Being an older sibling has never been this harrowing—and hilarious.
Taking care of a younger sibling is a challenge for Chick, especially when the sibling is still in his egg.
Watching his unhatched baby brother is so boring that Chick falls fast asleep just as things are about to get interesting. A “CRACK” is the first sign that baby brother is about to be born; two orange legs poking out the bottom of the egg are the second and third. Once baby brother has legs, he is off like a shot. Chick chases his charge through the farmyard, through the pigsty, and on to the shearing barn (where a close encounter with scissors is nearly the end of this babysitter!). Just when things could not get any more treacherous, the legs and egg run right into a sleeping bull. Droll watercolor-and-ink illustrations bring Chick to life for young listeners, who will quickly identify with both chicks, depending on birth order. Deft and subtle brush strokes show Chick’s emotional state as he cycles from boredom and frustration to worry and terror to, finally, blessed relief. Children will grimace along with the little chick stuck in the pig’s muck and chuckle when a carefully placed speech bubble screams “Hey! That’s my bottom!” when Chick nearly gets snipped in the shearing barn. Finally, everyone can take a deep breath when Chick and his nearly hatched brother make it back to the coop just in the nick of time.
Being an older sibling has never been this harrowing—and hilarious. (Picture book. 3-7)Pub Date: Jan. 24, 2017
ISBN: 978-0-553-52319-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: Sept. 18, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2016
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A tender tale of friendship, timed for Thanksgiving.
In a new companion to Bear Snores On and Bear Wants More (2002, 2003), a lovable bevy of friends come together again for feast and fun.
Bear is bored and lonely and decides that a dinner party is the perfect way to gather all his friends for some sharing and fun, but there is no food to be found in his cave. One by one his friends stop by, each bringing something delicious with open-hearted enthusiasm. Mouse, Hare, Badger, Gopher, Mole and feathered friends Owl, Raven and Wren pool their goodies and create a glorious feast. Bear is grateful and warmed by their generosity and, as in previous works, the title refrain is repeated at every offering. But he is also embarrassed at having nothing to contribute. His friends reassure him that he has stories to share that will make the feast special. The lilting verse is neither trite nor singsong, and movement and excitement are conveyed as the animals flap, flitter, hurry and tromp into Bear’s home. Rich autumn hues abound throughout, from the opening double-page spread to the glowing earth-toned cave strewn with twigs and colorful leaves. Deep friendship is supremely evident in facial expressions and body language and their joy at being together. Who would not love this cuddly, soft, furry creature?
A tender tale of friendship, timed for Thanksgiving. (Picture book. 3-7)Pub Date: Sept. 4, 2012
ISBN: 978-1-4169-5856-7
Page Count: 40
Publisher: McElderry
Review Posted Online: Aug. 7, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2012
Relatable bedtime fare.
In this picture book from comedian Gatto, a little one embarks on a nighttime detective caper while also learning some calming techniques.
Tucked into bed, a light-skinned youngster with a mop of brown hair is almost ready to go to sleep, but something’s missing. Eyes wide, mouth agape, the child wonders, “Where’s Bearry?” The snuggly teddy is lost. Armed with a household map and magnifying glass and trailed by a pup sidekick, the tot searches high and low. “He’s not in the playroom / with my robot and blocks. / He’s not in the hamper / with all the stinky socks.” More searching comes up empty, and the increasingly distraught narrator worries, “Maybe he took a trip on the ferry? / Oh no! I’m freaking out! // WHERE’S BEARRY?!?!” Luckily, the youngster remembers to take a deep breath and count down from three. These actions help soothe the intrepid detective, and suddenly, all becomes clear. (Spoiler alert: Bearry is found.) The jaunty, singsong text trips up a bit here and there but propels the mystery forward. Flowers’ colorful art captures the wide range of emotions the youngster experiences: sadness, panic, serenity, and relief.
Relatable bedtime fare. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Sept. 3, 2024
ISBN: 9780593750193
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Penguin Workshop
Review Posted Online: June 15, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2024
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