PETER PAN

Name: PETER PAN
Author: Nicolas Randall

From the Touch of Classic series

adapted by Nicolas Randall ; illustrated by Miguel Calero ; Luis Diaz ; developed by Touch of Classic ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 9, 2013

Does it soar? Occasionally it floats but not with flying colors.

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This take on J.M. Barrie’s classic has a few navigational challenges and isn’t going to win any awards for being exceptionally artistic or innovative. But it’s pretty good for free.

Since the story needs no introduction or explanation, the best place to begin is with what’s good about this offering from Spain. The narrator is easy on the ears, and the flow is solid, though the adapted text has little magic. Some interactions are fairly noteworthy: Readers can twirl the topographic Earth while the children fly and help Peter find his shadow. Many of the pages cannot be advanced until a puzzle is solved—help Peter hide from Mrs. Darling, for example, or help Tinkerbell give the Darling children pixie dust so they can fly. The biggest plus here is that the characters are loosely based on designs created by children from ages 5 to 16. But there are a few substantial glitches too. Narration isn’t optional, and there’s no explanation on what the fairy box at the top of the screen means (or how it’s populated.) On the “paper doll” screen, where readers must dress Tinkerbell in a complete outfit before turning the page, she looks like a zombie/hoochie hybrid, which is a little disturbing. In fact, the bug eyes and rictuslike smiles that prevail throughout are pretty unpleasant from an aesthetic standpoint.

Does it soar? Occasionally it floats but not with flying colors. (iPad storybook app. 3-6)

Pub Date: Oct. 9, 2013

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Media Minds

Review Posted Online: Dec. 6, 2013

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2013

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THERE'S A ROCK CONCERT IN MY BEDROOM

by Kevin Jonas & Danielle Jonas ; illustrated by Courtney Dawson ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 29, 2022

Nice enough but not worth repeat reads.

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Emma deals with jitters before playing the guitar in the school talent show.

Pop musician Kevin Jonas and his wife, Danielle, put performance at the center of their picture-book debut. When Emma is intimidated by her very talented friends, the encouragement of her younger sister, Bella, and the support of her family help her to shine her own light. The story is straightforward and the moral familiar: Draw strength from your family and within to overcome your fears. Employing the performance-anxiety trope that’s been written many times over, the book plods along predictably—there’s nothing really new or surprising here. Dawson’s full-color digital illustrations center a White-presenting family along with Emma’s three friends of color: Jamila has tanned skin and wears a hijab; Wendy has dark brown skin and Afro puffs; and Luis has medium brown skin. Emma’s expressive eyes and face are the real draw of the artwork—from worry to embarrassment to joy, it’s clear what she’s feeling. A standout double-page spread depicts Emma’s talent show performance, with a rainbow swirl of music erupting from an amp and Emma rocking a glam outfit and electric guitar. Overall, the book reads pretty plainly, buoyed largely by the artwork. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Nice enough but not worth repeat reads. (Picture book. 4-6)

Pub Date: March 29, 2022

ISBN: 978-0-593-35207-6

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Razorbill/Penguin

Review Posted Online: Feb. 8, 2022

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2022

Categories:

CHILDREN'S FAMILY | CHILDREN'S ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS

- BOOK REVIEW
THERE'S A BEACH IN MY BEDROOM
by Kevin Jonas & Danielle Jonas ; illustrated by Courtney Dawson

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HOW TO CATCH A MAMASAURUS

From the How To Catch… series

by Alice Walstead ; illustrated by Andy Elkerton ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 5, 2024

A syrupy tribute to mothers that may please fans of the series.

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Another creature is on the loose.

The long-running series continues its successful formula with this Hallmark card of a book, which features bright illustrations and catchy rhymes. This time, the mythical creature the racially diverse children set out to catch is an absent mom who does it all (lists of descriptors include the words banker, caregiver, nurse, doctor, driver, chef, housekeeper, teacher, entertainer, playmate, laundry service, problem solver, handywoman, cleaner, and alarm clock) but doesn’t seem to have a job outside the home and is inexplicably a dinosaur. As the children prepare gifts and a meal for her, the text becomes an ode to the skills the Mamasaurus possesses (“Day or night she’s always there. / She meets every wish and need”) and values she instills (“Sometimes life can mean hard work,” “kindness matters,” and “what counts is doing your best”). This well-intentioned selection veers into cliche generously sprinkled with saccharine but manages to redeem itself with its appreciation for mothers and all that they may do. Endpapers include a “to” and “from” page framed in a heart, as well as a page where young gift givers or recipients can draw a picture of their Mamasaurus.