A dip in the tub is cause for celebration in this effervescent addition to the Harper Growing Tree series. With the companionship of a toy duck and frog, a gleefully dirty tot frolics about in the bath. Amid the froth of bubbles and fun, the child emerges squeaky-clean and, after a brisk towel dry, is ready to be trundled off to bed for a good night’s sleep. Appelt’s (Rain Dance, p. 654, etc.) cheery rhymes capture all the magic of tub time for toddlers: wacky shampoo hairdos, oodles of bubbles, and more. Playful verses deftly express the universal delight all children have in splashing about. An abundance of nonsense words combined with the exuberant rhymes make for rib-tickling read-aloud sessions. “Bubbles, bubbles in the tubbles, / splish, splash, splooshy scrubbles. / Glimmer, glitter through the air. / Bubbles, bubbles everywhere.” Kosaka’s (Let’s Count the Raindrops, p. 662, etc.) illustrations are ideal for young readers; the simple layout of the full-bleed spreads feature large-scale pictures of the tot merrily washing up. The subtle humor of the illustrations, conveyed through the animated expressions of the child’s toys, mirrors the jaunty tenor of the verses. Jolly fun for little ones. (Picture book. 2-5)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2001
ISBN: 0-694-01458-3
Page Count: 24
Publisher: HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: May 20, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2001
Categories: CHILDREN'S HEALTH & DAILY LIVING
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Flash those pearly whites!
Renowned poet Florian’s jaunty rhymes suggest that a hygiene ritual many children consider bothersome can be “fun! fun! fun!” Each spread features lively scenes showing kids demonstrating tooth- and mouth-cleansing techniques as well as two couplets in which the second exclamatory lines—containing a word repeated three times—rhyme with each other (“Toothpaste on the / brush! brush! brush!” “Take your time. / Don’t rush! rush! rush!”). Parents and caregivers seeking an enjoyable, stimulating way to motivate youngsters to perform this important daily task may wish to recite the rollicking verses to provide a pleasant, rhythmic, chanting “background” whenever their kids wield their toothbrushes. The colorful, energetic illustrations depict happy, wide-eyed, racially diverse small children—some with missing teeth—taking care of their oral-hygiene business with gusto. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
We’ll say it: a toothsome experience. (Board book. 2-5)Pub Date: July 5, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-4998-1340-1
Page Count: 18
Publisher: Little Bee Books
Review Posted Online: May 25, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2022
Categories: CHILDREN'S HEALTH & DAILY LIVING
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That most basic of functions, subject of countless earnest tomes, at last receives a treatment whose instructional value is equaled by its entertainment value. “If you ever get that funny feeling . . . ” reads a series of signs borne by a host of cheerful, cartoony mice as they fly, drive, march, and (in at least one instance) get shot from a cannon past a bevy of dubious-looking multicultural children: “don’t PANIC! Don’t FRET!” The simple text is direct, not without humor (“And please don’t ignore it!”), and wonderfully child-wise, providing the critical reassurance that “everything will still be right where it was.” The multitudinous mice in their kite-flying, instrument-playing, sky-diving, helicopter-driving variety constitute a visual feast that enlivens the simple text and will keep the inevitable re-readings from becoming snooze-inducing. The uncluttered layout allows the children to take center stage while the legions of mice, with their text-bearing signs, happily perform their supporting roles. Those kids move from doubt to magnificent relief to pride in a happily encouraging progression, making this offering number one in the potty department. (Picture book. 2-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2003
ISBN: 0-7868-1868-9
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Hyperion
Review Posted Online: May 20, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2003
Categories: CHILDREN'S CONCEPTS | CHILDREN'S HEALTH & DAILY LIVING
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