This sequel to A Birthday Party for Jesus (2017) is tailor-made for a Sunday school Advent lesson.
Lonely Little Raccoon finds an invitation to a birthday party for Jesus one day while investigating some mysterious music.
This little raccoon is unusual in her diurnal ways, but her habits have isolated her. One winter day she hears music and laughter and so ventures beyond her comfortable tree to investigate. When she finds the invitation blowing in the snow, she’s afraid that she isn’t welcome since she doesn’t know who Jesus is and it isn’t addressed to her. The raccoon continues following the tune carried on the wind and runs into chatty Little Hedgehog, who cheerfully greets her with a “Merry Christmas!” and invites her to help look for decorations. In a forest clearing, lots of animals are gathering to get ready for the birthday party. Little Raccoon sadly admits to the hedgehog that she doesn’t think she belongs there, but the happy little creature announces, “But of course you are!…Everyone is invited by Jesus!” The animals patiently explain who Jesus is and why they are celebrating. Woodland scenes in pastel colors are the backdrop for the sweetly drawn, rounded figures of the animals. Young children will easily relate to Little Raccoon’s feelings of loneliness and lack of belonging. The welcoming circle of animals underscores the clearly spelled out Christmas message of love, friendship, and inclusion.
This sequel to A Birthday Party for Jesus (2017) is tailor-made for a Sunday school Advent lesson. (Picture book/religion. 3-6)Pub Date: Nov. 6, 2018
ISBN: 978-1-68099-410-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Good Books
Review Posted Online: Aug. 19, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2018
BOOK REVIEW
A syrupy tribute to mothers that may please fans of the series.
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.
A syrupy tribute to mothers that may please fans of the series. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: March 5, 2024
ISBN: 9781728274300
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Sourcebooks Wonderland
Review Posted Online: Dec. 6, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2024
A warm and welcome story for emerging readers and their families.
Pumpkins star in this family-centered early reader.
Sketched in rhyming, easy-to-read couplets, this familiar autumn setting is made even warmer by the sweet family that is making a trip to the pumpkin farm. “Sunny day. Pack a lunch. / In the treetops squirrels munch.” So begins the story of a black mother and father and their young son and daughter. They find their special pumpkins and return home for carving, just in time for trick-or-treating. Mother and father are shown walking hand in hand or gently guiding their youngsters, who are very excited to pick out the perfect gourd. Read aloud, the predictable rhyme scans well, making this a book for emerging readers to read over and over, gaining confidence each time. The full-color illustrations, full of oranges and yellows, match the words, providing important visual cues. Little ones will laugh when the younger brother initially finds a huge pumpkin and rolls it over the hill like a bowling ball. “Thump! Thump! Thump! Then… / Uh-oh!” Eventually, he finds one just the right size for carving. Children of color are remarkably absent in the easy-reader stacks, so it’s an especially welcome treat to see them in this rural setting. Preschool and kindergarten teachers will want to add this to their collections.
A warm and welcome story for emerging readers and their families. (Early reader. 3-6)Pub Date: Aug. 25, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-553-51341-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: April 28, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2015
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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