A satisfying read that’s just right for spring.
Two kids discover the joy of nature’s renewal.
The children are delighted to find a seed while playing. They gently place it in a box for safekeeping, but nothing happens. They try to usher things along by singing and dancing for it; still, nothing. Intuitively, they decide to take cues from the seed to see what it wants. They listen, wait, and finally hear the seed tell them, “Plant me.” They do so carefully. As the seasons pass, the kids wonder if the seed is as aware as they are of autumn’s winds, winter’s icy rains, and spring’s warmth—until, finally, the seed sprouts, grows, and ultimately yields a magnificent sunflower. With autumn’s return, though, the flower dies, and the children feel sad. But they’re thrilled with the gift it’s left them: more seeds! This time, they know exactly what to do. This U.K. import is just right for easy listening; with its simple, unhurried text, it’s also a good fit for emergent readers. The story touches on themes of nature’s rebirth and caring for the Earth in a tender, child-friendly manner. The protagonists—one of whom is light-skinned and red-headed, the other brown-skinned and dark-haired—are depicted not only as close friends but also as gentle stewards of the natural world: wonderful images to present to readers. The colorful, unpretentious illustrations are charming.
A satisfying read that’s just right for spring. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: March 5, 2024
ISBN: 9781915252425
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Scallywag Press
Review Posted Online: Dec. 11, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2024
Too cute to be spooky indeed but most certainly sweet.
A ghost longs to be scary, but none of the creepy personas she tries on fit.
Misty, a feline ghost with big green eyes and long whiskers, wants to be the frightening presence that her haunted house calls for, but sadly, she’s “too cute to be spooky.” She dons toilet paper to resemble a mummy, attempts to fly on a broom like a witch, and howls at the moon like a werewolf. Nothing works. She heads to a Halloween party dressed reluctantly as herself. When she arrives, her friends’ joyful screams reassure her that she’s great just as she is. Sadler’s message, though a familiar one, is delivered effectively in a charming, ghostly package. Misty truly is too precious to be frightening. Laberis depicts an endearingly spooky, all-animal cast—a frog witch, for instance, and a crocodilian mummy. Misty’s sidekick, a cheery little bat who lends support throughout, might be even more adorable than she is. Though Misty’s haunted house is filled with cobwebs and surrounded by jagged, leafless trees, the charming characters keep things from ever getting too frightening. The images will encourage lingering looks. Clearly, there’s plenty that makes Misty special just as she is—a takeaway that adults sharing the book with their little ones should be sure to drive home.
Too cute to be spooky indeed but most certainly sweet. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Aug. 13, 2024
ISBN: 9780593702901
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: May 17, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2024
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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