Brown (Toad, 1997, etc.) delves into a visual and verbal world of M.C. Escher proportions. In rhyming verse a young girl recounts her peculiar experiences occurring “one midsummer night in winter,” weaving a tale of singing flowers, blooming birds, and a feline spat ineptly arbitrated by the classic trio of see-no-evil, hear-no-evil, speak-no-evil monkeys. Brown’s verse, overflowing with oxymorons, challenges readers to be especially attentive to the text in order to catch the puns in the lines: “Quite clearly in the distance,/but almost out of sight,/two fat cats were yowling,/preparing for the fight.” Her elaborate, full-page illustrations also demand in-depth perusal. Fantastical landscapes with unusual creatures fill the pages; there are plenty of minute details to delight observant readers. With the extravagant improbabilities of the rhymes to entertain the younger set and intricate word games to engage older readers, Brown’s homage to the absurd has wide appeal. (Picture book. 3-7)
Pub Date: May 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-525-46010-1
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Dutton
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 1999
Baker (Big Fat Hen, 1994, etc.) engages in more number play, posing ducklings in every combination of groups, e.g., “Splashing as they leap and dive/7 ducklings, 2 plus 5.” Using a great array of streaked and dappled papers, Baker creates a series of leafy collage scenes for the noisy, exuberant ducklings to fill, tucking in an occasional ladybug or other small creature for sharp-eyed pre-readers to spot. Children will regretfully wave goodbye as the ducks fly off in neat formation at the end of this brief, painless introduction to several basic math concepts. (Picture book. 4-6)
Pub Date: Aug. 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-15-292858-8
Page Count: 24
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 1999
This latest Froggy title (Froggy Goes to School, 1996, etc.) is utterly unfocused, with the star careening from soccer dolt to Mr. Superkick. Froggy’s team has a big game coming up with the Wild Things, and he is trying to remember the mantra his father, and assistant coach, taught him: “Head it! Boot it! Knee it! Shoot it! But don’t use your hands!” But illegally touching the ball seems to be the least of Froggy’s worries; distraction is his problem. He is so busy turning cartwheels, tying his shoes, and more, that the only time he makes contact with the ball is when it bounces off his head by mistake. Then, when the Wild Things make a breakaway, Froggy has some dazzling moves to avert a score, but forgetfully grabs the ball at the last second. The other team gets a penalty kick, converts it, but then Froggy makes a field-long kick for a game-winning score. London forces Froggy into too many guises—the fool, the hero, the klutz, the fancy dancer—but none of them stick. Remkiewicz’s illustrations have charm; it is in their appeal that this book will find its audience. (Picture book. 2-6)
Pub Date: March 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-670-88257-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 1999
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