by Sarah Mummé ; illustrated by Janet Samuel ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 1, 2015
Leave this board book folded up on the bookstore shelf.
A board book with fold-out pages introduces some common pets.
Each section opens with a simple description of a pet, followed by a sound or action characteristic of the animal; then the animal is revealed. Just five easily recognizable animals—a cat, a dog, a rabbit, a fish, and a bird—are included. As depicted, the animals are more two-dimensional stuffed animals than living creatures. All have the same smile and large black eyes. Rather than simple page turns, the designer created fold-out pages that unfold first up and then over to create the large image of each animal, so each 6-inch-square page becomes a 12-inch-square image. There is no element of surprise here. Visual clues hint at the answer on each page, so all but the youngest children will have guessed the animal before the full image is revealed. Unfortunately, babies and toddlers just learning how books work will be confused by this design. Plus, the pages will bend quickly, and the folds will make convenient tear lines for little fingers eager to rip pages. Little ones who might find the simple text and cheery animals appealing won't have the patience or dexterity to unfold the pages, while older children who can manipulate the pages won't find enough here to hold their attention.
Leave this board book folded up on the bookstore shelf. (Board book. 1-3)Pub Date: Aug. 1, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-7641-6800-0
Page Count: 10
Publisher: Barron's
Review Posted Online: Sept. 15, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2016
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by Sandra Boynton ; illustrated by Sandra Boynton ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 9, 2014
A swell read for the lighthearted. (Board book. 1-3)
The bunnies that inhabit Boynton’s colorful world put on a musical show for the other animals.
The rabbits have taken over the theater. They dance and sing, bragging about their long ears and twitchy noses for the pigs and chickens in the audience. The rhythmic chorus—“We are ten terrific rabbits and we like to dance and sing. / Ten terrific rabbits. We can do almost anything”—is mighty infectious. The author’s trademark wit and humor are on full display as the other animals dress up like bunnies and join the massive grand finale. The barnyard cast forms a musical troupe that amuses and delights. Adults will appreciate the clever sight gags, and small children will appreciate the tasteful boasting and empowering jingle. While it’s not as complete a vehicle for inculcating emergent language skills as many of Boynton’s other books, there’s no denying it’s got verve.
A swell read for the lighthearted. (Board book. 1-3)Pub Date: Sept. 9, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-7611-8060-9
Page Count: 24
Publisher: Workman
Review Posted Online: June 30, 2014
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by Melissa Marr ; illustrated by Teagan White ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 14, 2015
A lovely package, this quiet title will be best as a gift book for new moms eager to read aloud to the newest members of...
A mother’s observations of her new baby lead to a series of sweet comparisons to various animals.
“When I met you, you were small and trembling, and I thought you might be a little bunny. / I held you close so you were warm.” Teen author Marr (Made for You, 2014, etc.) uses playful yet comforting language in her picture-book debut. The baby’s squirming kicks remind her of a “lost kangaroo”; a lifting of the child’s head makes her think of a “curious lizard”; and the little one’s howl seems like that of a “lonely wolf.” Each of the child’s behaviors leads to a tender action taken by the mother: tucking the baby in, offering milk, and giving a bath. Each time a new creature is introduced, White gently changes the dominant color in the muted pastel palette of her watercolor and gouache illustrations. That hue is also reflected in the hand-lettered text, giving the overall design of the book a vintage feel. When the baby smiles, the mother knows “You are not a bunny-roo-lizard-wolf-kitten-piggy. You are my baby.” The final page shows the curled-up infant asleep in a pile of blankets.
A lovely package, this quiet title will be best as a gift book for new moms eager to read aloud to the newest members of their families. (Picture book. 1-3)Pub Date: April 14, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-399-16742-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Review Posted Online: March 16, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2015
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