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THE PASSOVER ZOO SEDER

How can Passover be celebrated at the zoo when the only Haggadah is too worn to read? Shai Elephant, who is not shy, suggests an oral recitation based on memory, complete with assigned parts for each animal. Sheep bleats the traditional four questions—“Maaah Nishtanaaah”—and Horsey and Donkey whinny “all of Dah-yaynoo,” while Lion approves with his “Ma-Roar!” Many a large family Seder can appear to be zoo-like in its atmosphere, with a large crowd of adults and children who often contribute to a din. Yet this hokey, banal parody fails to bring any charm or amusement to juvenile Passover literature. Fun is an appropriate part of a cheerful and joyous family Seder, but reading aloud this forced, unmetered rhyme with its complicated series of tongue-twisters and pun-oriented dialogue, as instructed by the author, is as tedious as a drawn-out adult ceremonial dinner. “Pharoah-proud Peacocks paraded, the abject slaves of new fashion. / Whitefish were Gefilte—snacks Loony Loons crave with passion. / Marvelous Marmoset Marvie murmured Mom’s Hadleek Nair / She got too close to the candles, slightly singeing her hair.” Crude pen-and-crayon drawings add to the painful absurdity of this telling.  (Picture book/religion. 5-8)

Pub Date: March 1, 2011

ISBN: 978-1-58980-972-7

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Pelican

Review Posted Online: April 7, 2011

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2011

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HOW TO CATCH A LOVEOSAURUS

From the How To Catch… series

Sugary uplift, shrink-wrapped for the masses.

An elusive new quarry leads the How To Catch… kids on a merry chase through a natural history museum.

Taking at least a step away from the “hunters versus prey” vibe of previous entries in the popular series, the racially diverse group of young visitors dashes through various museum halls in pursuit of the eponymous dino—whose quest to “spread kindness and joy ’round the world” takes the form of a mildly tumultuous museum tour. In most of Elkerton’s overly sweet, color-saturated scenes, only portions of the Loveosaurus, who is purple and covered with pink hearts, are visible behind exhibits or lumbering off the page. But the children find small enticements left behind, from craft supplies to make cards for endangered species to pictures of smiley faces, candy heart–style personal notes (“You Rock!” “Give Hugs”), and, in the hall of medieval arms and armor, a sign urging them to “Be Honest Be Kind.” The somewhat heavy-handed lesson comes through loud and clear. “There’s a message, he wants us to think,” hints Walstead to clue in more obtuse readers…and concluding scenes of smiling people young and otherwise exchanging hugs and knuckle bumps, holding doors for a wheelchair rider, and dancing through clouds of sparkles indicate that they, at least, have gotten it. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Sugary uplift, shrink-wrapped for the masses. (Picture book. 5-7)

Pub Date: Dec. 6, 2022

ISBN: 9781728268781

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Sourcebooks Wonderland

Review Posted Online: Jan. 17, 2023

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2023

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JUNETEENTH IS

A solid introduction to the holiday’s history and traditions for the youngest audience.

An African American child celebrates Juneteenth with her family.

The unnamed young narrator awakens to the smell of Daddy’s brisket cooking. She and her family pull up chairs and watch as a parade of dancers and musicians proceed down their street. Later, they go to Granddaddy’s house, which is decorated with flags commemorating the occasion. As family members arrive, more voices are added to the mix. Some play basketball; others listen to music. After prayers, the family enjoys a meal full of food; the child notes the numerous red items there, and backmatter explores the significance of the color to Juneteenth and in West African cultures. Granddaddy discusses the day’s historical importance and explains why they must remember those who came before them and who struggled and persevered. The final spreads proclaim that Juneteenth is an American holiday for all: “Juneteenth is all of us. We are America.” Told from the perspective of a child finding joy and wonder in her family’s traditions, this story strikes a balance between the celebratory aspects of the holiday and its historical origins. The strength of family and the power of community come through clearly. O’Brien’s lively and colorful digital illustrations enhance the tale.

A solid introduction to the holiday’s history and traditions for the youngest audience. (bibliography) (Picture book. 5-8)

Pub Date: April 9, 2024

ISBN: 9781797216805

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Chronicle Books

Review Posted Online: Jan. 20, 2024

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2024

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