A mostly satisfying addition to the interactive board-book shelf
Simple, repetitive text, familiar sounds, and developmentally appropriate graphics characterize this simple board book for little ones.
Even the quietest noise—the hoot of an owl, the chirp of a cricket—keeps Baby Bear awake. High-contrast black-and-white drawings placed against mostly black backgrounds should attract the attention of newborns. The subtle change in Baby Bear's quizzical gaze as he eyes the source of each interruption and blue highlights on the other critters, including Mama, help maintain interest for older toddlers. Finding the tiny switch that activates the book’s sound is a bit of a challenge, which could keep young children from driving adults to distraction by repeatedly pressing the buttons located under character-coded tabs at the edges of the pages. The final page, which hides the sound chips and speaker, is quite thick. Older children may be tempted to take it apart to learn what makes the sound, but little ones will just smile at the recognizable sound of a kitty or dog. As with many novelty items, the relatively high price should be weighed against the value of the added sounds. Vroom, Zoom! Here Comes the Fire Truck, published simultaneously, shares the same format, but with louder noises and bright red highlights, it is charming for after nap time.
A mostly satisfying addition to the interactive board-book shelf . (Board book. 1-3)Pub Date: Dec. 31, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-68297-052-2
Page Count: 8
Publisher: QEB Publishing
Review Posted Online: Nov. 22, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2017
A swell read for the lighthearted. (Board book. 1-3)
The bunnies that inhabit Boynton’s colorful world put on a musical show for the other animals.
The rabbits have taken over the theater. They dance and sing, bragging about their long ears and twitchy noses for the pigs and chickens in the audience. The rhythmic chorus—“We are ten terrific rabbits and we like to dance and sing. / Ten terrific rabbits. We can do almost anything”—is mighty infectious. The author’s trademark wit and humor are on full display as the other animals dress up like bunnies and join the massive grand finale. The barnyard cast forms a musical troupe that amuses and delights. Adults will appreciate the clever sight gags, and small children will appreciate the tasteful boasting and empowering jingle. While it’s not as complete a vehicle for inculcating emergent language skills as many of Boynton’s other books, there’s no denying it’s got verve.
A swell read for the lighthearted. (Board book. 1-3)Pub Date: Sept. 9, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-7611-8060-9
Page Count: 24
Publisher: Workman
Review Posted Online: June 30, 2014
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A lovely package, this quiet title will be best as a gift book for new moms eager to read aloud to the newest members of...
A mother’s observations of her new baby lead to a series of sweet comparisons to various animals.
“When I met you, you were small and trembling, and I thought you might be a little bunny. / I held you close so you were warm.” Teen author Marr (Made for You, 2014, etc.) uses playful yet comforting language in her picture-book debut. The baby’s squirming kicks remind her of a “lost kangaroo”; a lifting of the child’s head makes her think of a “curious lizard”; and the little one’s howl seems like that of a “lonely wolf.” Each of the child’s behaviors leads to a tender action taken by the mother: tucking the baby in, offering milk, and giving a bath. Each time a new creature is introduced, White gently changes the dominant color in the muted pastel palette of her watercolor and gouache illustrations. That hue is also reflected in the hand-lettered text, giving the overall design of the book a vintage feel. When the baby smiles, the mother knows “You are not a bunny-roo-lizard-wolf-kitten-piggy. You are my baby.” The final page shows the curled-up infant asleep in a pile of blankets.
A lovely package, this quiet title will be best as a gift book for new moms eager to read aloud to the newest members of their families. (Picture book. 1-3)Pub Date: April 14, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-399-16742-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Review Posted Online: March 16, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2015
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