developed by LaLaFish ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 2, 2011
There’s no point in listing the positives; the story itself is so appallingly illogical and poorly told this app should skip...
Three fish contemplate what it means to wear their father’s clothes.
It’s a shame that this app is held hostage by one key component, because it has a whole lot going for it. Clean design? Check. Striking visuals? Check. Decent technological interface, user-friendly navigation and strong audio? Yes, yes and yes. Sensible story? Not even close. Though at first glance, it may appear that this story is about playing dress-up, it’s really about a heavenly father, and his clothes aren’t made of fabric and thread. They’re metaphors for spiritual fortification. Even if readers are religiously in sync with the story, they’re probably not going to emerge from the reading experience with anything but frustration and confusion. The concept was likely inspired by Isaiah 61:10, a Bible verse that references being clothed with garments of salvation and robes of righteousness. But without a working knowledge of Christian theology it would be difficult—if not impossible—to interpret that message. At one point the text reads: “Your father’s clothes, we want them too! / How many pearls would they do?” Clearly, making a rhyme is more important than making sense.
There’s no point in listing the positives; the story itself is so appallingly illogical and poorly told this app should skip the rack and go directly to the thrift store. (iPad storybook app. 2-4)Pub Date: Nov. 2, 2011
ISBN: N/A
Page Count: -
Publisher: LaLaFish
Review Posted Online: Dec. 16, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2012
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by Alice Schertle ; illustrated by Jill McElmurry ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 5, 2016
Beloved Little Blue takes a bit of the mystery—and fear—out of Halloween costumes.
A lift-the-flap book gives the littlest trick-or-treaters some practice identifying partygoers under their costumes.
Little Blue Truck and his buddy Toad are off to a party, and they invite readers (and a black cat) along for the ride: “ ‘Beep! Beep! Beep!’ / says Little Blue. / ‘It’s Halloween!’ / You come, too.” As they drive, they are surprised (and joined) by many of their friends in costume. “Who’s that in a tutu / striking a pose / up on the tiniest / tips of her toes? / Under the mask / who do you see?” Lifting the flap unmasks a friend: “ ‘Quack!’ says the duck. / ‘It’s me! It’s me!’ ” The sheep is disguised as a clown, the cow’s a queen, the pig’s a witch, the hen and her chick are pirates, and the horse is a dragon. Not to be left out, Little Blue has a costume, too. The flaps are large and sturdy, and enough of the animals’ characteristic features are visible under and around the costumes that little ones will be able to make successful guesses even on the first reading. Lovely curvy shapes and autumn colors fade to dusky blues as night falls, and children are sure to notice the traditional elements of a Halloween party: apple bobbing, lit jack-o’-lanterns, and punch and treats.
Beloved Little Blue takes a bit of the mystery—and fear—out of Halloween costumes. (Board book. 2-4)Pub Date: July 5, 2016
ISBN: 978-0-544-77253-3
Page Count: 16
Publisher: HMH Books
Review Posted Online: July 19, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2016
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by Sandra Boynton ; illustrated by Sandra Boynton ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 31, 2023
An upbeat Easter outing with a beloved character.
Pookie celebrates Easter with a play date and holiday activities.
Pookie’s friend Bean, a gray puppy, comes over for Easter fun that includes lots of bouncing around and egg decorating. After Bean goes home, Pookie gets excited about the Easter Bunny’s arrival and goes to sleep dreaming of a large chocolate egg. Like the other Pookie books before it, this one is told in rhyme from the perspective of a loving grown-up addressing the little pig, which keeps the pace moving and makes for a great read-aloud. Bean and Pookie are realistically—and endearingly—childlike, from Pookie’s pronunciation of yellow as “lellow!” to the joyful mess they make while decorating eggs. There are plenty of sweet and festive touches, such as the bunny ears that Bean and Pookie (and Pookie’s teddy) wear and the daffodils painted on the end of Pookie’s bed. The illustrations include large, full-page images as well as smaller vignettes against solid backgrounds. One page shows Pookie and parent looking out the window at the moon, anticipating Easter’s spoils. For fans of Boynton and little Pookie, this Easter tale is exactly as expected: a touch of playfulness, a relatable story, and comfort in the familiar. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
An upbeat Easter outing with a beloved character. (Board book. 2-4)Pub Date: Jan. 31, 2023
ISBN: 978-1-66592-838-0
Page Count: 18
Publisher: Boynton Bookworks
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2022
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