A ray of sunshine—for readers and (most) squirrels.
The Unlimited Squirrels hit the beach—“squirrel-style."
When three squirrels stick their heads through the frame to say hello, Zoom Squirrel bursts out: “GUESS WHAT!?” Surprised, the three squirrels collapse in a heap. Zoom Squirrel reveals that they are “going to the beach in seven days.” The countdown continues day after day as Zoom Squirrel hypes their trip through song, dance, and bragging. But when Wonder Squirrel wonders what Zoom Squirrel will do at the beach, Zoom Squirrel’s excitement turns to nervousness. Zoom Squirrel doesn’t know what to do! When beach day finally comes, Zoom Squirrel’s pals show what they like to do: playing in the sand, playing with the beach ball, and playing by the water. Zoom Squirrel tries it all. Nothing works out. But what’s one “bad day” after a “great week” of anticipation? As with others in the series, Willems’ fourth entry reads like a variety show with one “BIG Story” followed by short one-offs. Excellent comedic timing, expressive cartoon characters, and corny jokes keep the tone light and fun. Color-coded speech bubbles, “emote-acorns,” and bolded words help support readers in their decoding. The metafictive ending will give them a sense of accomplishment. Series fans won’t encounter anything new besides the countdown, which cleverly helps reinforce the concept of time. The “Beach Day!” and “Research Rodent!” pages add nonfiction elements and direct readers to the series website for more information.
A ray of sunshine—for readers and (most) squirrels. (sheet music) (Early reader. 5-8)Pub Date: Oct. 5, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-368-07093-5
Page Count: 96
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Review Posted Online: Sept. 15, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2021
Got the message? Who wouldn’t love a school helper or pet like Arfy?
Meet Arfy, a worker dog with paw-pose.
Arfy’s “job” is helping students gain confidence as they read to the canine in the school library. One day, Arfy discovers a turtle inside their helper-dog-vest’s pocket. Arfy aims to track down the owners of the reptile, dubbed “Hidey.” To accomplish this goal, Arfy sends chatty emails and illustrated written queries (Arfy grips a pencil between their teeth to accomplish this), signed with paw prints, to various school personnel, including the principal, cafeteria staff, gym coach, and art teacher. They reply, also through electronic or written means, until the satisfying resolution is reached: Hidey’s owners are found—an event foreshadowed by sly references to a particular teacher. A buzzy Zoom conference convenes, and Arfy sends Hidey a farewell note. This delightful epistolary tale will captivate readers with good-natured humor and references to tech devices. Other pluses include modeling how to write a letter: Communiques throughout contain examples of courteous written discourse as well as correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation (admittedly, more appealing to adults than youngsters). Additionally, various messages offer valuable pointers on the proper, safe handling of turtles. The illustrations are cheery and charming, as is Arfy’s wide-eyed expressiveness. School staff and students are racially diverse; one child uses a wheelchair. Note the comical illustrated twist at book’s end. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Got the message? Who wouldn’t love a school helper or pet like Arfy? (websites on cat and dog adoption) (Picture book. 5-8)Pub Date: June 28, 2022
ISBN: 978-0-593-43216-7
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: May 24, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2022
Readers will enjoy going to the dogs with this one.
The start of a beautiful canine friendship.
Brown, shaggy Doggo seems content with his “same old, same old,” “could have been worse” daily existence. His pal Cat keeps him company, and he stays busy with numerous jobs around the house. Though he’s sometimes nostalgic for the good old days when he was livelier and something of a risk taker, he tells himself he’s “happy enough.” The humans believe Doggo’s life needs shaking up, however. Cat agrees and points out the humans have an idea in mind. That jolt comes in the form of a rascally newcomer—rambunctious, reddish-brown Pupper. Seemingly nonstop activity and downright peskiness ensue. As a result, the humans develop another idea—charm school, which changes Pupper’s personality for the better—or does it? In fact, Pupper becomes so charmed that his demeanor changes. He’s not the high-spirited, nonstop-yapping firecracker of yore and settles into “same old, same old” routines himself, leading Doggo to take matters into his own paws and devise some clever ideas to shift the dynamic. This sweet, seven-chapter early-reader series opener employs simple language, with several short sentences per page and lots of dialogue, to bring these close friends and their fun adventures to endearing life; young readers will be charmed. The colorful illustrations that combine collage and digital techniques are lively and expressive. Though human faces aren’t seen, Doggo’s owners appear to be light-skinned.
Readers will enjoy going to the dogs with this one. (tips on puppies’ personalities, habits, and care) (Chapter book. 5-8)Pub Date: March 23, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-250-62097-2
Page Count: 96
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Review Posted Online: Oct. 11, 2022
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