The story may be predictable, but it’s also charming—worth lingering over, and more than once.
New talent Swales creates a spare tale of friendship and support.
Big the tortoise and Little the squirrel “are a great team.” “They climb trees,” with Little hauling his less-nimble friend up to a branch with a rope. “They chew stuff,” both with looks of delight as they gnaw on cake and plants. “And they have races,” revealed to have a shocking finish; is Little displeased, or did he throw the race? But one day a sudden attack of anhedonia, depression, or just introversion drives Big to retreat into his shell. Little tries several ways to coax Big out, but in the end a simple hug turns the mood around. Readers never learn why Big feels the need to isolate himself or why a hug was the right move, but these questions leave open the possibility of discussion and identification with adults and children. Bright and blocky illustrations, reminiscent of Chris Haughton’s (Shh! We Have a Plan, 2014), add richness and joy to the text with especially pleasing facial expressions. There is a certain droll quality to the story that will appeal to an adult sense of humor, with a simple and sweet message for the younger audience.
The story may be predictable, but it’s also charming—worth lingering over, and more than once. (Picture book. 3-7)Pub Date: Aug. 15, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-911171-30-0
Page Count: 36
Publisher: Flying Eye Books
Review Posted Online: April 25, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2017
A hymn to the intrinsic loveliness of the wild and the possibility of sharing it.
What happens when a robot washes up alone on an island?
“Everything was just right on the island.” Brown beautifully re-creates the first days of Roz, the protagonist of his Wild Robot novels, as she adapts to living in the natural world. A storm-tossed ship, seen in the opening just before the title page, and a packing crate are the only other human-made objects to appear in this close-up look at the robot and her new home. Roz emerges from the crate, and her first thought as she sets off up a grassy hill—”This must be where I belong”—is sweetly glorious, a note of recognition rather than conquest. Roz learns to move, hide, and communicate like the creatures she meets. When she discovers an orphaned egg—and the gosling Brightbill, who eventually hatches—her decision to be his mother seems a natural extension of her adaptation. Once he flies south for the winter, her quiet wait across seasons for his return is a poignant portrayal of separation and change. Brown’s clean, precise lines and deep, light-filled colors offer a sense of what Roz might be seeing, suggesting a place that is alive yet deeply serene and radiant. Though the book stands alone, it adds an immensely appealing dimension to Roz’s world. Round thumbnails offer charming peeks into the island world, depicting Roz’s animal neighbors and Brightbill’s maturation.
A hymn to the intrinsic loveliness of the wild and the possibility of sharing it. (author’s note) (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: June 24, 2025
ISBN: 9780316669467
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: March 22, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2025
Familiarity breeds a birthday for the ages in this party worth attending.
Don’t let the Pigeon ruin his own special day!
Anyone who has ever encountered the title character in any of his books—whether his first, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus (2003), or one of its many sequels—will understand that the bird’s innate self-love drives his every interaction. Little wonder, then, that he’s thrilled about his own “bird-day.” He has the hat. He has his “FANCY PLUMAGE.” And, best of all, he will get to blow out a candle “on my bird-day hot dog!” As he revels in the knowledge that this day is all for him, comeuppance is lurking. Someone has already blown out the bird-day candle—and eaten half the hot dog. It turns out that the Pigeon’s frenemy, the Duckling, has the same bird-day—as do a slew of newly hatched chicks. The Pigeon’s obligatory eight-panel freakout ensues. “What am I—invisible? I just want to be seen,” he whimpers, and when he receives some much-needed reassurance, he settles down and willingly shares his special day. While the switch from unapologetic narcissism to mature acceptance happens in the record-breaking span of two pages, the book is as enchanting as the Pigeon’s earlier outings. Even as it walks in the footsteps of its predecessors, there’s no denying the fun to be had.
Familiarity breeds a birthday for the ages in this party worth attending. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: March 31, 2026
ISBN: 9781454999621
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Union Square Kids
Review Posted Online: Nov. 22, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2026
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