A whimsical story that challenges readers to dream, create, and share their fun with everyone. (Picture book. 3-6)
Blast off! Fun has no limits when you have a jetpack. There’s turbo tag at recess, flying to Nana’s, and even exploring the galaxy.
The adventure begins with an idea: “If you found yourself bored, with nothing to do, you could build your own jetpack.” Although the project might be challenging, cleverness and persistence fuel your journey to the stars. Narrated in second person, the text encourages readers to imagine themselves into the story. A blue bunny with red glasses stands in for the “you” described in the text. As the story progresses, each new adventure becomes increasingly fantastic, from showing off at school and zipping to the front of the lunch line to exploring outer space and earning a medal from the president (a pink-pantsuit–wearing bear). Detlefsen (Time for Cranberries, 2015) and debut picture-book illustrator Hunter develop a rhythm throughout the story by punctuating each scenario with an adverb that receives extra emphasis on the page through colorful, bold display type and other typographical emphasis. The text mingles with the digitally rendered illustrations, curving and zigzagging across the pages. Brightly colored animal characters and pages full of movement fit the playful tone and the theme of imagination.
A whimsical story that challenges readers to dream, create, and share their fun with everyone. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: April 24, 2018
ISBN: 978-0-399-55329-5
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Knopf
Review Posted Online: Jan. 21, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2018
Sublime.
Everyone seeks the magic of the little brown rabbit, but what exactly is it?
All the creatures in the forest have heard of Wazzyjump, the most mysterious creature who lives there. His magic is legendary, but no one seems able to describe it. Lion cannot stand the idea that any animal is more powerful than himself, and he vows to catch Wazzyjump and question him. Learning of this plan, the clever fox decides to search as well...for himself. He happens upon the sleeping rabbit, and the duo ends up laughing and playing all afternoon. The other animals get wind of this and decide to follow the fox the next day. At last, they will have their answer. When they find the rabbit and the fox, the lion tries to pounce on Wazzyjump, again and again, but the rabbit is too quick for him. The lion becomes frustrated beyond roaring, and the only thing that's left to do...is laugh! Soon everyone in the forest is laughing and playing together; and when the lion asks Wazzyjump to explain his magic, the quick little rabbit replies, "What magic?" Moniz's animals have a childlike quality and a soft focus that support his valuable message, which is presented with an admirably light touch. The visual transformation of both the lion and the fox from predator to playmate borders on...the magical.
Sublime. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2012
ISBN: 978-1-89747-658-1
Page Count: 44
Publisher: Simply Read
Review Posted Online: Aug. 7, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2012
BOOK REVIEW
A lighthearted paean to the importance of cleanliness.
Beware the Loch Mess monster!
The legend of the Loch Ness monster is not exactly true. There is no single monster—there are three! Nessie, Fergus, and their wee laddie, Angus, live peacefully together beneath the surface of the lake, obeying proper monster etiquette by following five basic monster rules. All is well until Angus’ untidy ways result in a grottie mess and break rule No. 2 (“Always pick up after yourself”), which leads to an extended stay in his room that’s designed to keep his mess from spreading. Believable, appealing characters and pitch-perfect pacing combine nicely with Lester’s always-humorous text and Munsinger’s hilariously detailed illustrations in this cheerful cautionary tale, as the entertaining Angus, unbothered, simply lets his mess pile up—and up. Before long, he is breaking rule No. 1 (“NevereverEVER go up to the surface of the loch”). What hazardous mysteries await? What strange creatures will Angus see? And how can his problem ever be solved? A welcome addition to any collection, this enjoyable selection will have young readers laughing out loud and maybe even straightening up their rooms in seconds flat (or at least seriously considering the possibility of doing so). A glossary of Scottish terms is included.
A lighthearted paean to the importance of cleanliness. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: March 25, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-544-09990-6
Page Count: 32
Publisher: HMH Books
Review Posted Online: Dec. 17, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2014
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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