Understandable, if not exactly model, behavior makes for a funny, sympathetic read.
Shorty suffers an overwhelming ethical dilemma when a mysterious package arrives for the temporarily absent Clem.
The two make unusual companions, as Clem is an owlish bird and Shorty, a big, green dinosaur. Their personalities are equally divergent. No sooner has the bird stepped out with an “I’ll be back!” than a box addressed to Clem appears. “I will not open Clem’s package,” says Shorty virtuously. But that doesn’t mean that the box itself can’t be ridden (maybe there’s a race car inside!), jumped on (a trampoline?), and vigorously pounded (bongos, maybe?). Eventually the increasingly battered carton surrenders its contents—a pair of pink monkey slippers. “I opened Clem’s package,” Shorty wails. “He is going to be so mad.” Instead, after a show of annoyance, Clem hoots, “Happy Birthday!” After a page turn, he continues, “I knew you would open the package. I know how much you love monkeys.” Slack renders both roomies and the simple speech-balloon dialogue (the book’s sole text aside from sound effects and the address on Clem’s package) with blocky minimalism, comically contrasting Clem’s steady, grave air with Shorty’s exaggerated gestures and broad emotions. The grateful green one’s “Not as much as I love you” brings this high-energy romp to a cozy close.
Understandable, if not exactly model, behavior makes for a funny, sympathetic read. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: April 25, 2017
ISBN: 978-0-06-242158-6
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Dec. 20, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2017
Wins for compassion and for the refusal to let physical limitations hold one back.
With such short arms, how can Tiny T. Rex give a sad friend a hug?
Fleck goes for cute in the simple, minimally detailed illustrations, drawing the diminutive theropod with a chubby turquoise body and little nubs for limbs under a massive, squared-off head. Impelled by the sight of stegosaurian buddy Pointy looking glum, little Tiny sets out to attempt the seemingly impossible, a comforting hug. Having made the rounds seeking advice—the dino’s pea-green dad recommends math; purple, New Age aunt offers cucumber juice (“That is disgusting”); red mom tells him that it’s OK not to be able to hug (“You are tiny, but your heart is big!”), and blue and yellow older sibs suggest practice—Tiny takes up the last as the most immediately useful notion. Unfortunately, the “tree” the little reptile tries to hug turns out to be a pterodactyl’s leg. “Now I am falling,” Tiny notes in the consistently self-referential narrative. “I should not have let go.” Fortunately, Tiny lands on Pointy’s head, and the proclamation that though Rexes’ hugs may be tiny, “I will do my very best because you are my very best friend” proves just the mood-lightening ticket. “Thank you, Tiny. That was the biggest hug ever.” Young audiences always find the “clueless grown-ups” trope a knee-slapper, the overall tone never turns preachy, and Tiny’s instinctive kindness definitely puts him at (gentle) odds with the dinky dino star of Bob Shea’s Dinosaur Vs. series.
Wins for compassion and for the refusal to let physical limitations hold one back. (Picture book. 5-7)Pub Date: March 5, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-4521-7033-6
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Review Posted Online: Nov. 11, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2018
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A validating and comforting look at big emotions.
The first day of school overflows with feelings.
Children starting school experience conflicting emotions; the racially diverse youngsters in this book are no different. Throughout, they exhibit excitement, nervousness, fear, happiness, and anxiety. Sobel acknowledges these universal emotions, which stand out on the page in colorful capitals letters: “EMBARRASSED! / Oops! Paint in my hair!” “Hello HAPPY soaring by. / A joyful bird loves to fly.” Lively digital illustrations depict a variety of realistic school scenarios: a child having a meltdown after breaking a pencil and losing a folder; children excitedly playing at recess. The author makes clear that we all experience a range of feelings and that our emotions matter; she also acknowledges that feelings depend on circumstances. The illustrations provide jumping-off points for discussion, so grown-ups reading this book aloud should encourage youngsters to talk about how starting school—or navigating any new life experiences—made them feel and what events triggered the feelings. Helpful backmatter includes questions that adults can ask kids as they read. The author includes comforting, mindful messages: Breathe deeply when you’re upset, don’t be afraid to try new things, and “take time out” when angry. Perhaps most reassuring: “Feelings are not right or wrong. / They find a spot where they belong.”
A validating and comforting look at big emotions. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: June 11, 2024
ISBN: 9780063265783
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Clarion/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: March 9, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2024
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