Thong’s observance on the fleeting nature of childhood is wryly sentimental. Energetic verses detail a young girl’s development from babyhood to early childhood with a glance toward the future. With thoughtful reflection, Thong captures each stage of development and wraps it up for readers in sprightly verse that may just bring a tear to the eyes of parents everywhere. From splashy tub times and exuberant self-feedings to increasing independence, Thong neatly balances the poignancy of watching a beloved child grow up with humor. Williams’s charcoal and pastels feature a curly haired, angelic-looking tot evolving from round-bellied infancy to composed girlhood. The addition of digital coloring adds a visual pop to the gentle lines of the sketches. Interspersed among the two-page spreads are pages of playful “photographs” pasted scrapbook-style onto the pages that correlate neatly with the verses and add intrigue to the illustrations. Affecting without being maudlin, Thong’s tale is one for daughters and their families to treasure. (Picture book. 3-5)
Pub Date: April 1, 2007
ISBN: 0-8050-7609-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Henry Holt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2007
A direct narrative voice and endearingly childlike illustrations combine in a charming tale that may have difficulty finding a wide audience. Magenta does an excellent job of bringing her cast of characters to life, despite the fact that Orlando and his “Mami” and “Papi” all have dots for eyes, circles for mouths and no noses. Like her illustrations, her plot is simple. Orlando is disappointed to realize it’s Thursday, the day his mother is “busy in town all day.” Luckily his Papi manages to cheer him with Orlando-centric activities and special meals. Orlando's emotions are true to life, but sophisticated tone, style and vocabulary give the text an ever-so-slightly condescending feel. Some young listeners may feel distanced from the action by the protagonist’s relentless (though quite believable) self-absorption. Others may miss entirely the cleverness of the collage illustrations, created with found paper, pen, pencil and Conté crayon. On the other hand, it’s likely that Orlando’s story will resonate with many families and might even inspire personal tales of coping with separation. Intimate and creative, if not entirely successful. (Picture book. 3-5)
Pub Date: Aug. 1, 2010
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4560-1
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: June 30, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2010
When a new baby brother and sister arrive on the scene, a young bear named Alfie must learn how to play gently with them. Used to the rough-and-tumble play of a bear cub, Alfie longs to share his world with his new siblings, but they are too young to play tug-of-war or the other fun games that he enjoys. Mother Bear encourages Alfie to go out and find a gift for the young cubs in the forest beyond the cave door, but instead of bringing them something soft and soothing, Alfie brings them stones to demonstrate the sound of thunder. Mother Bear then encourages Alfie to go and find the baby cubs a treat to eat, but instead of berries or honey, Alfie decides to bring them a big fish. Over and over, Alfie tries to share his world with the babies, only to find that his ideas are not quite right for the young cubs. Finally, Alfie tries to show them the rainbow that is arching across the sky, but the babies prefer to look at Alfie, demonstrating that they have really preferred him all along. Softly painted illustrations of this cuddly, teddy bear–like family will enchant young children while at the same time providing a useful lesson for siblings. (Picture book. 3-5)
Pub Date: May 1, 2001
ISBN: 0-525-46885-4
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Dutton
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2002
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