by Linda Ravin Lodding ; illustrated by Constanze von Kitzing ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 1, 2017
A fanciful offering for those who take tea.
It’s time for tea!
When the Queen decides to come to tea, Ellie, fair-skinned and with a brown bowl cut, has a lot to do. First, accompanied by her beloved elephant, she must go to Paris for pastries. Since the Queen must have the best, it’s all the way to China for tea. Naturally, they must go to Italy for lemons, and finally, the two are off to New York for the finest in tutus. Quite a day! While the text itself is simple and straightforward and implies that the events are actually occurring, colorful acrylic illustrations show Ellie and her stuffed animals off on their travels, mixing Ellie’s imaginative journey with both realistic and fantastical details. Teatime is an animated celebration, and before Ellie and the guests who have returned with her (her toys) realize it, the cake is almost gone and it’s time to dance. Ellie is the only one awake by the time the Queen (presumably her mother) arrives, and the two have a lovely time on their own. But wait—it looks like the King is coming for a feast tomorrow! While a bit lightweight and insubstantial, this is still a pleasing tale with an active heroine and references to travel, and it should prepare youngsters for their own imaginative play with their animals and adults.
A fanciful offering for those who take tea. (Picture book. 2-5)Pub Date: Feb. 1, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-4926-0757-1
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Review Posted Online: Nov. 22, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2016
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by Fran Manushkin ; illustrated by Lauren Tobia ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 25, 2015
The combination of lovingly humorous and detailed mixed-media illustrations and infectious rhymes will cause little ones and...
More than skin deep, this rhyming paean to diversity offers readers an array of families of all colors and orientations, living and loving one another in a vibrant city setting.
A giggling baby is tummy-tickled by her white and black mothers (or white mother and black father—impressively, the illustration leaves room for interpretation) in New York’s Central Park in its summertime glory. "This is how we all begin: / small and happy in our skin." This celebration of skin not only extols the beauty and value of various skin colors, but also teaches the importance of skin as an essential body part: “It keeps the outsides out / and your insides in.” Park, public-pool, and block-party scenes allow readers to luxuriate in a teeming city where children of all colors, abilities, and religions enjoy their families and neighbors. The author and illustrator do not simply take a rote, tokenistic approach to answering the cry for diverse books; the words and pictures depict a much-needed, realistic representation of the statement “it takes a village to raise a child” when a child skins her knee and many rush to her aid and comfort. Though her palette of browns is a little limited, Tobia creates sheer joy with her depictions of everything from unibrows, dimples, and birthmarks to callouts to recognizable literary characters.
The combination of lovingly humorous and detailed mixed-media illustrations and infectious rhymes will cause little ones and their families to pore over this book again and again. (Picture book. 2-5)Pub Date: Aug. 25, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-7636-7002-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: May 11, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2015
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by Joanna Walsh & illustrated by Judi Abbot ‧ RELEASE DATE: Dec. 20, 2011
Although a bit on the slight side, this offering is infused with a warm, light humor just right for cuddling up with a young...
This title previously published in the U.K. takes a cozy look at all kinds of kisses.
Walsh’s rhyming text is full of cutesy rhythms: “Kisses on noses, kisses on toes-es. Sudden kisses when you least supposes.” Sometimes the phrasing stumbles: “Who likes to kiss? I do! I do! Even the shy do. Why not try, too?” But toddlers and young preschoolers will probably not mind. They will be too engaged in spotting the lively penguin on each spread and too charmed by Abbot’s winsome illustrations that fittingly extend the wording in the story. Patient dogs queue up for a smooch from a frog prince, cool blue “ ’normous elephants” contrast strikingly with bright red “little tiny ants” and a bewildered monkey endures a smattering of lipstick kisses. Be the kiss small or tall, one to start or end the day, young readers are reminded that “the very best kiss… / is a kiss from you!” Perhaps no big surprise but comforting nonetheless.
Although a bit on the slight side, this offering is infused with a warm, light humor just right for cuddling up with a young tyke or sharing with a gathering for storytime. (Picture book. 2-5)Pub Date: Dec. 20, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4424-2769-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Paula Wiseman/Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Nov. 19, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2011
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