Bold, bright photography illustrates this color-concept picture book set in Israel.
With a design reminiscent of Tana Hoban’s classic books, numerous scenes both rural and urban showcase some distinctly Israeli features represented through the color palette. The red of an Israeli mail van or double-decker train, the yellow of a bus-stop sign or tree blossoms, and the brown of freshly baked challah at market or a cow in the Golan Heights are some examples. The shades of gray are seen at the beach with pigeons on the sand or the public benches in Jerusalem, while black flags at the beach serve as warning signs. White is the color of the Shrine of the Book, and pink is clearly the color of postage stamps. The name of each color is printed in English, Hebrew, and transliteration, and there is an abundance of Hebrew captured in many of the crisp photographs. With sites including Akko, Jaffa, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Giv’atayim, among others, Raz offers a pleasing survey of the country’s geography.
A nice, basic introduction to language, Israel, and some of its vibrant highlights. (Picture book. 2-4)Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2015
ISBN: 978-1-4677-5539-9
Page Count: 24
Publisher: Kar-Ben
Review Posted Online: July 15, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2015
Categories: CHILDREN'S CONCEPTS | CHILDREN'S RELIGION
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An interactive egg hunt with turning-wheel and lift-the-flap elements.
This board book begins by directing readers to find the hidden eggs. Each wheel—there are four in all set into the interior pages—has several different eggs on it, and turning it reveals an egg in a little die-cut window. Spinning it further hides the egg behind one of two lift-the-flap panels—two baskets, for example—and readers must guess behind which they’ll find the egg they have chosen to track. A diagram on the back provides instructions for use, likely more helpful to caregivers than to little ones. There is no narrative in this book; it’s simply page after page of different directives along the lines of “Guess which door!” As a result, the focus is really on manipulatives and the illustrations. Fortunately, Kirwan’s spring-themed artwork is gorgeous. The backdrop of each page is flower- and leaf-themed with warm spring hues, echoing the artwork of Eastern European hand-stenciled Easter eggs, two of which appear at the end of the book. The animals, like the smiling snail and mischievous mice, are reminiscent of classic European fairy-tale creatures. The only human in the book is a dark-skinned child with tight, curly hair. The moveable pieces largely work, though at times the necessary white space under the flaps interrupts the illustration awkwardly, as when the child’s hands suddenly develop large oval holes if the spinner is not in the correct position. Overall, it’s more game than book.
There is no real story, but the moving parts are fun, and the illustrations are beautiful. (Board book. 2-4)Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-4521-7457-0
Page Count: 10
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Review Posted Online: Dec. 18, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2020
Categories: CHILDREN'S CONCEPTS | CHILDREN'S HOLIDAYS & CELEBRATIONS
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An alphabet book featuring different ways to be kind.
This oversized board book takes a walk through the alphabet and hits on most of the obvious ways in which children can be kind to one another, themselves, and the planet. Berger’s simple text includes both small acts, like “Brightening someone’s day with a smile,” and larger ones, such as “Standing up for someone when no one else will.” The text is direct, without any poetry or flourish, so it reads a bit like an encyclopedia. The acts of kindness feel attainable for young readers, and Trukhan’s illustrations offer practical examples: One child gives up their spot in line for the slide; another makes room at the lunch table. Trukhan’s illustrations are reminiscent of Byron Barton’s, featuring bold, block colors and geometric foundations. The book is inclusive of people with many different skin and hair colors, and it also depicts one child with a cochlear implant and another who walks with forearm crutches. Trukhan’s companion title, Kindess Counts 123, with text by R.A. Strong, echoes both this title’s theme and its inclusivity. While none of the content in either book is particularly revelatory, it is still meaningful and nicely presented.
It’s all very obvious, but there’s no harm in harping on kindness. (Board book. 2-4)Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-68437-651-3
Page Count: 26
Publisher: Highlights Press
Review Posted Online: Jan. 21, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2020
Categories: CHILDREN'S CONCEPTS | CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES
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