A time-out gives an irate tot a chance to ponder the finer aspects of sibling relationships. When her little brother generously soaks her favorite doll with drool, Goldie has a towering tantrum that results in a visit to the time-out chair. At first, Goldie is defiantly unrepentant, vehemently wishing that Nicholas would go away. However, this thought, once vocalized, causes her to stop and consider a life without her baby brother. Suddenly, she discovers a host of endearing qualities about him: gleeful bouts of silliness, delicious just-been-washed baby smells, and exuberant hugs. Palatini (Good as Goldie, 2000, etc.) skillfully takes the reader through the gamut of emotions associated with a tantrum, successfully clueing readers (and perhaps even their caregivers) in to the purpose of a time-out chair. Text and artwork are deftly integrated to convey the shifting tenor of the tale. Goldie’s angry words and emotions are done in oversized fonts and livid red, aptly conveying the fierceness of her feelings. Comical illustrations, depicting Goldie in high dudgeon are uproariously funny. Generously colored and situated on a plain white background, the simplicity of the drawings keep the attention on Goldie’s feelings. Although highly idealized—if only all toddler tantrums ran such a smooth course—Goldie’s tale of woe and redemption is perfect for young readers learning how to manage their own roiling emotions. (Picture book. 2-5)
Pub Date: Aug. 1, 2001
ISBN: 0-7868-0565-X
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Hyperion
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2001
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
Lola’s daddy takes her to the library every Saturday, where she finds “excellent books,” and every night her mommy or daddy reads them to her. The next day Lola acts out the story. On Sunday she’s a fairy princess; on Monday she takes her toy animals “on fantastic trips to places like Paris”; on Wednesday she’s a tiger, etc. Each new book and day provides Lola with a variety of tales to play out, with the last one—which is about a wild monster—posing the question, “What will Lola be tomorrow?” The final page shows her in a wolf suit just like Max’s. The library books, the pretending and the incorporation of the days of the week work together as a simple and pleasing premise. Beardshaw’s acrylic illustrations depict the multicultural kids and Lola’s black family with childlike charm, while the title will have librarians, parents and booksellers smiling. Alert: The book will be an invitation for lap kids to follow Lola’s lead—not such a bad thing. (Picture book. 3-5)
Pub Date: July 1, 2010
ISBN: 978-1-58089-258-2
Page Count: 28
Publisher: Charlesbridge
Review Posted Online: June 3, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2010
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
