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
A heartwarming story about facing fears and acceptance.
A boy with wings learns to be himself and inspires others like him to soar, too.
Norman, a “perfectly normal” boy, never dreamed he might grow wings. Afraid of what his parents might say, he hides his new wings under a big, stuffy coat. Although the coat hides his wings from the world, Norman no longer finds joy in bathtime, playing at the park, swimming, or birthday parties. With the gentle encouragement of his parents, who see his sadness, Norman finds the courage to come out of hiding and soar. Percival (The Magic Looking Glass, 2017, etc.) depicts Norman with light skin and dark hair. Black-and-white illustrations show his father with dark skin and hair and his mother as white. The contrast of black-and-white illustrations with splashes of bright color complements the story’s theme. While Norman tries to be “normal,” the world and people around him look black and gray, but his coat stands out in yellow. Birds pop from the page in pink, green, and blue, emphasizing the joy and beauty of flying free. The final spread, full of bright color and multiracial children in flight, sets the mood for Norman’s realization on the last page that there is “no such thing as perfectly normal,” but he can be “perfectly Norman.”
A heartwarming story about facing fears and acceptance. (Picture book. 3-5)Pub Date: May 1, 2018
ISBN: 978-1-68119-785-2
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Review Posted Online: March 3, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2018
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