083-1
Page Count: 112
Publisher: Frances Lincoln
Review Posted Online: May 20, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2011
A kids’ story that offers a warm reminder of what it means to be openhearted.
A young boy learns to face his fears in Annunziata’s uplifting debut illustrated children’s book.
For as long as he can remember, Caleb has wanted to climb a tall mountain near his house, but fear has kept from attempting it. In fact, he’s so scared of what could go wrong during a climb that he lives in a constant state of worry and anxiety—until one fateful day, when he decides to take his first step on the path up the mountain. Caleb feels an initial rush of excitement, but instead of his fear going away, it becomes even stronger. While resting under a tree, he meets a wise, talking dove that teaches him how to slow down and enjoy the journey. It soon becomes clear to the boy that he was rushing things because he was still afraid. Taking the dove’s advice, he slowly begins to notice the wondrous beauty that surrounds him and ultimately sees the world in a new way. Soon, he feels ready to take on more adventures. This children’s story presents a surprisingly profound message with beautiful, full-color illustrations and a gentle tone. The dove represents the boy’s guardian angel, and the dialogue reflects this deeper sentiment: “I have always been with you, Caleb. My guidance has been ever present for you and forever will be.” An accompanying image then depicts an angel following Caleb, instead of a bird. (The angel and Caleb both appear to be light-skinned in the uncredited illustrations.) This notion of a spiritual being guiding one’s every move appears throughout the narrative, which also effectively emphasizes the importance of learning to be present in the moment. Caleb’s personal transformation from a scared little boy to a brave one will be relatable to readers of all ages.
A kids’ story that offers a warm reminder of what it means to be openhearted.Pub Date: Sept. 6, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-982234-00-3
Page Count: 40
Publisher: BalboaPress
Review Posted Online: March 2, 2020
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
A sure hit for jazz fans who like to dance along with their read-alouds.
A band of insects, speaking Spanish, French, and jazz scat, survives a shipwreck in this third installment of a picture-book series.
The Jazz Bugs—featuring Jazz Fly on drums, Nancy the Gnat on saxophone, Centipede Sam on piano, and Willie the Worm on bass—perform on the cruise ship SS Le Magnifique, with Capt. Cockroach at the helm. The group plays so well that no one notices the thunder in the distance or the rolling of the ship until a storm hits and the vessel crashes on the shoals. With the help of the band, Capt. Cockroach gets the passengers aboard lifeboats. Most of the musicians find safety in a glass bottle until the tempest passes. While much of the adventure involves the band’s waiting for rescue, the story isn’t the highlight here. Gollub’s use of music, especially when the book is accompanied by the included CD or audio download, gives the tale its texture. The author’s phrases don’t always rhyme, which could baffle grown-ups trying to read this work aloud. But the audio enhances the experience, exposing kids to music in 5/4 or 7/8 time. The inclusion of Spanish and French is seamless, especially when pronounced by Gollub and the other performers. Hanke’s bright, eye-catching illustrations are sure child pleasers, and, despite the dangerous storm, her depictions of peril are never too scary for young readers.
A sure hit for jazz fans who like to dance along with their read-alouds.Pub Date: Jan. 1, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-889910-54-3
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Tortuga Press
Review Posted Online: Aug. 5, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2020
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
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