by Margaret Mayo ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 1, 2001
Mayo (Brother Sun, Sister Moon, 2000, etc.) gathers and retells poems, songs and tiny stories in this eclectic medley of classics and newer tidbits. Some pieces are quite short as in the jaunty four lines of “Crocodile Snap” while others are somewhat longer, like the fresh take on the Russian classic of the Gigantic Turnip in “Father Bear’s Enormous Turnip.” But each has the child-pleasing attribute of brevity. Included in this compilation are fanciful insects that help a young reader count to ten, an evocative poem about the intriguing contents of “Granddad’s Shed,” a rollicking rainy-day song, a bathing rhyme, even a couple of pages dedicated to Christmas. But there is so much more; these pages serve up a hefty helping of 34 separate pieces and not a bad one in the bunch. Adding immensely to the value of this work is the assemblage of talented artists. Each of the 24 illustrators, from Tony Ross to Jane Simmons, adds a unique style. Some contribute with sashaying oils, others with absorbing mixed media, stylish watercolors, chalk, and pencil. Words and pictures unite radiantly for a classy and imminently sharable read-aloud. (Nonfiction. 2-6)
Pub Date: Feb. 1, 2001
ISBN: 0-375-81529-5
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Knopf
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2001
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by Katherine Ayres & illustrated by Nadine Bernard Westcott ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 2007
Inside a colorful garden, some plants “grow up,” while others “grow down, and still others grow “around and around.” This catchy, rhyming refrain, with some variation, introduces children to an abundance of garden vegetables and legumes, including corn, carrots, cucumbers, peppers, potatoes, broccoli, beets, green beans, okra, onions and tomatoes, as well as the ambiguous pumpkin, and follows them from seed to plant to lunch. The different plants are shown sprouting under and above ground, and youngsters will delight in the bird- and mole’s-eye perspectives. Energetic watercolor-and-ink illustrations, inhabited by multiracial tots, a farmer, a scarecrow, friendly bugs, worms, crows, rabbits and, of course, a plethora of seeds, plants and produce, are a feast for the eyes and will whet children’s appetites for further knowledge—and for a very healthy lunch. An inviting introduction to the wonder of plants, food and gardening, this charming selection will be a favorite of teachers, students and home readers alike. (Picture book. 2-5)
Pub Date: April 1, 2007
ISBN: 0-7636-2378-4
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2007
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by Katherine Ayres & illustrated by Tricia Tusa
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by Jerry Spinelli and illustrated by Jimmy Liao ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 1, 2010
A young boy wonders aloud to a rabbit friend what he will be when he grows up and imagines some outrageous choices. “Puddle stomper,” “bubble gum popper,” “mixing-bowl licker,” “baby-sis soother” are just some of the 24 inspiringly creative vocations Spinelli’s young dreamer envisions in this pithy rhymed account. Aided by Liao’s cleverly integrated full-bleed mixed-media illustrations, which radiate every hue of the rainbow, and dynamic typesetting with words that swoop and dive, the author’s perspective on this adult-inspired question yields some refreshingly child-oriented answers. Given such an irresistible array of options—“So many jobs! / They’re all such fun”—the boy in the end decides, in an exuberant double gatefold, “I’m going to choose… / EVERY ONE!”—a conclusion befitting a generation expected to have more than six careers each. Without parents or peers around to corral this carefree child’s dreams, the possibilities of being whatever one wants appear both limitless and attainable. An inspired take on a timeless question. (Picture book. 3-6)
Pub Date: March 1, 2010
ISBN: 978-0-316-16226-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: April 14, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2010
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