Lovers of all things repellent can consider this a sparkly, smelly present.
It’s hard to ignore bodily functions when they come with magical properties.
Ever wondered what unicorn poop is really like? No? For readers who have, a wide array of tears, snot, vomit, and other sundry yet sparkly effluents are stuffed into a single solitary tome. Following a predictable gross-then-adorable pattern, the text treats readers to answers to questions they probably never imagined asking: about what happens when a unicorn happens to sneeze (sparkly glitter falls from the sky), spit (chocolate syrup is sprayed on sundaes), fart (bubbles!), etc. The author, who self-identifies as a “recreational cryptozoologist,” does at least hold back on speculating on unicorn blood, urine, and pus, but this is small comfort when faced with the image of children of different skin tones frolicking in unicorn vomit (ribbons). Brightly colored, festive art does much to mitigate some of the book’s more stomach-turning implications, but when it comes to rainbow-colored poop, there’s only so much that one can do. Readers in the thrall of the disgusting will be rapt as they consider the implications of each new revelation. Readers looking for another cute unicorn book are probably best advised to avoid this one, though the mere presence of the sparkly beast may overcome all.
Lovers of all things repellent can consider this a sparkly, smelly present. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2019
ISBN: 978-0-7624-6712-9
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Running Press
Review Posted Online: July 23, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2019
PERSPECTIVES
Reassuring and endearing.
“Witch” for something; you may get it.
The Witchling’s cozy mountaintop house contains the usual witchy accoutrements—bats, a cauldron, a book of spells. But these don’t compensate for what she really wants—a friend. The Witchling finds a recipe for conjuring one but notices she’s lacking one ingredient: fur from a one-eyed teddy bear. In her mind’s eye, the Witchling envisions a fearsome creature, but she musters courage and whooshes off on her broom to locate it—and lands in the bed of a little girl, the animal’s owner. After the Witchling warns her to beware of bears, the girl explains her dearly loved (stuffed) pal is harmless and will gladly donate his last hair to the cause. The Witchling demurs, recognizing the unbreakable bond between girl and cherished toy while joyfully realizing that, through kindness, she’s found true friendship, too. Friendship stories aren’t new, but this sweet British import, told in lively verses that scan well, will find a receptive audience. Children will enjoy poring over details of the Witchling’s cozy home and appreciate the easy camaraderie the protagonists quickly develop. The charming illustrations, rendered in watercolor, pencil, printed-pattern collage, and Photoshop, feature a light-skinned witch sporting an oversize green, star-bedecked hat; her new friend is brown-skinned. Type that often meanders playfully on pages and employs large capitals for dramatic effect enhances the child appeal. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Reassuring and endearing. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: July 5, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-5476-0906-2
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Review Posted Online: March 29, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2022
For those on a quest for a different take on a holiday tail—oops!—tale.
A mix of medieval derring-do and Hanukkah preparation and celebration.
A map of a castle and its environs opens the tale. The eight knights, diverse in gender and race, are siblings, the children of Lady Sadie. She sends them forth on great steeds to foil the “dastardly dragon named Dreadful,” which is wreaking havoc with the realm’s Hanukkah celebrations. Their weapons are “awesome kindness and stupendous bravery.” Sir Alex carves a replacement for a charred dreidel. Sir Gabriel helps prepare latkes. Sir Margaret assists with making applesauce. Others perform the “mitzvah of bringing chicken soup to the hungry,” fry doughnuts, and clean the castle. The last two—Sir Isabella and Sir Rugelach—prepare to do battle with the dragon until they discover that it is just a “baby dragon” named Rosie. And so their Round Table is filled with tasty treats and a menorah while guests and brave deed-doers fill the seats. And readers will not be surprised to see who lights the candles. The narrative is laced with medievalesque wordage as in “Hark! Methinks” and “Worryeth not.” Colorful cartoon illustrations portray happy encounters between the knights and the ordinary folk, interspersed with hints to the dragon’s whereabouts.
For those on a quest for a different take on a holiday tail—oops!—tale. (author's note) (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Sept. 15, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-8234-3958-4
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Holiday House
Review Posted Online: Aug. 17, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2020
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