Engaging illustrations, wonderful pacing, and themes of generosity combine for a warm Christmas surprise.
A mysterious gift leads to a grand adventure in this Ukrainian import.
Little Hare wakes up to a loud sound and goes outside to find a big present on the roof of her small, snow-covered home. Whose present could it be? Little Hare loads the gift onto her sled and checks to see if it belongs to her forest animal neighbors: Mr. Fox, Auntie Owl, the piglets, and Mr. Snowman. Finally, Little Hare runs into none other than Santa Claus himself! Santa’s in trouble—a snowstorm caused him to lose the presents he intended to deliver. Ever the earnest helper, Little Hare helps him find and gather up the missing packages. She’s delighted when Santa tells her he’ll grant her a wish; she asks to help him deliver gifts from his sleigh. Next morning, Little Hare awakens to the knowledge that her friends will be getting presents and is more than a little surprised to find one for herself—a bunny-size snowplow, “perfect for visiting friends and delivering gifts of any size.” Charming, at times exaggerated illustrations make effective use of perspective and proportion; Little Hare seems especially diminutive, dwarfed by an immense, pink-skinned Santa. Gently building suspense before coming to a satisfying conclusion, this holiday tale stresses kindness and consideration—traits that are important at any time of year.
Engaging illustrations, wonderful pacing, and themes of generosity combine for a warm Christmas surprise. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Sept. 24, 2024
ISBN: 9781636551166
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Red Comet Press
Review Posted Online: May 17, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2024
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
Sure to have little ones giggling.
Jacques is a hedgehog with a big secret: “I wear real, bona fide underwear.”
Our narrator received a mysterious package one day; an illustration shows a pair of underwear tied to a balloon with a note “from the Universe” floating down into Jacques’ burrow. Hedgehogs don’t wear underwear, however. Will Jacques be shunned? Jacques worries but comes to a decision: “I have to wear them. When I do I feel special.” Determined, Jacques, who’s been invited to a party, makes a dramatic entrance, with undies in hand. Jacques’ declaration (“I WEAR UNDERWEAR”) is met with remarks of dismay, before another hedgehog opens up about similar fears and shows off a pair of cowboy boots. More hedgehogs introduce themselves with their own confessions. The story ends with Jacques unveiling a painting of the underwear in a gallery filled with hedgehogs wearing all sorts of attire. Though the book is simple in plot, characters, and setting, it wins in its balance of bathroom humor, dramatic storytelling, and celebrations of individual expression. French words are peppered throughout, adding to the fun without detracting from the story for those unfamiliar with the language. The cartoonish illustrations brim with fun; Valdez relies heavily on geometric shapes (triangle noses for the hedgehogs; huge circles for their eyes). Details such as speech bubbles and recurring turtle and snake characters contribute to the outlandish humor.
Sure to have little ones giggling. (Picture book. 3-5)Pub Date: April 1, 2025
ISBN: 9781250814388
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Review Posted Online: Feb. 1, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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