Useful for caregivers who already practice Pilates but for newbies, not so much.
Given the recent popularity of yoga and mindfulness practices, it was only a matter of time before someone would publish a sturdy board book that purports to teach Pilates to preschoolers.
Ouerghi uses metaphor to illustrate 12 exercises that are strikingly similar to yoga poses. Her brief introduction doesn’t explain the difference between yoga and Pilates. A list of tips on the following page alludes to Pilates’ slower pace, but actual instruction is minimal, with no guidance as to the speed at which the exercises should be done or how many times they should be repeated. Eleven exercises follow, one per double-page spread. On verso, children are told to imagine being an animal, a boat, a bridge, or even pencils, while fanciful pictures hint at the prescribed exercise. For example, above a picture of two bears—one roasting marshmallows and the other using a saw (bizarrely) to shave bark off a log—text reads, “Imagine that your hands can saw through wood.” This will not help youngsters understand the seated alternate twist pictured on the right. Similarly, cute monkeys cutting paper in a tree seem unrelated to the scissor kick. On each recto, numbered illustrations of a child modeling the actions accompany rather cryptic instructions. The children display a variety of skin tones.
Useful for caregivers who already practice Pilates but for newbies, not so much. (Board book. 3-6)Pub Date: May 1, 2018
ISBN: 978-1-63322-589-3
Page Count: 30
Publisher: Walter Foster Jr.
Review Posted Online: June 10, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2018
Good interactive fun for tots.
“Bugsy Bug is going to see his grandma”—but is not sure how to get there. By following the clues, readers can help him find her.
When they open the cover of this log-shaped board book, readers will find a veritable bug metropolis thriving inside. Cartoon-style illustrations in appropriately earthy tones depict ants, bees, worms, ladybugs, crickets, and a whole host more of not-so-identifiable critters. Stairs, hallways, and ladders lead to homes; shops, a cafe, and a restaurant; a library (with bookworms, of course!); and even a big, scary spider web. As Bugsy Bug asks for directions to his grandma’s house, friendly bugs give him instructions: “Go through the door by the bee in a bow tie.” When readers explore the different lift-the-flap doors on each double-page spread they will find amusing little scenes taking place behind most doors. The correct door has a die-cut opening leading to the next page. In addition to the action taking place behind the doors, each page turn is full of little details that will keep readers lingering before they move on. The amount of text per page, the busyness of the illustrations, and the dexterity required to lift the flaps without tearing them off the page altogether indicate an audience of older toddlers and preschoolers.
Good interactive fun for tots. (Board book. 3-6)Pub Date: March 28, 2017
ISBN: 978-0-7636-9322-0
Page Count: 18
Publisher: Nosy Crow
Review Posted Online: May 23, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2017
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
The pieces are certain to end up scattered far and wide, but in the meantime, they do offer practice matching flora, fauna,...
Forty-five magnetized items stored in a sturdy pocket can be used to fill up six nautical scenes.
The spreads—introducing the shore, beaches, coral reefs, the open ocean, and harbors—are lightly populated already but have been left with plenty of space to add any of the cartoon sea life, boats, water toys, and human workers or vacationers (all generally diverse of age and skin hue) that may fit or seem appropriate. The “Choking Hazard” warning should be taken seriously, particularly as some pieces are barely the size of a fingertip. These pieces will stay in place (absent sudden jars or rough treatment) as pages are raised or turned, and they can also be used to decorate any flat magnetized surface, although even the sailboats and other larger bits are not strong enough to use separately as fridge magnets. A final “Around the Ocean” spread acts as a key of sorts, identifying such nouns as “parrot fish,” “trawler,” and “snack” as well as such activities as “catch crabs” and “float.” It is so scattershot that readers and users may find themselves wondering how they were chosen for identification and not, for instance, “sea gull,” “buoy,” or “jellyfish.”
The pieces are certain to end up scattered far and wide, but in the meantime, they do offer practice matching flora, fauna, and general sights to various oceanic settings and shores. (Novelty. 3-5)Pub Date: Aug. 7, 2018
ISBN: 979-1-02760-429-6
Page Count: 12
Publisher: Twirl/Chronicle
Review Posted Online: June 24, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2018
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
