A good choice for pet lovers and those who are dealing with uncertain family dynamics
Things are hard for middle grader Reece, with his parents newly split up and Ruckus, his young, energetic, and appropriately named Jack Russell terrier, proving to be a behavioral challenge.
The final straw is when Ruckus eats Reece’s mom’s diamond earrings. Will he be able to pass them, or might it make him terribly sick? Reece is tasked with pushing all of Ruckus’ poop through a sieve in an effort to recover the missing jewels—a storyline with a significant ick factor that’s sure to appeal to the young intended audience. Meanwhile Reece frets about his parents’ uncertain relationship and his rising worry that his mom will return Ruckus to the breeder. Although this is a brief tale, the characters all are believably depicted, and the theme of a family in flux is pertinent for many potential readers. Elmquist keeps the story real: Reece’s parents aren’t likely to reunite, but he begins to develop some understanding of their individual needs, and Ruckus is given an outlet for his boundless energy, making for an optimistic conclusion. Parkins’ detailed illustrations are particularly attractive and break up the brief chapters, making this an inviting read for those newly transitioned to chapter books. They depict Reece and his family as white.
A good choice for pet lovers and those who are dealing with uncertain family dynamics . (Fiction. 6-8)Pub Date: Sept. 3, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-4598-1795-1
Page Count: 96
Publisher: Orca
Review Posted Online: May 21, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2019
A lesson that never grows old, enacted with verve by two favorite friends
Gerald the elephant learns a truth familiar to every preschooler—heck, every human: “Waiting is not easy!”
When Piggie cartwheels up to Gerald announcing that she has a surprise for him, Gerald is less than pleased to learn that the “surprise is a surprise.” Gerald pumps Piggie for information (it’s big, it’s pretty, and they can share it), but Piggie holds fast on this basic principle: Gerald will have to wait. Gerald lets out an almighty “GROAN!” Variations on this basic exchange occur throughout the day; Gerald pleads, Piggie insists they must wait; Gerald groans. As the day turns to twilight (signaled by the backgrounds that darken from mauve to gray to charcoal), Gerald gets grumpy. “WE HAVE WASTED THE WHOLE DAY!…And for WHAT!?” Piggie then gestures up to the Milky Way, which an awed Gerald acknowledges “was worth the wait.” Willems relies even more than usual on the slightest of changes in posture, layout and typography, as two waiting figures can’t help but be pretty static. At one point, Piggie assumes the lotus position, infuriating Gerald. Most amusingly, Gerald’s elephantine groans assume weighty physicality in spread-filling speech bubbles that knock Piggie to the ground. And the spectacular, photo-collaged images of the Milky Way that dwarf the two friends makes it clear that it was indeed worth the wait.
A lesson that never grows old, enacted with verve by two favorite friends . (Early reader. 6-8)Pub Date: Nov. 4, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-4231-9957-1
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Hyperion
Review Posted Online: Nov. 4, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2014
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Cuándo quieras un perro feliz, look no further.
A young Latine boy finally gets to rescue the dog of his dreams, but training can be a challenge in two languages.
Like many children, José has been dreaming of having a pet of his own, specifically un perro, a dog. Like any good owner, José promptly begins training his new canine companion but soon realizes his rescue mutt, Feliz, knows only words in English. This is a problem because in José’s home everyone speaks both Spanish and English. José and Feliz must rise to the challenge; fortunately, treats and snuggles are great motivators. The narrative uses Spanish words and phrases throughout (“perros blancos,” “¡Yo quiero este!” “¡Sientate!”), usually with English context clues for understanding. This is complex vocabulary for an early reader, and the shifting in phonics from English to Spanish will be challenging for true beginners; the book is best suited for intermediate to advanced readers in dual-language classrooms or homes. Much like Feliz, however, it is sure to find a loving (and bilingual) home. Cheerful illustrations complement the text, helping readers make sense of the narrative. While José and his mother are darker-skinned, his father and sister are lighter-skinned. (This review has been updated for accuracy.)
Cuándo quieras un perro feliz, look no further. (glossary of Spanish-English words) (Early reader. 6-8)Pub Date: April 25, 2023
ISBN: 978-0-593-52116-8
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Penguin Workshop
Review Posted Online: Jan. 11, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
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