Young readers will look forward to more grouchy feline shenanigans Down Under after this hilarious showing.
Kevin, the grumpy cat who did not want cuddles, is back, and he’s bored to distraction.
He scratches the settee and knocks down a vase; but when accused, he denies responsibility. He goes so far as to bite the dog’s tail, an offense he shamelessly owns up to: “Oh alright, it was me.” His exasperated and concerned humans, who are off-page for the entire story, decide he needs some company. Kevin perks up, envisioning the queen of England, a celebrity chef, or a personal stylist; instead, his humans bring home two adorable kittens. Less than enthused, Kevin tries to work off his irritation. He heads for his food bowl to have a snack, but the kittens get there first. He attempts to use his scratching post, but his new housemates claim it as their own. Now he has a headache and a nap seems in order; but alas, the little rascals are in his bed! The kittens’ antics are enough to make a cat laugh…but not Kevin. A long sulk in his hideout gets him no sympathy, so he just decides to muscle his way into the cat bed…with chucklesome results. This second installment in the series (an Australian import) starring Kevin is as cat-realistic as the first. Young readers will recognize their kitty companions in Crumble’s simple tale, while Gifford’s bright, expressive digital illustrations pack a punch and add to the giggles. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Young readers will look forward to more grouchy feline shenanigans Down Under after this hilarious showing. (Picture book. 2-7)Pub Date: Feb. 1, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-338-74123-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Scholastic
Review Posted Online: Dec. 15, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2022
Beloved Little Blue takes a bit of the mystery—and fear—out of Halloween costumes.
A lift-the-flap book gives the littlest trick-or-treaters some practice identifying partygoers under their costumes.
Little Blue Truck and his buddy Toad are off to a party, and they invite readers (and a black cat) along for the ride: “ ‘Beep! Beep! Beep!’ / says Little Blue. / ‘It’s Halloween!’ / You come, too.” As they drive, they are surprised (and joined) by many of their friends in costume. “Who’s that in a tutu / striking a pose / up on the tiniest / tips of her toes? / Under the mask / who do you see?” Lifting the flap unmasks a friend: “ ‘Quack!’ says the duck. / ‘It’s me! It’s me!’ ” The sheep is disguised as a clown, the cow’s a queen, the pig’s a witch, the hen and her chick are pirates, and the horse is a dragon. Not to be left out, Little Blue has a costume, too. The flaps are large and sturdy, and enough of the animals’ characteristic features are visible under and around the costumes that little ones will be able to make successful guesses even on the first reading. Lovely curvy shapes and autumn colors fade to dusky blues as night falls, and children are sure to notice the traditional elements of a Halloween party: apple bobbing, lit jack-o’-lanterns, and punch and treats.
Beloved Little Blue takes a bit of the mystery—and fear—out of Halloween costumes. (Board book. 2-4)Pub Date: July 5, 2016
ISBN: 978-0-544-77253-3
Page Count: 16
Publisher: HMH Books
Review Posted Online: July 19, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2016
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Serve this superbly designed title to all who relish slightly scary stories.
Kids know vegetables can be scary, but rarely are edible roots out to get someone. In this whimsical mock-horror tale, carrots nearly frighten the whiskers off Jasper Rabbit, an interloper at Crackenhopper Field.
Jasper loves carrots, especially those “free for the taking.” He pulls some in the morning, yanks out a few in the afternoon, and comes again at night to rip out more. Reynolds builds delicious suspense with succinct language that allows understatements to be fully exploited in Brown’s hilarious illustrations. The cartoon pictures, executed in pencil and then digitally colored, are in various shades of gray and serve as a perfectly gloomy backdrop for the vegetables’ eerie orange on each page. “Jasper couldn’t get enough carrots … / … until they started following him.” The plot intensifies as Jasper not only begins to hear the veggies nearby, but also begins to see them everywhere. Initially, young readers will wonder if this is all a product of Jasper’s imagination. Was it a few snarling carrots or just some bathing items peeking out from behind the shower curtain? The ending truly satisfies both readers and the book’s characters alike. And a lesson on greed goes down like honey instead of a forkful of spinach.
Serve this superbly designed title to all who relish slightly scary stories. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Aug. 21, 2012
ISBN: 978-1-4424-0297-3
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: May 1, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2012
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