This engaging tale may help young readers grappling with big feelings keep their cool.
A teapot learns techniques to help manage his emotions instead of boiling over in this picture book.
Terrance is a little teapot full of huge feelings: “Things never felt small to Terrance. They always felt big and hot.” Granny reminds Terrance before school of what his speech therapist taught him: decide if he’s at a simmer, a steam, or a boil when gauging his emotions. At school, Terrance gets upset over small things: not getting to go first at tea-ball and being told a teapot joke by Lanie Cup. In therapist Lady Grey’s office, Terrance explores his feelings and why he’s upset; he realizes that Lanie isn’t teasing, she just wants to be his friend. When he has the chance to play a game with Lanie at recess, he simmers down and suggests taking turns. Cloherty adapts real-world techniques that encourage balanced emotional responses to a pun-filled story. Teacups, pots, glasses, kettles, and spoons populate this imaginary world, making metaphoric emotional responses literal. The author transforms some complex ideas into accessible language, making it easy for young readers and adults to discuss ways to apply techniques, guided by prompts and descriptions in the backmatter. Additional text and milestones provide helpful resources for adults. Lopez’s cartoon illustrations deftly portray Terrance’s steaming responses, and the kid-friendly designs and compositions will encourage reader giggles.
This engaging tale may help young readers grappling with big feelings keep their cool.Pub Date: Feb. 22, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-58041-279-7
Page Count: 36
Publisher: ASHA Press
Review Posted Online: March 21, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2022
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
These reindeer games are a bit tired but, given the series’ popularity, should have a large, ready-made audience.
The How to Catch A… crew try for Comet.
Having already failed to nab a Halloween witch, the Easter Bunny, a turkey, a leprechaun, the Tooth Fairy, and over a dozen other iconic trophies in previous episodes of this bestselling series, one would think the racially diverse gaggle of children in Elkerton’s moonlit, wintry scenes would be flagging…but no, here they lay out snares ranging from a loop of garland to an igloo baited with reindeer moss to an enticing candy cane maze, all in hopes of snagging one of Santa’s reindeer while he’s busy delivering presents. Infused with pop culture–based Christmas cheer (“Now I’ve already seen the shelf with the elf”), Comet prances past the traps until it’s time to gather up the kids, most of whom look terrified, for a group snapshot with the other reindeer and then climb back into harness: “This was a great stop but a few million to go / Christmas Eve must continue with style!” Though festive, the verse feels trite and unlikely to entice youngsters. A sprinkling of “True Facts About Reindeer” (“They live in the tundra, where they have friends like the arctic bunny”) wrap up this celebration of the predatory spirit. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
These reindeer games are a bit tired but, given the series’ popularity, should have a large, ready-made audience. (Picture book. 5-7)Pub Date: Oct. 4, 2022
ISBN: 9781728276137
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Sourcebooks Wonderland
Review Posted Online: Dec. 12, 2022
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BOOK REVIEW
Another Seuss-chimera joins the ranks of the unforgettable Herlar and with the advent of the Grinch— a sort of Yule Ghoul who lives in a cave just north of who-ville. While all the Who's made ready on Christmas Eve the Grinch donned a Santa-Claus disguise. In gurgling verse at a galloping gait, we learn how the Grinch stole the "presents, the ribbons, the wrappings, the tags, the tinsel and trappings," from all the Who's. But the Grinch's heart (two sizes too small) melted just in time when he realized that the Who's enjoyed Christmas without any externals. Youngsters will be in transports over the goofy gaiety of Dr. Seuss's first book about a villain — easily the best Christmas-cad since Scrooge. Inimitable Seuss illustrations of the Grinch's dog Max disguised as a reindeer are in black and white with touches of red. Irrepressible and irresistible.
Pub Date: Oct. 12, 1957
ISBN: 0394800796
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: Oct. 19, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1957
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BOOK REVIEW
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