Flawed, but it fills a niche that is otherwise almost empty. (Informational picture book. 4-8)
Fauna are used to teach children about analogies.
Each spread presents readers with a phrase, “this is to this, as that is to that,” accompanied by illustrations emphasizing that relationship. “Beaver is to build, as spider is to spin.” From the tiniest ants to the mightiest lions, animals of all sorts are compared by size, sound, way they move and how they are classified. Most are solid analogies, although Berkes sometimes sacrifices word choices to make verses rhyme, and the analogies suffer. A few are not quite pathetic—“Rabbit is to nibble, as skunk is to dig”—and several seem to be worded backwards: “Amphibian is to frog as mammal is to moose.” Extensive backmatter encourages readers to further explore analogies with questions and activities that lead them to think creatively about the ways in which the animals were compared in the text. Morrison’s artwork is detailed and realistic, especially when it comes to the smaller species, each feather, fin and hair standing out in relief, though the pictures do not always fully illustrate distinctions.
Flawed, but it fills a niche that is otherwise almost empty. (Informational picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Sept. 5, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-60718-127-9
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Sylvan Dell
Review Posted Online: July 5, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2011
Fun, silly stuffalo.
What will happen when a surly buffalo has his cover blown?
The book opens on a peaceful, sunny landscape dotted by trees, flowers, and a river. Turning the page, readers meet the Buffalo Fluffalo. The cantankerous creature glares fiercely at readers, his stylized, curly coat puffed out above small bovine feet. A ram, a prairie dog, and a crow each approach the Buffalo Fluffalo with overtures of friendship, but all receive—ahem—a “rebuffalo.” He responds to each with a gruff “I’m the Buffalo Fluffalo—/ I heave and I huffalo./ Leave me alone because/ I’ve had enuffalo!”—a refrain rendered in a large bold text. But after a torrential downpour, the Buffalo Fluffalo is drenched; his fluffy coat plastered to his body, he’s now a fraction of his former size. How will the other animals react? The rhythmic, rhyming verses take plenty of liberties with language and use lots of alliteration, resulting in a humorous read. Despite his aggressive stance, our protagonist is endearingly cross-eyed, and the art exploits the comedic potential of a character who hides behind a puffed-up appearance. Some may wonder why the other animals are working so hard to befriend such a relentlessly hostile character, but all the nonsense words and the complementary art are so appealing that readers will easily accept the sugary ending.
Fun, silly stuffalo. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Jan. 2, 2024
ISBN: 9780593564530
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Random House Studio
Review Posted Online: Oct. 21, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2023
Gives new meaning to the notion that every dog—or pup—has its day.
A young girl learns that plans that go awry need not spoil the day.
Ollie has ambitious intentions for dog sitting Milo, her grandmother’s puppy, but those plans are spoiled when he chews up her drawing, a gift intended for Grandma when she returns from visiting friends. The girl scolds the little dog and then takes some time to herself, leaving him behind and walking farther and farther away from home in order to cool off. But as the illustrations show, Milo is never far behind, surreptitiously trailing her all the way through the woods. Ollie reflects on the part she played in the drawing’s destruction, since she knew better than to leave it unguarded on the floor, and she regrets getting mad at the dog. When she finally stops and wishes for company, the loyal pup is right nearby. They spend their day frolicking in the woods, playing fetch, splashing in mud puddles, and hunting for treasure as pirates. When they return home, she still has time to draw another picture or two. Accessible text with relatable, appealing characters helps the message of adaptability go down smoothly. The charming artwork features various shades of gray as well as pink and red spot color, often in heart shapes. Ollie, who has skin the white of the page, wears a dog costume throughout the story. Her experience demonstrates that things can work out just fine, even when they weren’t what you had in mind.
Gives new meaning to the notion that every dog—or pup—has its day. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Dec. 3, 2024
ISBN: 9781665965903
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Paula Wiseman/Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Aug. 30, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2024
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