Though a tad didactic and not as sweet as the first, Ruzzier’s second in the Bear and Bee series offers young readers an...
Bear and Bee learn that things aren’t very much fun without a friend to share them with.
In their second outing (Bear and Bee, 2013), Bear and Bee’s new friendship is tested as Bear tries to entice Bee into doing his favorite things with him, while Bee is busy with chores. Despite such diversions as rolling down the hill, climbing a tree and splashing in the pond, Bee’s chores (watering plants, cooking, sweeping) take precedence over spending time with Bear, a situation sure to be familiar to children who have similarly busy parents. Bears sums it up neatly when he remarks, “Oh Bee….Having fun is not as fun without you.” Repetitive refrains will get listeners participating and help new readers build confidence: “Come and….You will love it!... // “No thank you….I’m too busy to….” The shoe is on the other foot after Bear falls asleep and Bee wants to gaze at the moon with him. Unsurprisingly, Bear’s too busy. But Bee’s clever compromise is a happy resolution for both friends. Throughout, the simple illustrations captivate (and sometimes stun) with their Seuss-ian colors.
Though a tad didactic and not as sweet as the first, Ruzzier’s second in the Bear and Bee series offers young readers an important lesson that goes down easy. What will be next for the two friends? (Picture book. 3-5)Pub Date: March 18, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-4231-5961-2
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Review Posted Online: Jan. 21, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2014
Smart and accessible, charming and witty, this is one for educators and adventurers alike.
Hall cleverly plays with homophones in this diverting word adventure.
Three curious cats, propelled by their imaginations, bring books to life as they traverse spacious, white spreads. Together they “flee a steer,” “steer a plane,” “plane a board” and “board a train.” Each sentence or scenario offers hints of what’s to come. Discerning compositions and a rhyming text further drive the momentum until, alas! The words’ many meanings confound these friendly felines. Humorous permutations ensue as the kitties try to untangle their tales. After they successfully "shoo a truly naughty gnu," (it's munching shoes—truly naughty indeed!), things go sadly awry. "They use their paws to rock a squashberry! Rock a squashberry?" Once back on track, they befriend a bear, sail a whale and ultimately find comfort and contentment in words. Digitally collaged illustrations with appealing characters pop from the page. The artwork, simple in its appearance yet interwoven with the text with utmost sophistication, playfully offers the easiest and funniest lesson on homophones possible, inviting repeat readings and likely inspiring continuing silliness.
Smart and accessible, charming and witty, this is one for educators and adventurers alike. (Picture book. 3-5)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2012
ISBN: 978-0-06-191516-1
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Review Posted Online: July 17, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2012
Youngsters who meet Frankie will be looking for him on every highway, as he’s a friend they won’t soon forget.
Frankie the semi introduces himself and all the things he can do.
A big rig gets up close and personal in Swenson’s latest, and young vehicle lovers will be enthralled. Frankie pulls no punches in this down-to-earth look at semis. He speaks directly to readers, and his voice is definitely that of a truck. (Those who read this aloud may be thrown off by the rhyme that comes and goes.) Frankie counts his 18 wheels (by twos), shows what he is hauling and invites readers along for the ride. Onomatopoeic words in a large font fill up the spreads as Frankie blasts his horn for readers, tests out his Jake brake, turns on the wipers during a brief storm and suffers a blown tire, all capturing the real-life sounds. Frankie introduces readers to trucking terms and phrases (defined in the “Truck-tionary” in the backmatter) that are sure to tickle young readers’ fancies: alligator, magic mile, back off the hammer, Christmas tree. Throughout, Young’s brightly colored Cars-like illustrations bring Frankie to life, the windshield his eyes, the front bumper his mouth, the rest of the truck body serving to help express his emotions. Frankie’s surroundings are slightly retro, but all is shiny and spiffed, just like the big rig himself.
Youngsters who meet Frankie will be looking for him on every highway, as he’s a friend they won’t soon forget. (Picture book. 3-5)Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-4231-6330-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Review Posted Online: Dec. 6, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2013
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