Not as ridiculous, or as funny, as the first.
Those lovable, naïve preschool penguins are back, this time learning the basics of hide-and-seek.
Bob’s umbrella on a rainy morning is the inspiration: “Oh, hello!” say Flo and Sam. “We didn’t see you hiding under there!” But despite this broad strategic hint, Bob, true to form, remains clueless as they play. While Flo and Sam count to 20 (rather, to 10 twice, as “counting to twenty is hard”), Bob “hides” in plain sight. Sam gives further direction: “You have to hide behind something.” But the play frying pan held in front of his face is still too revealing. Flo says, “You have to disappear.” This time, Sam and Flo give Bob plenty of time to hide, making a pretend cake in the kitchen corner. Meanwhile, Bob has finally gotten it. The question is, will young readers? Bob has fashioned a life-size pixelated penguin out of yellowish, orange, and black blocks. He stumps Flo and Sam, who don’t see him peeking out from behind his creation. After praise all around, for good hiding and a good cake, the tale abruptly ends. The tongue-in-cheek humor that made Bob and Flo’s first outing (Bob and Flo, 2015) so much fun is missing here, though the droll, expressionless penguins are comical. Children may yell out directions to Bob, but this is not as overtly interactive as books that ask questions directly of readers.
Not as ridiculous, or as funny, as the first. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: May 3, 2016
ISBN: 978-0-544-59631-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: HMH Books
Review Posted Online: Feb. 16, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2016
A testament to the universality of love.
An expanded explanation of love in both English and Spanish.
Several animal personalities pose the question, “What is love?” and in a series of lift-the-flap responses present various emotional scenarios. Little Elephant asks Spider, “Is it the joy of having you around?” Spider asks, “Is it the way you lift me when I’m down?” Each page corresponds to a flap that reveals one of a multitude of feelings love can evoke in either an English or Spanish rhyme, which are not direct translations of each other. An interspersed refrain notes, “Amor for the Spanish, / and love en inglés. / Love in any language / always means the same.” A palette of pastels and purple and pink hues dominate as hearts abound on each page, surrounding the characters, who are adorable though on the overly sweet side. The characters are from the bilingual preschool series Canticos, though it will work even among those without knowledge of the show. Children more fluent in Spanish will be better able to appreciate this, and those familiar with the show will recognize the signature characters, including “Los Pollitos” (Little Chickies). (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A testament to the universality of love. (Board book. 3-6)Pub Date: Nov. 8, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-945635-72-4
Page Count: 24
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Review Posted Online: Sept. 27, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Gently models kindness and respect—positive behavior that can be applied daily.
A group of young “dinosauruses” go out into the world on their own.
A fuchsia little Hugasaurus and her Pappysaur (both of whom resemble Triceratops) have never been apart before, but Hugasaurus happily heads off with lunchbox in hand and “wonder in her heart” to make new friends. The story has a first-day-of-school feeling, but Hugasaurus doesn’t end up in a formal school environment; rather, she finds herself on a playground with other little prehistoric creatures, though no teacher or adult seems to be around. At first, the new friends laugh and play. But Hugasaurus’ pals begin to squabble, and play comes to a halt. As she wonders what to do, a fuzzy platypus playmate asks some wise questions (“What…would your Pappy say to do? / What makes YOU feel better?”), and Hugasaurus decides to give everyone a hug—though she remembers to ask permission first. Slowly, good humor is restored and play begins anew with promises to be slow to anger and, in general, to help create a kinder world. Short rhyming verses occasionally use near rhyme but also include fun pairs like ripples and double-triples. Featuring cozy illustrations of brightly colored creatures, the tale sends a strong message about appropriate and inappropriate ways to resolve conflict, the final pages restating the lesson plainly in a refrain that could become a classroom motto. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Gently models kindness and respect—positive behavior that can be applied daily. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Dec. 6, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-338-82869-6
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Orchard/Scholastic
Review Posted Online: Sept. 27, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2022
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