A disappointing trip on a too-frequently-driven track
Laden revisits the formula she found early success with in Peek-a Who? (2000).
Unfortunately, in this fourth outing, it’s feeling a little worn. Even the kidney-shaped die cuts designed to entice inquisitive babies are placed exactly as they were in the earlier books. The image glimpsed through the hole hints at the picture and word that will be revealed when the page is turned. This time the common theme is modes of travel, starting with a train, then a canoe, rocket, balloon, and shoe. Obviously, only “canoe” and “shoe” rhyme with “choo-choo,” so Laden stretches the game to "flew" for the rocket and "blew" for the hot air balloon. Very young children may be confused by the kites that fly across the page before the balloon is discovered (their strings become the balloon’s seams after the page-turn). They may also wonder why Laden abandons the single-word rhyme scheme on the final page, which is occupied by a mirror. Logically, it should say, "You!" Instead, it reads, "Peek-a I SEE YOU!"—which does not make for a smooth end to this trip. The plastic film that protects the mirror is a choking hazard and should be removed before allowing young children to handle the book independently.
A disappointing trip on a too-frequently-driven track . (Board book. 1-3)Pub Date: Aug. 16, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-4521-5473-2
Page Count: 22
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Review Posted Online: Oct. 11, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2017
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Adults looking to engage little ones in early math concepts will not be disappointed.
A child uses a familiar standard to measure and compare the growth of a seed.
It is spring, and a child is in the garden planting a sunflower seed. Eventually, after adding dirt, water, sun, and time, the seed sprouts. Bit by bit the seed reaches toe height, then knees, waist, and shoulders. By summer, the plant is taller than the child and produces a giant sunflower. The backmatter explains that these types of experiences will help children understand measuring tools later on. A “Try This!” section offers a few suggestions to encourage further activities to help children grasp the concepts of size and measurement. Other books in the series are Circle! Sphere! (readers learn about shapes as a group of children blow bubbles); The Last Marshmallow (division and fractions are simply presented when two children with a cup of hot cocoa each must figure out how to share three marshmallows); and What Will Fit? (spatial sense is explored as a child at the farmers market decides what will fit best in the basket). All books have a brief explanation of the math concept presented and a concluding section with suggestions for further related activities. Multiaward-winning Lin presents the concepts in easy-to-understand short sentences paired with simple and attractive illustrations. The children depicted are Black and Asian.
Adults looking to engage little ones in early math concepts will not be disappointed. (Board book. 1-3)Pub Date: Oct. 13, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-62354-123-1
Page Count: 16
Publisher: Charlesbridge
Review Posted Online: Sept. 28, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2020
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A happily multisensory exploration.
Farm animals make realistic noises as youngsters press embedded tactile features.
“Pat the cow’s back to hear her ‘Moo!’ ” Readers can press the fuzzy, black circle on a Holstein cow to hear its recorded noise. This formula is repeated on each double-page spread, one per farm critter (roosters, piglets, lambs and horses). Using stock photography, several smaller images of the animals appear on the left, and a full-page close-up dominates the right. The final two pages are a review of the five farmyard creatures and include a photo of each as well as a review of their sounds in succession via a touch of a button. While the layout is a little busy, the selection of photos and the tactile elements are nicely diverse. The text is simple enough for little ones, encourages interaction (“Can you baa like a lamb?”) and uses animal-specific vocabulary (fleece; mane). The sister title, Noisy Trucks (978-1-58925-609-5), follows much the same format, but, here, the stars are big rigs, monster trucks, fire trucks, backhoes and cement mixers. While the photos will thrill the vehicle-obsessed, the noises are less distinctive, save the fire truck’s siren. The facts about each type of vehicle provide just enough information: “A fire truck has a loud siren, ladders to climb, and hoses that spray water.” Despite the age recommendation of 3 years and up suggested on the back cover, the construction (with the battery secured by screw behind a plastic panel) looks sturdy and safe enough for younger readers.
A happily multisensory exploration. (Board book. 18 mos.-3)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2013
ISBN: 978-1-58925-610-1
Page Count: 12
Publisher: Tiger Tales
Review Posted Online: Sept. 13, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2014
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