A charming, tenderhearted tale with lovable characters and a message of care.
A sweetly spoiled cat and a pup living on the streets form an unlikely bond through the neighborhood mosque’s call to prayer.
These two animals’ lives couldn’t be more different. The tuxedo cat snoozes cozily inside the masjid (mosque), while the tricolor pooch sleeps outdoors. While the cat is coddled with treats and affection, the downtrodden dog unsuccessfully begs for scraps. One day at dusk, their paths cross when the Islamic call to prayer rings out, drawing their attention and bringing the puppy to the mosque. The imam notices the cat’s icy reception and admonishes the feline: “All animals need kindness and care.” Sharing a meal and playing together, the cat and the puppy become fast friends and fall asleep together, safe and sound. Hossain’s story emphasizes the importance of treating even those different from us with compassion—an important lesson further extended in an author’s note with details about Muslims’ duty to show mercy to all creatures, which will resonate with animal lovers young and old. Her pleasant rhymes engage with a lyrical cadence, making for a great read-aloud. Haikal’s vibrant, energetic artwork, illustrated in sunset tones, features irresistibly adorable animals; human characters are diverse. The backmatter also includes a helpful glossary.
A charming, tenderhearted tale with lovable characters and a message of care. (Picture book. 3-8)Pub Date: Oct. 7, 2025
ISBN: 9781499817560
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Little Bee Books
Review Posted Online: May 30, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2025
A tale of mutual adoration that hits a sweet note.
Little Honey Bunny Funnybunny loves baseball almost as much as she loves her big brother P.J.—though it’s a close-run thing.
Readers familiar with the pranks P.J. plays on his younger sibling in older episodes of the series (most illustrated by Roger Bollen) will be amused—and perhaps a little confused—to see him in the role of perfect big brother after meeting his swaddled little sister for the first time in mama’s lap. But here, along with being a constant companion and “always happy to see her,” he cements his heroic status in her eyes by hitting a home run for his baseball team and then patiently teaching her how to play T-ball. After carefully coaching her and leading her through warm-up exercises, he even sits in the stands, loudly cheering her on as she scores the winning run in her own very first game. “‘You are the best brother a bunny could ever have!’” she burbles. This tale’s a tad blander compared with others centered on P.J. and his sister, but it’s undeniably cheery, with text well structured for burgeoning readers. The all-smiles animal cast in Bowers’ cartoon art features a large and diversely hued family of bunnies sporting immense floppy ears as well as a multispecies crowd of furry onlookers equally varied of color, with one spectator in a wheelchair.
A tale of mutual adoration that hits a sweet note. (Early reader. 6-8)Pub Date: Jan. 6, 2026
ISBN: 9798217032464
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: March 17, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2026
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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