Though the folk tale and its moral are easily recognizable, the story itself is hogwash.
A modern adaptation of "The Milkmaid and Her Pail," this classic folk tale portrays the perils of counting chickens before they’ve hatched.
Piga, a saccharine-voiced pig with decidedly anime-influenced features, is a dreamer. After milking a cow she envisions a luxuriant future. She’ll sell the milk, buy eggs, raise chickens and finally sell them so she can buy whatever her heart desires: jewels, candy and fashionable clothes. Tapping Piga and whoever happens to be with her prompts supplementary dialogue that often trips with misogynistic undertones. When drinking milk makes Piga strong, she’s portrayed as a bruiser that—according to Ponda, her male counterpart—may end up as an old maid. Piga’s parents perpetuate gender stereotypes, as well. Her ultimate goal is to be beautiful so she can secure the affection of others. She ends up spilling the milk and throws a bona fide hissy fit because her life is ruined. There are a few ho-hum interactive features, mainly revolving around eggs and chickens, but they’re disabled during autoplay. Though there’s a “read myself” option, the only way to bypass the narrator is either to turn the sound off or play back a recorded voice. The app offers two language options, English and Chinese, and a “story song” that sports slapdash lyrics, bad singing and karaoke.
Though the folk tale and its moral are easily recognizable, the story itself is hogwash. (iPad storybook app. 3-6)Pub Date: April 16, 2012
ISBN: N/A
Page Count: -
Publisher: Piga and Ponda
Review Posted Online: June 12, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2012
A predictable series entry, mitigated as usual by the protagonists’ perennially energetic positivity.
A holiday-centered spinoff from the duo behind the inspired The Day the Crayons Quit (2013).
With Green Crayon on vacation, how can the waxy ones pull off a colorful St. Patrick’s Day celebration with Duncan, their (unseen) owner? Through their signature combo of cooperation and unwavering enthusiasm, of course. Blue and Yellow collaborate on a field of shamrocks that blends—however spottily—into green. Nearly invisible White Crayon supplies an otherwise unclothed light-skinned leprechaun with undies, and Orange draws a pair of pants that match the wee creature’s iconic beard and hair. Pink applies colors to a vest, and Purple, a natty jacket and boots. Chunky Toddler Crayon contributes a “perfect” scribbly blue hat; Beige and Brown team up for the leprechaun’s harp. In arguably the best bit, Black exuberantly manifests a decidedly unvariegated rainbow, while Gold’s pot of coins is right on the money, hue-wise. Their ardor undimmed by the holiday’s missing customary color, everyone assembles to party. Though the repartee among the crayons isn’t as developed as in previous outings, the book hews close to Daywalt and Jeffers’ winning formula, and there’s still enough here to keep readers chuckling. And, in a droll “wait for it” moment nicely calibrated for storytime, Green returns from vacation, sunglasses and suitcase in hand: “Did I miss anything while I was gone?” (The cover illustrations do hint at some Green-inflected remediation.)
A predictable series entry, mitigated as usual by the protagonists’ perennially energetic positivity. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Jan. 2, 2024
ISBN: 9780593624333
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Philomel
Review Posted Online: Oct. 21, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A sweet, tender and charming experience to read aloud or together.
A clueless duckling tries to make a new friend.
He is confused by this peculiar-looking duck, who has a long tail, doesn’t waddle and likes to be alone. No matter how explicitly the creature denies he is a duck and announces that he is a cat, the duckling refuses to acknowledge the facts. When this creature expresses complete lack of interest in playing puddle stomp, the little ducking goes off and plays on his own. But the cat is not without remorse for rejecting an offered friendship. Of course it all ends happily, with the two new friends enjoying each other’s company. Bramsen employs brief sentences and the simplest of rhymes to tell this slight tale. The two heroes are meticulously drawn with endearing, expressive faces and body language, and their feathers and fur appear textured and touchable. Even the detailed tree bark and grass seem three-dimensional. There are single- and double-page spreads, panels surrounded by white space and circular and oval frames, all in a variety of eye-pleasing juxtapositions. While the initial appeal is solidly visual, young readers will get the gentle message that friendship is not something to take for granted but is to be embraced with open arms—or paws and webbed feet.
A sweet, tender and charming experience to read aloud or together. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-375-86990-7
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: Nov. 13, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2012
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