Kirkus Reviews QR Code
HANDY HOWIE by Lizz  Howe Kirkus Star

HANDY HOWIE

by Lizz Howe illustrated by Lizz Howe

Pub Date: Jan. 9th, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-388-08065-5
Publisher: Blurb

A debut picture book from author/illustrator Howe about a bright blue lobster that would give Wreck-It Ralph’s Fix-It Felix Jr. a run for his money.

Handy Howie is a lobster mechanic who affixes tools to his tail in order to fix the cars of other animals in the area. His first job of the day comes when Grandma Pig Laura’s vehicle springs an oil leak; Howie fixes it, and she pays him in muffins. Later, two turkey construction workers have trouble with their dump truck when the back of it comes loose, an artist iguana has a flat tire, and vacationing Mr. Deer’s headlight goes out. Howie fixes everything in time to snuggle with his lobster children at bedtime. Howe’s rhymes are packed with humor, and the book should have lap readers and newly independent readers alike giggling about the crustacean mechanic’s antics. The author doesn’t seem to have rules about which of her fictional animals wear clothing, as some are fully dressed, and Howie only wears eight yellow boots—but the kid-friendly cartoon style will likely keep young readers from questioning this stylistic choice. They may also appreciate the realistic drawings of Howie’s tools and how his tail looks like it’s on fire when he’s welding.

A fun and silly addition to titles about mechanics, helping others, and animal adventures.