What was everyday life really like on Noah’s Ark? Correa gives readers a peek at bedtime.
Noah is looking forward to some well-deserved rest, but just when he begins to snore, a “BOO-HOO” wakes him. It’s the bears, and it’s too dark for them to sleep. A pair of fireflies in a jar (with ventilation holes) is just the right night light. But before Noah can even return to his bed, a “CREAK and a CRASH” send him to investigate. Some clever problem-solving sorts out the crocodiles, who each want the top bunk. But Noah’s night is far from over. Hot penguins and rain that’s too loud for the rhinos are dealt with before a final ruckus awakens the whole ark: The giraffes are too wound up for sleep. But Mrs. Noah has just the solution, and it’s one readers are sure to be familiar with. Lots of onomatopoeia set in all-uppercase display type will keep listeners attentive, though the formatting of the text in what looks like stanzas may throw readers who are expecting rhymes. Braun’s cartoon animals are inconsistently anthropomorphized—many sleep in beds, and they have toys and accessories, though they don’t wear clothing.
Readers may come away from this bedtime tale with a new appreciation for Noah’s hard work. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: March 1, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-68010-132-4
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Tiger Tales
Review Posted Online: Jan. 15, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2019
Categories: CHILDREN'S RELIGIOUS FICTION
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Turner adds another title to his picture-book series that highlights the miracles in the mundane (When God Made Light, 2018, etc.).
In the vein of children’s-bookshelf stalwart Oh, the Places You’ll Go, Turner’s rhyming text includes both prayers and life advice for a growing child, beginning with infancy and moving on to adolescence. At times the rhyme and meter are strained, muddling meaning and making the tempo feel occasionally awkward when read aloud. Overall, though, the book executes its mission, presenting Christian theological truths within the rhythmic inspirational text. For this third series installment Turner’s text is paired with a new illustrator, whose bright illustrations of wide-eyed children have great shelf appeal. While David Catrow’s previous illustrations in the series featured effervescent black protagonists, the child in Barnes’ illustrations appears white, though she occupies an otherwise diverse world. While illustrated as a prayer from a mother for her daughter, the text itself is gender neutral.
Though it will never usurp Dr. Seuss, it will still find a home where Christian families of faith seek inspirational picture books. (Picture book/religion. 3-6)Pub Date: Feb. 19, 2019
ISBN: 978-0-52565058-4
Page Count: 48
Publisher: WaterBrook
Review Posted Online: Dec. 5, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2019
Categories: CHILDREN'S FAMILY | CHILDREN'S RELIGIOUS FICTION
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BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Bergren and Bryant attempt to explain Easter to young children in a gentle, nonthreatening manner, with partial success.
When Little Cub questions her father about Easter, Papa Bear explains the religious significance of the holiday in various symbolic ways to his cub. He uses familiar things from their world, such as an egg and a fallen tree, to draw parallels with aspects of the Christian story. Papa Bear discusses his close relationships with Jesus and God, encouraging Little Cub to communicate with God on her own. The theme focuses on the renewal of life and the positive aspects of loving God and Jesus. Easter is presented as a celebration of eternal life, but the story skirts the issue of the crucifixion entirely. Some adults will find this an inadequate or even dishonest approach to the Easter story, but others will appreciate the calm and soothing text as a way to begin to understand a difficult subject. Bryant’s charming watercolor illustrations of the polar bear family, their cozy home and snowy forest scenes add to the overall mellow effect.
Fans of this popular series will find this a rewarding addition to family Easter celebrations. (Religion/picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Jan. 15, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-307-73072-5
Page Count: 40
Publisher: WaterBrook
Review Posted Online: Dec. 12, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2013
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