by Peter McCarty & illustrated by Peter McCarty ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 31, 2012
It might lack the mild menace of its predecessor, but it satisfies in its supply of companionship all around.
Jeremy hatches a plan to cope with his monster’s unexpected return.
In the opening scene, Jeremy’s alone, just as he was at the beginning of Jeremy Draws a Monster (2009). He seems content drawing, hoping not to be disturbed, though McCarty’s tempting view of neighborhood kids outdoors implies a gentle question about whether Jeremy’s isolation is really optimal. A paper airplane flies in the window, instructing Jeremy to draw a compass and telescope. Jeremy peers though the telescope (everything he draws becomes real, as in Harold and the Purple Crayon) and sees his old blue monster, who rings up via telephone to declare, “I’m back. And I’m bored!” This announcement means different things to different readers. Those who’ve read Jeremy Draws know that the monster’s bossy and domineering, so they’ll find Jeremy’s monster-diversion scheme a clever defense; new readers may see the plan as simply sweet and fun. Jeremy invites neighbors into his apartment to draw with the fancy pens that carry conjuring power. Each child draws a new monster to partake in the surprise. Copious white space keeps focus on the monster, with his contained, slightly alarming flowery blue swirls, and on the appealingly buoyant kids, drawn in fine, delicate lines and colored with pleasantly pale watercolor.
It might lack the mild menace of its predecessor, but it satisfies in its supply of companionship all around. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Jan. 31, 2012
ISBN: 978-0-8050-9030-7
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Henry Holt
Review Posted Online: Oct. 18, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2011
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More by Jeff Gottesfeld
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by Jeff Gottesfeld ; illustrated by Peter McCarty
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by Peter McCarty ; illustrated by Peter McCarty
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by Peter McCarty ; illustrated by Peter McCarty
by Larissa Hopwood & Yvonne Kusters ; illustrated by Luke Flowers ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 3, 2016
Leave this on the shelf and take the kids outside to really move.
An interactive board book promises a variety of experiences.
A book that gets kids up and moving sounds like a great idea. The half-circle cutout of the spine and large handle formed by another die cut on the right side are intriguing. Unfortunately, the rhyming instructions for using the book as an exercise prop are confusing. Even adults will find themselves puzzled when told to “paddle the floor,” or to “hang on the handles. Step over the book. / You're a turtle in its shell! Go peek out and look.” The busy pictures shift perspective according to each scenario presented but give few visual clues. For example, the only hint of a dinosaur on the page where readers are told to “put this book to your mouth and let out a roar” like a dinosaur are the teeth that line the edges of what is meant to be a gaping maw. It’s not always obvious whether the book is meant to be facing readers or turned away from them, adding another layer of confusion. Furthermore, many of the instructions run counter to how young children are typically taught to treat books, as when they are told to step on it and then waddle or to lift it with their feet. The relatively thin board pages and weak handles will soon be torn by normal handling; following the directions in the text will only hasten the destruction.
Leave this on the shelf and take the kids outside to really move. (Board book. 3-5)Pub Date: May 3, 2016
ISBN: 978-0-7611-8733-2
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Workman
Review Posted Online: May 13, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2016
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by Alina Tysoe ; illustrated by Alina Tysoe ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 2, 2022
Bravery at its best.
A tot prepares for bedtime—and the monsters that come with it.
Armed with a colander on her head, a trusty flashlight, and a map of the monsters’ favorite hiding spots, Emi is ready. She just needs to stay very quiet and wait for a monster to spring her trap. Unfortunately, her dog, Cookie, doesn’t understand the importance of stillness. Cookie bounds after a ball, leaving Emi to face the dark unknown and attempt a daring rescue. Sweeping her flashlight from room to room, Emi searches for Cookie. Fluffy, friendly-looking monsters cower in the shadows as she passes. Emi’s courage shines through in comic-style speech bubbles: “I’m not SCARED!” she declares, just in case the monsters are listening (they are). Muted blue surroundings show the monsters, who are just as afraid of Emi as she is of them. Luckily, they duck in time and are never caught in her flashlight’s beam. Goggle-eyed Emi is the epitome of determination. “There aren’t even ANY monsters here. So boring.” Rich illustrations offer well-timed guffaws and silliness. The plucky protagonist is light-skinned; the monsters—furry, horned, and spiky. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Bravery at its best. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Aug. 2, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-338-75565-7
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Orchard/Scholastic
Review Posted Online: Aug. 16, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2022
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