KISS IT BETTER

Name: KISS IT BETTER
Author: Smriti Prasadam-Halls
ISBN: 978-1-68119-149-2

by Smriti Prasadam-Halls ; illustrated by Sarah Massini ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 18, 2016

While it’s certainly true that kisses make most things better, most kids don’t need yet another book, no matter how sweet,...

bookshelf

This book extols all the wondrous things that kisses can make better.

From boo-boos and bruises to just feeling down, kisses can fix it all. And “did you know, kisses can actually speak?” There are “I’m-sorry” kisses to make amends and ask, “Can we be friends?” and there are all kinds that make the first-day-of-school morning easier: “cheer-up,” “be-brave,” and “see-you-soon” kisses. “A go-to-sleep kiss shouts out, ‘MONSTERS, SHOO!’ ” There are smooches for thunderstorms and busses for those who are sick, and no matter how old or young, tall or small, the supply of kisses will never run out…nor does the need for them. Though the words sometimes seem chosen less for their meaning than for their rhyme, the rhythm will only occasionally cause readers to stumble. Massini’s digital mixed-media and collage illustrations use vignettes, full-page, and double-page pictures to depict a bear family—mother, father, sister, brother (relying on clothing and accessories to denote gender)—and use a light palette and lots of hearts to convey the sweet message. And yet, it all seems to be something of a statement of the obvious.

While it’s certainly true that kisses make most things better, most kids don’t need yet another book, no matter how sweet, to tell them so. (Picture book. 2-6)

Pub Date: Oct. 18, 2016

ISBN: 978-1-68119-149-2

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Review Posted Online: July 19, 2016

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2016

Categories:

CHILDREN'S ANIMALS | CHILDREN'S FAMILY

- BOOK REVIEW
I'M STICKING WITH YOU—AND THE CHICKEN TOO!
by Smriti Prasadam-Halls ; illustrated by Steve Small

- BOOK REVIEW
THE VERY BEST HUG
by Smriti Prasadam-Halls ; illustrated by Alison Brown

- BOOK REVIEW
THE LITTLE ISLAND
by Smriti Prasadam-Halls ; illustrated by Robert Starling

bookshelf

LITTLE BLUE TRUCK'S HALLOWEEN

by Alice Schertle ; illustrated by Jill McElmurry ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 5, 2016

Beloved Little Blue takes a bit of the mystery—and fear—out of Halloween costumes.

bookshelf

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

Categories:

CHILDREN'S ANIMALS | CHILDREN'S HOLIDAYS & CELEBRATIONS | CHILDREN'S TRANSPORTATION

- BOOK REVIEW
LITTLE BLUE TRUCK MAKES A FRIEND
by Alice Schertle ; illustrated by Jill McElmurry

- BOOK REVIEW
TIME FOR SCHOOL, LITTLE BLUE TRUCK
by Alice Schertle ; illustrated by John Joseph

- BOOK REVIEW
LITTLE BLUE TRUCK'S VALENTINE
by Alice Schertle ; illustrated by John Joseph

bookshelf

HOW TO CATCH A MAMASAURUS

From the How To Catch… series

by Alice Walstead ; illustrated by Andy Elkerton ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 5, 2024

A syrupy tribute to mothers that may please fans of the series.

bookshelf

Another creature is on the loose.

The long-running series continues its successful formula with this Hallmark card of a book, which features bright illustrations and catchy rhymes. This time, the mythical creature the racially diverse children set out to catch is an absent mom who does it all (lists of descriptors include the words banker, caregiver, nurse, doctor, driver, chef, housekeeper, teacher, entertainer, playmate, laundry service, problem solver, handywoman, cleaner, and alarm clock) but doesn’t seem to have a job outside the home and is inexplicably a dinosaur. As the children prepare gifts and a meal for her, the text becomes an ode to the skills the Mamasaurus possesses (“Day or night she’s always there. / She meets every wish and need”) and values she instills (“Sometimes life can mean hard work,” “kindness matters,” and “what counts is doing your best”). This well-intentioned selection veers into cliche generously sprinkled with saccharine but manages to redeem itself with its appreciation for mothers and all that they may do. Endpapers include a “to” and “from” page framed in a heart, as well as a page where young gift givers or recipients can draw a picture of their Mamasaurus.