Harebrained fun that will leave you giggling.
Beware of high-speed bunnies!
Readers should prepare for a fast-moving adventure when a fluffle of rabbits embarks on a high-seas adventure. Bunnies of varying colors and sizes board a motorboat, a shark’s mouth emblazoned on the front, for a day of fun in the sun. But while these bunnies might be cute, they aren’t great drivers, proving to be menaces to other creatures hoping for a relaxing day at the beach: “The penguins dive and paddle. / The turtles surf and swim, / when WHOOSH goes a speedboat / and knocks poor Piggy in! / SQUEAL! // Bunnies in a boat! / Bunnies in a boat! Dashing and a-splashing! / Let’s hope they stay afloat!” It’s a raucously fun read and one that storytellers will make the most of, as the action only gets more dramatic from here on. The illustrations capture the chaos of the runaway speedboat but are so busy that large groups may miss some of the details. Readers who enjoy poring over every page, however, will love the madcap adventure and the reactions of both the bunnies and their seaside victims. A visual subplot follows a pair of thieving squirrels who set out to steal a large pearl and wind up entangled with the bunny boaters. The ending hints at the possibility of a sequel, which should delight many a reader. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Harebrained fun that will leave you giggling. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Jan. 31, 2023
ISBN: 978-1-5362-2833-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: Nov. 15, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2022
Team Becker and Denton has again succeeded in creating a book that keeps the attention of young readers and makes them smile.
In a series of scenes both silly and gently humorous, the ever persistent Mouse works hard to persuade gruff-but-lovable bear to become a library user.
“One morning, Bear heard a tap-tap-tapping on his door.” Readers already familiar with the series will recognize this inviting opener, as well as the arrival of Mouse, always “small and gray and bright-eyed.” The use of this familiar introduction works well for beginning readers, who then learn that this time, Bear’s trademark conservatism makes him balk at the idea of visiting a library. After all, he is sure that “he had all the books he would ever need.” Children will love the arbitrary nature of his collection of seven titles: kings and queens, honeybees and “one about pickles.” When Bear has finally been persuaded to go to the library—holding Mouse in a basket as he races there strapped into red roller skates—he continues to be cantankerous in the stacks. The librarian—the solitary human among assorted critters—plays a part in Bear’s latest behavior modification. Although modern libraries are seldom anymore the silent sanctuaries seen within this stately edifice, excellent text and layout combine with friendly illustrations to set the newest generation of readers laughing at the well-worn joke of someone bellowing for quiet in the library.
Team Becker and Denton has again succeeded in creating a book that keeps the attention of young readers and makes them smile. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: July 22, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4924-1
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: May 18, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2014
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The book is available in just about every format--but this is the perfect one.
It's hard to believe that a pop-up wasn't the creators' original intention, so seamlessly do moveable parts dovetail into this modern classic's storyline.
In contrast to the tale's 1998 pop -up version, the figures here move on every page, and with an unusually graceful naturalism to boot. From pulling down Big Nutbrown Hare's ears on the opening spread to make sure he's listening to drowsily turning his head to accept a final good-night kiss in a multi-leveled pull-down tableau at the close, all of Little Nutbrown Hare's hops, stretches and small gestures serve the poetically spare text—as do Big Nutbrown's wider, higher responses to his charge's challenges. As readers turn a flap to read Big Nutbrown's "But I love you this much," his arms extend to demonstrate. The emotional connection between the two hares is clearer than ever in Jeram's peaceful, restrained outdoor scenes, which are slightly larger than those in the trade edition, and the closing scene is made even more intimate by hiding the closing line ("I love you right up to the moon—and back") until an inconspicuous flap is opened up.
The book is available in just about every format--but this is the perfect one. (Pop-up picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Sept. 13, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-7636-5378-1
Page Count: 16
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: Sept. 21, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2011
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