To quote the strangest little fellow ever to star in its own Christmas picture book: “Joy.”
Everyone’s favorite multi-eyed forest denizen returns with abundant presents (we just hope you like sticks).
Having shared an incredible love of nature and life itself in Stickler Loves the World (2023), the titular hero—a rotund creature with sticklike limbs and hair—knows precisely what to get everyone for Christmas. Taking on a role that’s usually filled by Santa, Stickler climbs astride Judy, a reindeer with treelike antlers, and delivers a Hop-Higher Stick to Rabbit, an Idea Stick to Crow, and an In-a-Pear-Tree Stick to Partridge (who’s oblivious to the “Twelve Days of Christmas” reference). Upon encountering Doug-the-Fir, Stickler discovers that the introverted tree has been unwillingly trimmed and bedecked in a truly flashy manner. How can Stickler avert attention from shy Doug? Let us simply say that Stickler knows how to bring the glam when necessary. Smith leans hard into the oddest elements of the book (“It was a weird Christmas”), and readers wouldn’t have it any other way. Stickler’s love and care for its friends are oddly touching—in a sea of more saccharine winter holiday selections, this wildly funny, whimsical story stands out in all the best ways. Employing an eclectic combination of materials both traditional (gesso, oil, cold wax on canvas) and digital, Smith creates sweetly surreal visuals. Readers will chuckle at the instructions on the publication page explaining how to “Be a Stickler.”
To quote the strangest little fellow ever to star in its own Christmas picture book: “Joy.” (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Oct. 8, 2024
ISBN: 9780593815281
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Random House Studio
Review Posted Online: July 19, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2024
Familiarity breeds a birthday for the ages in this party worth attending.
Don’t let the Pigeon ruin his own special day!
Anyone who has ever encountered the title character in any of his books—whether his first, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus (2003), or one of its many sequels—will understand that the bird’s innate self-love drives his every interaction. Little wonder, then, that he’s thrilled about his own “bird-day.” He has the hat. He has his “FANCY PLUMAGE.” And, best of all, he will get to blow out a candle “on my bird-day hot dog!” As he revels in the knowledge that this day is all for him, comeuppance is lurking. Someone has already blown out the bird-day candle—and eaten half the hot dog. It turns out that the Pigeon’s frenemy, the Duckling, has the same bird-day—as do a slew of newly hatched chicks. The Pigeon’s obligatory eight-panel freakout ensues. “What am I—invisible? I just want to be seen,” he whimpers, and when he receives some much-needed reassurance, he settles down and willingly shares his special day. While the switch from unapologetic narcissism to mature acceptance happens in the record-breaking span of two pages, the book is as enchanting as the Pigeon’s earlier outings. Even as it walks in the footsteps of its predecessors, there’s no denying the fun to be had.
Familiarity breeds a birthday for the ages in this party worth attending. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: March 31, 2026
ISBN: 9781454999621
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Union Square Kids
Review Posted Online: Nov. 22, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2026
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Sure to have little ones giggling.
Jacques is a hedgehog with a big secret: “I wear real, bona fide underwear.”
Our narrator received a mysterious package one day; an illustration shows a pair of underwear tied to a balloon with a note “from the Universe” floating down into Jacques’ burrow. Hedgehogs don’t wear underwear, however. Will Jacques be shunned? Jacques worries but comes to a decision: “I have to wear them. When I do I feel special.” Determined, Jacques, who’s been invited to a party, makes a dramatic entrance, with undies in hand. Jacques’ declaration (“I WEAR UNDERWEAR”) is met with remarks of dismay, before another hedgehog opens up about similar fears and shows off a pair of cowboy boots. More hedgehogs introduce themselves with their own confessions. The story ends with Jacques unveiling a painting of the underwear in a gallery filled with hedgehogs wearing all sorts of attire. Though the book is simple in plot, characters, and setting, it wins in its balance of bathroom humor, dramatic storytelling, and celebrations of individual expression. French words are peppered throughout, adding to the fun without detracting from the story for those unfamiliar with the language. The cartoonish illustrations brim with fun; Valdez relies heavily on geometric shapes (triangle noses for the hedgehogs; huge circles for their eyes). Details such as speech bubbles and recurring turtle and snake characters contribute to the outlandish humor.
Sure to have little ones giggling. (Picture book. 3-5)Pub Date: April 1, 2025
ISBN: 9781250814388
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Review Posted Online: Feb. 1, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2025
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BOOK REVIEW
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