For those who have lost home; for those who will always be searching.
Themes of displacement, community, and facing the unknown suffuse this picture book.
White text pops off warm, nighttime-blue double-page spreads. Dots of yellow light from anthropomorphic “fireflies” feel familiar and welcoming. The glowing fireflies have very human bodies, translucent wings, pale complexions, and elfin noses; they wear unremarkable Western clothing. Despite their transcendent qualities, the fireflies encounter very human needs of food and home as their dwellings in a city park are destroyed by excavators. With the spirit of a road trip, this existential quest commences as the intergenerational group soars through the evening with suitcases and maps in hand. Whether it’s due to a forgotten teddy, lost friends, or a misplaced sense of direction entirely, each featured firefly relies on encouragement from another in the party for the necessary confidence to move along. The ceaseless night and the uncertainty among so many fireflies remind readers that sometimes a destination will remain elusive, particularly for those forced into movement. The distinctive feel of stone-paper pages is a grounding complement to the uprooted nature of this narrative about a group of people involuntarily searching for a new home.
For those who have lost home; for those who will always be searching. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Nov. 5, 2019
ISBN: 978-84-16733-54-5
Page Count: 28
Publisher: Cuento de Luz
Review Posted Online: July 13, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2019
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An ideal introduction to this familiar waterfowl—readers will enjoy diving right in.
Mallard ducks catch the attention of an observant young narrator. Join in on her day’s travels to learn a lot about these quacking creatures.
Quacks appear in graduated type from large to small to begin this informational gem. The daily activities of a young girl propel the easy-flowing language full of ducky details. Perfectly placed additional facts in smaller and similar-in-tone text are included on each spread. These seamless complements serve to explain unfamiliar terms such as “preening,” “dabbling” and “upending.” While Davies’ text gently informs, Rubbino’s mixed-media illustrations, done in a subdued palette of watery greens, grays and browns, truly impress. Mama ducks, drakes and ducklings alike hold the focus as they nest, search for food, swim, splash and sleep. The loose and childlike pictures capture essential details: the “secret patch of blue on each wing” and the “cute little curl on their tails.” At the end of the day (and book), readers find “The bridge is quiet, and there’s just the sound of rushing water and the stillness of the night.” But the page turn reveals another morning of “ducks—just ducks, down on the river that flows through the town.”
An ideal introduction to this familiar waterfowl—readers will enjoy diving right in. (index, note) (Informational picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: March 1, 2012
ISBN: 978-0-7636-5936-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: Feb. 4, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2012
A read sure to banish melancholy feelings once and for all.
Friends can brighten one’s disposition.
Deep in his lair, Bear’s lonely because no one’s around to play with him. Mouse, Wren, and Owl are foraging, while Hare’s helping his sister dig weeds. Badger’s fishing, and Gopher and Mole are digging tunnels. Raven, writing poetry, can’t be disturbed. “I’m bored!” sighs Bear. “I don’t want to be alone!” “And the bear feels sad”—a refrain the rhyming text repeats frequently. Bear’s carrot snack isn’t so tasty when there’s no one to share it with. Building a blanket fort passes the time, but it isn’t nearly as much fun on his own. Even the discovery of a field filled with beautiful flowers is cause for unhappiness—his buddies can’t see them. Bear fashions bouquets uniquely suited to each friend. Thinking about his pals gladdens him somewhat, and he heads home. Near his den, Bear hears voices: His friends have returned, bearing gifts for him from their exploits. Raven reads his poem, and Bear distributes his bouquets. Everyone plays and chats. Bear’s mood now? “GLAD!” This sweet tale, expressed in well-constructed verse, makes keen observations about how the warmth of camaraderie can swiftly turn sadness to joy. The sunshine-bright acrylic illustrations, featuring endearing animal characters, will lift readers’ spirits as the kindness of Bear’s companions boosts his own.
A read sure to banish melancholy feelings once and for all. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: May 6, 2025
ISBN: 9781665936576
Page Count: 40
Publisher: McElderry
Review Posted Online: Dec. 28, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2025
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