Sweet surrealism for the preschool set.
A long-tusked elephant cabbie shows that the true power behind the wheel is a helping hand.
Driving a red vehicle furnished with hose, watering can, and ladder, sporting a sign that says “Tuski” on the roof, the elephant makes a point of picking up every stray traveler—and object—they see, however ludicrous-seeming. A big-billed blue bird offers directions on what to pick up, always with a cheerfully imperious “Beep, beep!” (or “Honk, honk!” or “Toot, toot!”) and “Let’s go!” When a now well-loaded Tuski attempts to scale a tall hill, however, their traveling companions discover that the only thing stronger than an elephant in a truck is the force of gravity. Complementing the forthright instructions proffered by the bird, the book sports only the boldest of bold primary colors rendered in gouache on paper. Readers accustomed to interactive books in the vein of Hervé Tullet’s may, at first glance, assume that the book is offering instructions directly to its young readers. Yet after a couple pages it becomes clear that only the elephant is meant to obey the bossy bird’s whims. Kids that are comfortable with this book’s particular brand of internal dream logic may well be charmed. Children (and adults) seeking a book that’s a little more plot-forward should probably look elsewhere.
Sweet surrealism for the preschool set. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: May 29, 2018
ISBN: 978-1-5247-0068-3
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Knopf
Review Posted Online: Feb. 18, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2018
A sweet, tender and charming experience to read aloud or together.
A clueless duckling tries to make a new friend.
He is confused by this peculiar-looking duck, who has a long tail, doesn’t waddle and likes to be alone. No matter how explicitly the creature denies he is a duck and announces that he is a cat, the duckling refuses to acknowledge the facts. When this creature expresses complete lack of interest in playing puddle stomp, the little ducking goes off and plays on his own. But the cat is not without remorse for rejecting an offered friendship. Of course it all ends happily, with the two new friends enjoying each other’s company. Bramsen employs brief sentences and the simplest of rhymes to tell this slight tale. The two heroes are meticulously drawn with endearing, expressive faces and body language, and their feathers and fur appear textured and touchable. Even the detailed tree bark and grass seem three-dimensional. There are single- and double-page spreads, panels surrounded by white space and circular and oval frames, all in a variety of eye-pleasing juxtapositions. While the initial appeal is solidly visual, young readers will get the gentle message that friendship is not something to take for granted but is to be embraced with open arms—or paws and webbed feet.
A sweet, tender and charming experience to read aloud or together. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-375-86990-7
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: Nov. 13, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2012
WOO-HOO! This is the perfect way to foster healthy self-esteem in little ones.
What’s better than a cheerleading chicken?
Are you ever blue, unsure, tired, or overworked? Do you ever feel lost or overwhelmed? This uplifting book, expressed in delightful, jaunty verse, explains how to lift your spirits pronto: What you need is a booster chicken telling you’re doing great even when you’re not so confident, as when you’re learning or practicing a new skill, for instance. Your feathered champion will be right there, encouraging you all the way, with a loud “WOO HOO!” that’ll keep you going and remove any doubt you’re super terrific. But what if your cheerful chick errs and doesn’t do what it set out to do? Don’t worry—your cheery chicken just needs a reminder that everyone makes mistakes. That alone is a pep talk, enhanced by the wisdom that making mistakes allows everyone to learn and demonstrate they did their best. So forgive yourself, chickens! But the best thing is…instead of relying on someone else—like a chicken—to strengthen your ego, say a generous daily “WOO HOO!” to yourself. This riotous book hits all the right notes and does so succinctly and hilariously. The energetic, comical illustrations, in Boynton’s signature style, will elicit giggles and go far to make the book’s important point. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
WOO-HOO! This is the perfect way to foster healthy self-esteem in little ones. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: April 4, 2023
ISBN: 978-0-316-48679-8
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: Dec. 23, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2023
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