Pablo, Poppy and Pumpkin are fox cubs with an immense curiosity about humans. They are rather envious of Finbar the cat because he lives in a human house. So, armed with a great deal of bravado and misinformation, Pablo enters the house with his siblings right behind to interrogate Finbar about humans, wreaking utter and very funny havoc. When the family arrives home, they blame the cat for the wreckage. To the cubs’ amusement, Finbar seeks temporary refuge in the foxes’ den because he is in big trouble. The antics of the mischievous Pablo and his (somewhat reluctant) followers are predictable but lively and laugh-provoking. The dialogue and descriptions read like a script with stage directions (the characters star in an animated TV show in the United Kingdom), but young readers will find the language natural and accessible. Bright gouache-and-watercolor illustrations follow the action closely, with great attention to detail. The animals are rendered in solid colors with no shading and are heavily outlined in white, making them pop out of the setting. Lots of fun here. (Picture book. 3-6)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2010
ISBN: 978-1-84507-409-8
Page Count: 36
Publisher: Frances Lincoln
Review Posted Online: Sept. 1, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2010
Team Becker and Denton has again succeeded in creating a book that keeps the attention of young readers and makes them smile.
In a series of scenes both silly and gently humorous, the ever persistent Mouse works hard to persuade gruff-but-lovable bear to become a library user.
“One morning, Bear heard a tap-tap-tapping on his door.” Readers already familiar with the series will recognize this inviting opener, as well as the arrival of Mouse, always “small and gray and bright-eyed.” The use of this familiar introduction works well for beginning readers, who then learn that this time, Bear’s trademark conservatism makes him balk at the idea of visiting a library. After all, he is sure that “he had all the books he would ever need.” Children will love the arbitrary nature of his collection of seven titles: kings and queens, honeybees and “one about pickles.” When Bear has finally been persuaded to go to the library—holding Mouse in a basket as he races there strapped into red roller skates—he continues to be cantankerous in the stacks. The librarian—the solitary human among assorted critters—plays a part in Bear’s latest behavior modification. Although modern libraries are seldom anymore the silent sanctuaries seen within this stately edifice, excellent text and layout combine with friendly illustrations to set the newest generation of readers laughing at the well-worn joke of someone bellowing for quiet in the library.
Team Becker and Denton has again succeeded in creating a book that keeps the attention of young readers and makes them smile. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: July 22, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4924-1
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: May 18, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2014
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
The book is available in just about every format--but this is the perfect one.
It's hard to believe that a pop-up wasn't the creators' original intention, so seamlessly do moveable parts dovetail into this modern classic's storyline.
In contrast to the tale's 1998 pop -up version, the figures here move on every page, and with an unusually graceful naturalism to boot. From pulling down Big Nutbrown Hare's ears on the opening spread to make sure he's listening to drowsily turning his head to accept a final good-night kiss in a multi-leveled pull-down tableau at the close, all of Little Nutbrown Hare's hops, stretches and small gestures serve the poetically spare text—as do Big Nutbrown's wider, higher responses to his charge's challenges. As readers turn a flap to read Big Nutbrown's "But I love you this much," his arms extend to demonstrate. The emotional connection between the two hares is clearer than ever in Jeram's peaceful, restrained outdoor scenes, which are slightly larger than those in the trade edition, and the closing scene is made even more intimate by hiding the closing line ("I love you right up to the moon—and back") until an inconspicuous flap is opened up.
The book is available in just about every format--but this is the perfect one. (Pop-up picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Sept. 13, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-7636-5378-1
Page Count: 16
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: Sept. 21, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2011
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
IN THE NEWS
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
