From the predictable text to the just-right surprise ending, there’s plenty here to entice toddler readers.
A class of cheery animals leave school with their caregivers, minus Little Snail, who carries a secret on their back.
School’s out, and this class is ready to go! This agreeable Chinese import follows a satisfyingly predictable pattern: First there is a double-page spread of a different animal saying farewell to Little Snail, followed by a spread describing the way the critter gets home. Within its succinct pattern there’s a large variety of transportation options, from biking to public transit to car, meaning that most toddlers will relate to at least one of the methods. Additionally, not all the adults picking up youngsters are identified by relationship, allowing space for various child care arrangements. Once all the other animals have gone, there’s a mysterious, dark-green spread with only a giant “Whoosh!” on it—and the turn of the page reveals Little Snail inside their shell. Surprise! “Little Snail is always the first to get home!” Bold, matte prints infuse the cartoon-style animals with personality, from a speckled bear running for the bus and a frolicking pig with movement lines and braids askew to the low, solid-looking snail. A limited palette of rust, forest green, and mustard yellow creates just enough contrast within the distinctive animal prints. Occasionally, the eyes are oddly placed, veering toward cubism, but most retain a childlike charm.
From the predictable text to the just-right surprise ending, there’s plenty here to entice toddler readers. (Board book. 2-4)Pub Date: July 28, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-4521-8358-9
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Review Posted Online: June 2, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2020
BOOK REVIEW
Beloved Little Blue takes a bit of the mystery—and fear—out of Halloween costumes.
A lift-the-flap book gives the littlest trick-or-treaters some practice identifying partygoers under their costumes.
Little Blue Truck and his buddy Toad are off to a party, and they invite readers (and a black cat) along for the ride: “ ‘Beep! Beep! Beep!’ / says Little Blue. / ‘It’s Halloween!’ / You come, too.” As they drive, they are surprised (and joined) by many of their friends in costume. “Who’s that in a tutu / striking a pose / up on the tiniest / tips of her toes? / Under the mask / who do you see?” Lifting the flap unmasks a friend: “ ‘Quack!’ says the duck. / ‘It’s me! It’s me!’ ” The sheep is disguised as a clown, the cow’s a queen, the pig’s a witch, the hen and her chick are pirates, and the horse is a dragon. Not to be left out, Little Blue has a costume, too. The flaps are large and sturdy, and enough of the animals’ characteristic features are visible under and around the costumes that little ones will be able to make successful guesses even on the first reading. Lovely curvy shapes and autumn colors fade to dusky blues as night falls, and children are sure to notice the traditional elements of a Halloween party: apple bobbing, lit jack-o’-lanterns, and punch and treats.
Beloved Little Blue takes a bit of the mystery—and fear—out of Halloween costumes. (Board book. 2-4)Pub Date: July 5, 2016
ISBN: 978-0-544-77253-3
Page Count: 16
Publisher: HMH Books
Review Posted Online: July 19, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2016
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An upbeat Easter outing with a beloved character.
Pookie celebrates Easter with a play date and holiday activities.
Pookie’s friend Bean, a gray puppy, comes over for Easter fun that includes lots of bouncing around and egg decorating. After Bean goes home, Pookie gets excited about the Easter Bunny’s arrival and goes to sleep dreaming of a large chocolate egg. Like the other Pookie books before it, this one is told in rhyme from the perspective of a loving grown-up addressing the little pig, which keeps the pace moving and makes for a great read-aloud. Bean and Pookie are realistically—and endearingly—childlike, from Pookie’s pronunciation of yellow as “lellow!” to the joyful mess they make while decorating eggs. There are plenty of sweet and festive touches, such as the bunny ears that Bean and Pookie (and Pookie’s teddy) wear and the daffodils painted on the end of Pookie’s bed. The illustrations include large, full-page images as well as smaller vignettes against solid backgrounds. One page shows Pookie and parent looking out the window at the moon, anticipating Easter’s spoils. For fans of Boynton and little Pookie, this Easter tale is exactly as expected: a touch of playfulness, a relatable story, and comfort in the familiar. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
An upbeat Easter outing with a beloved character. (Board book. 2-4)Pub Date: Jan. 31, 2023
ISBN: 978-1-66592-838-0
Page Count: 18
Publisher: Boynton Bookworks
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2022
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