Light, charming fare for animal lovers who can’t resist tales of critters acting like humans.
A dog’s chaotic pursuit of a rabbit blossoms into a friendship in this picture-book sequel.
Feinberg returns with another tale about Cooper, a “civilized” canine who skis and attends the ballet. The pooch still has “one awful habit”—he can’t resist chasing rabbits. But one day—after he pursues a frightened bunny over field and dale—it emerges that his main goal is to befriend his quarry, not eat it. Lucky, too, because this rabbit has nowhere to stay. “Connections were made / where differences had been,” and, in more rhyming couplets, Cooper becomes thick as thieves with Jack Rabbit, an adorable, bucktoothed bunny. They play drums, golf, ride bicycles, play chess, and eat cake together. Sometimes Jack is “homesick for his old bunny friends,” and Cooper offers him tissues—though it is never established why the rabbit can’t return home. Cooper and Jack’s humanlike antics are sweet and cutesy in this enjoyable, fluffy tale. But engagement with questions of belonging, adoption, and predator-prey relationships would be best found elsewhere. Shrewd readers will note that “keep your mind and heart open when you meet someone new / you might find a great friend even if different from you!” is good advice for children but not most bunnies. Mosca’s amicable, loose-lined watercolor scenes of suburban leisure depict a White family. Outside the house, kids with various skin tones and abilities play with both animals.
Light, charming fare for animal lovers who can’t resist tales of critters acting like humans.Pub Date: Sept. 10, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-73672-042-4
Page Count: 32
Publisher: SDP Publishing
Review Posted Online: Sept. 7, 2021
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
BOOK REVIEW
Beloved Little Blue takes a bit of the mystery—and fear—out of Halloween costumes.
A lift-the-flap book gives the littlest trick-or-treaters some practice identifying partygoers under their costumes.
Little Blue Truck and his buddy Toad are off to a party, and they invite readers (and a black cat) along for the ride: “ ‘Beep! Beep! Beep!’ / says Little Blue. / ‘It’s Halloween!’ / You come, too.” As they drive, they are surprised (and joined) by many of their friends in costume. “Who’s that in a tutu / striking a pose / up on the tiniest / tips of her toes? / Under the mask / who do you see?” Lifting the flap unmasks a friend: “ ‘Quack!’ says the duck. / ‘It’s me! It’s me!’ ” The sheep is disguised as a clown, the cow’s a queen, the pig’s a witch, the hen and her chick are pirates, and the horse is a dragon. Not to be left out, Little Blue has a costume, too. The flaps are large and sturdy, and enough of the animals’ characteristic features are visible under and around the costumes that little ones will be able to make successful guesses even on the first reading. Lovely curvy shapes and autumn colors fade to dusky blues as night falls, and children are sure to notice the traditional elements of a Halloween party: apple bobbing, lit jack-o’-lanterns, and punch and treats.
Beloved Little Blue takes a bit of the mystery—and fear—out of Halloween costumes. (Board book. 2-4)Pub Date: July 5, 2016
ISBN: 978-0-544-77253-3
Page Count: 16
Publisher: HMH Books
Review Posted Online: July 19, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2016
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Familiarity breeds a birthday for the ages in this party worth attending.
Don’t let the Pigeon ruin his own special day!
Anyone who has ever encountered the title character in any of his books—whether his first, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus (2003), or one of its many sequels—will understand that the bird’s innate self-love drives his every interaction. Little wonder, then, that he’s thrilled about his own “bird-day.” He has the hat. He has his “FANCY PLUMAGE.” And, best of all, he will get to blow out a candle “on my bird-day hot dog!” As he revels in the knowledge that this day is all for him, comeuppance is lurking. Someone has already blown out the bird-day candle—and eaten half the hot dog. It turns out that the Pigeon’s frenemy, the Duckling, has the same bird-day—as do a slew of newly hatched chicks. The Pigeon’s obligatory eight-panel freakout ensues. “What am I—invisible? I just want to be seen,” he whimpers, and when he receives some much-needed reassurance, he settles down and willingly shares his special day. While the switch from unapologetic narcissism to mature acceptance happens in the record-breaking span of two pages, the book is as enchanting as the Pigeon’s earlier outings. Even as it walks in the footsteps of its predecessors, there’s no denying the fun to be had.
Familiarity breeds a birthday for the ages in this party worth attending. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: March 31, 2026
ISBN: 9781454999621
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Union Square Kids
Review Posted Online: Nov. 22, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2026
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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