A jubilant tale of empathy and rib-tickling calamity.
In author Keres and illustrator Lin’s latest picture-book series installment, Finn the Frog learns a lesson about caring for others.
Finn is aware that he lives inside a book and is rather caught up in the idea of his own renown. When it transpires that the reader is feeling ill, one of the amphibian’s first reactions is worry for himself. He rallies, though, and tries to diagnose and treat the unseen patient—only for the reader to sneeze (in a splendidly disgusting rendering of yellow mucus), causing Finn to contract the sickness himself. The reader then attempts to treat Finn, with unfortunate consequences, due to the incompatibility of human medicine and frog biology. Ultimately, it’s kindness that makes Finn feel better and teaches him to be less self-absorbed. Keres narrates from Finn’s perspective, addressing readers directly through the frog’s vainglorious soliloquies. A large, faux handprinted typeface, enlivened by judicious use of colorful and boldface emphases, shares a white backdrop with Lin’s watercolor illustrations. Lin’s creative style evokes classic illustrator Quentin Blake’s work while also establishing an intimate protagonist-reader dynamic that calls to mind author Jon Stone and illustrator Mike Smollin’s classic, The Monster at the End of This Book (1971). The combination is endearing, and the gross-out subject matter is sure to appeal to young children.
A jubilant tale of empathy and rib-tickling calamity.Pub Date: Aug. 5, 2025
ISBN: 9781964021027
Page Count: -
Publisher: Flypaper Press
Review Posted Online: April 24, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2025
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A stocking stuffer par excellence, just right for dishing up with milk and cookies.
Pigeon finds something better to drive than some old bus.
This time it’s Santa delivering the fateful titular words, and with a “Ho. Ho. Whoa!” the badgering begins: “C’mon! Where’s your holiday spirit? It would be a Christmas MIRACLE! Don’t you want to be part of a Christmas miracle…?” Pigeon is determined: “I can do Santa stuff!” Like wrapping gifts (though the accompanying illustration shows a rather untidy present), delivering them (the image of Pigeon attempting to get an oversize sack down a chimney will have little ones giggling), and eating plenty of cookies. Alas, as Willems’ legion of young fans will gleefully predict, not even Pigeon’s by-now well-honed persuasive powers (“I CAN BE JOLLY!”) will budge the sleigh’s large and stinky reindeer guardian. “BAH. Also humbug.” In the typically minimalist art, the frustrated feathered one sports a floppily expressive green and red elf hat for this seasonal addition to the series—but then discards it at the end for, uh oh, a pair of bunny ears. What could Pigeon have in mind now? “Egg delivery, anyone?”
A stocking stuffer par excellence, just right for dishing up with milk and cookies. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Sept. 5, 2023
ISBN: 9781454952770
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Union Square Kids
Review Posted Online: Sept. 12, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share.
In this latest in the series, Little Blue Truck, driven by pal Toad, is challenged to a countryside race by Racer Red, a sleek, low-slung vehicle.
Blue agrees, and the race is on. Although the two start off “hood to hood / and wheel to wheel,” they switch positions often as they speed their way over dusty country roads. Blue’s farm friends follow along to share in the excitement and shout out encouragement; adult readers will have fun voicing the various animal sounds. Short rhyming verses on each page and several strategic page turns add drama to the narrative, but soft, mottled effects in the otherwise colorful illustrations keep the competition from becoming too intense. Racer Red crosses the finish line first, but Blue is a gracious loser, happy to have worked hard. That’s a new concept for Racer Red, who’s laser-focused on victory but takes Blue’s words (“win or lose, it’s fun to try!”) to heart—a revelation that may lead to worthwhile storytime discussions. When Blue’s farm animal friends hop into the truck for the ride home, Racer Red tags along and learns a second lesson, one about speed. “Fast is fun, / and slow is too, / as long as you’re / with friends.”
A friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: March 25, 2025
ISBN: 9780063387843
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Clarion/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Jan. 18, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2025
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BOOK REVIEW
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