With spooky scarecrows, sneaky ninjas, and sibling tricks, this book has a little something for everyone.
One Halloween, Yukio gets tired of his sister following him around and says some things he doesn’t mean.
After trying to chase away Santa (Samurai Santa, 2015), Yukio the ninja returns excited for Halloween night. His little sister, Kashi, wants to be just like her big brother. As they prepare for a night of trick-or-treating, Kashi follows her brother around everywhere, asking questions incessantly—and even dressing in the same costume. Yukio has had enough and yells at his sister. Chided by his friends (“Ouch. Too far, dude”), Yukio tries to apologize, but she doesn’t want to go trick-or-treating with him anymore. While he and his friends are out, the Samurai Scarecrow—the well-known spooky urban legend—chases them, demanding his candy, which forces him into a decision that teaches him what it is to be a ninja and a brother. Taking inspiration from Japanese urban legends, Pingk creates the eerie Samurai Scarecrow. He uses a palette of black, white, orange, and mauve to convey a Halloween feel. Gray clouds, curvy trees, and ghostly tendrils create spooky landscapes and frames. His focus on small details, such as scatterings of orange feathers, adds to the movement and emotion in each scene. Playful changes in typeface add voice and emphasis.
With spooky scarecrows, sneaky ninjas, and sibling tricks, this book has a little something for everyone. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: July 24, 2018
ISBN: 978-1-4814-3059-3
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: July 15, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2018
BOOK REVIEW
A good bet for the youngest bird-watchers.
Echoing the meter of “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” Ward uses catchy original rhymes to describe the variety of nests birds create.
Each sweet stanza is complemented by a factual, engaging description of the nesting habits of each bird. Some of the notes are intriguing, such as the fact that the hummingbird uses flexible spider web to construct its cup-shaped nest so the nest will stretch as the chicks grow. An especially endearing nesting behavior is that of the emperor penguin, who, with unbelievable patience, incubates the egg between his tummy and his feet for up to 60 days. The author clearly feels a mission to impart her extensive knowledge of birds and bird behavior to the very young, and she’s found an appealing and attractive way to accomplish this. The simple rhymes on the left page of each spread, written from the young bird’s perspective, will appeal to younger children, and the notes on the right-hand page of each spread provide more complex factual information that will help parents answer further questions and satisfy the curiosity of older children. Jenkins’ accomplished collage illustrations of common bird species—woodpecker, hummingbird, cowbird, emperor penguin, eagle, owl, wren—as well as exotics, such as flamingoes and hornbills, are characteristically naturalistic and accurate in detail.
A good bet for the youngest bird-watchers. (author’s note, further resources) (Informational picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: March 18, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-4424-2116-5
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Beach Lane/Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Jan. 3, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2014
A heartwarming reminder to embrace change.
A dog who belongs to an expecting couple adjusts to home life as a new baby arrives.
Pepita, the family pet, is beloved and still so little they call her Bebita (baby girl). But Pepita’s world is changing as her Mami and Papi await the arrival of a baby. Pepita is used to being spoiled “with treats and tummy rubs and my favorite fluffy pillow….But lately, things have been changing.” As the home gets new additions like a crib and gifts from the grandparents, Pepita feels left out, no longer the center of attention. Once the baby arrives, Pepita tries to adjust but is kept up at night by crying and doesn’t get playtime like before. But Pepita’s sweetness shines through as she finds ways to help out and bond with the new baby. “I feel so proud to be the big sister,” she concludes. The book is sprinkled with Spanish phrases, reflecting that Pepita is part of a Latine household; readers unfamiliar with Spanish will find the glossary helpful. Illustrations are warm and cuddly throughout, and the story is highly relatable; soon-to-be big siblings fretting over a new arrival will find it especially comforting. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A heartwarming reminder to embrace change. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Sept. 12, 2023
ISBN: 9780593566985
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Knopf
Review Posted Online: July 13, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2023
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