Good deeds beget good deeds in this graphically bold and bright celebration of benevolence. Hen gives Pig an egg, a kindness that inspires him to give a carrot to Rabbit, who in turn picks flowers for Cow, and so on until Pig returns the initial favor by presenting Hen with a chick—hatched from her original egg. The clever turn of events leaves readers wondering if Hen has hornswoggled Pig into doing the work of hatching her egg, or if she is simply thanking him for the gift? The youngest readers and listeners will not be distracted by such concerns and will enjoy shouting out “How kind!” as it’s repeated throughout the text; they may also be inspired to emulate the animals and take turns doing one another kindnesses. Electric pink, sky blue, yellow, orange, purple, and tennis-ball-green ink-and-wash illustrations outlined in heavy black add to the cheer and are complemented by the loose yet readable typeface, created by and named for Murphy (Koala and the Flower, not reviewed, etc.). For just plain storytime fun or for introducing the concept of karma, this is a winner. (Picture book. 2-4)
Pub Date: May 1, 2001
ISBN: 0-7636-1732-6
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2002
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A little boy’s birth and growth proceeds parallel to that of several animals on the farm and in the wild. Baby chick, baby alligator and baby sea turtle all grow too big for their shells, just as the little boy grows too big for his mother’s tummy: “Soon they all came out— / and so did you!” His parents carry the little boy everywhere, just like little koala bear, baby kangaroo and tiger cub. First steps are followed by sleep, each in habitat or crib. But when the little boy grows even bigger, as marked against the ruled wall, a new big bed awaits, similar to the new stall for a foal and the doghouse for a puppy. Bergstein’s juxtaposition of animal behavior against human adds both comfort and acknowledgement of a little one’s movement from the familiar to the new. Hartung’s softly iridescent paintings add depth to the simple text in their depictions of animals and boy, each childhood milestone gently marked. A nice, if not startlingly new, addition to the genre. (Picture book. 2-4)
Pub Date: June 1, 2008
ISBN: 978-0-670-06079-5
Page Count: 36
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2008
Korky is a floppy white puppy with a nose for trouble; he knocks over flower vases, chews up shoes and steps in paint pots. But he is sweet and lovable as well, especially to the little boy who narrates this simple, rhyming tale suitable for toddlers and younger preschoolers who are just starting to listen to complete stories. The dog’s owner describes Korky through his favorite toys, food and behavior, declaring him “ever so snug-able” and “the best friend I’ve ever had.” The singsong rhyme doesn’t always scan well, and it’s the sort of story that wouldn’t hold up well to repeat readings from an adult perspective (and just the sort of story a toddler might latch onto as a favorite). The volume’s large size suits Sorrentino’s appealing illustrations, which employ bright colors, simple shapes and thick black outlines to make his characters stand out. Though Korky is a cute pup with engaging expressions, his tale doesn’t stand out from the pack. (Picture book. 2-4)
Pub Date: Aug. 1, 2008
ISBN: 978-1-905417-81-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Boxer Books
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2008
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