Young readers help six animals get their lunches in this gently interactive storybook app.
“Hi, hedgehog. What nice apples. Bon appétit!” the narrator says. But the poor little guy can’t shake them down from the tree without some help. When readers tap an apple, it falls down so the hedgehog can happily munch away. This storybook presents six short vignettes; in each, readers must help an animal get its lunch, by dropping a fish into the cat’s mouth, scooting cheese closer to the mouse or shaking seeds out for two little birds. The illustrations are delightful, with a blend of digital art, layered textures and cartoonish characters. Oversized googly eyes add the right touch of humor, and sound effects complement the gentle narration. No printed words appear alongside the story, and the only option is to select autoplay. The interactive animations run smoothly, bringing each character to life. The pace, however, proceeds so deliberately that it lags. In order to teach children “to anticipate the meal and to enjoy the process in steady pace [sic],” readers must tap the food only when it is highlighted. If overeager fingers tap the food before the animal is ready, a little “wait” notice floats up. This has the effect of keeping readers in a passive mode for much of the story.
It’s a warm, enjoyable experience, but the pace is so measured and controlled that readers might lose interest before everyone gets his or her lunch. (Requires iOS 7 and above.) (iPad storybook app. 2-4)Pub Date: July 24, 2014
ISBN: N/A
Page Count: -
Publisher: Funny Yummy Studio
Review Posted Online: Oct. 1, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2014
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A little boy exults in his new role as big brother.
Rhyming text describes the arrival of a new baby and all of the big brother’s rewarding new duties. He gets to help with feedings, diaper changes, playtime, bathtime, and naptime. Though the rhyming couplets can sometimes feel a bit forced and awkward, the sentiment is sweet, as the focus here never veers from the excitement and love a little boy feels for his tiny new sibling. The charming, uncluttered illustrations convincingly depict the growing bond between this fair-skinned, rosy-cheeked, smiling pair of boys. In the final pages, the parents, heretofore kept mostly out of view, are pictured holding the children. The accompanying text reads: “Mommy, Daddy, baby, me. / We love each other—a family!” In companion volume I Am a Big Sister, the little boy is replaced with a little girl with bows in her hair. Some of the colors and patterns in the illustrations are slightly altered, but it is essentially the same title.
A good choice for caregivers looking for a positive, uncomplicated introduction to a new baby that focuses on everything an older sibling can do to help. (Board book. 2-4)Pub Date: Jan. 27, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-545-68886-4
Page Count: 24
Publisher: Cartwheel/Scholastic
Review Posted Online: March 17, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2015
Categories: CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES | CHILDREN'S FAMILY
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BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Peppa hopes to join her classmates in a Halloween pumpkin competition in this adaptation of a story from the popular British television program Peppa Pig.
With the help of Granny and Grandpa Pig, Peppa turns her giant pumpkin, which is the size of a compact car, into a jack-o’-lantern. The trio is flummoxed when it comes time to transport the pumpkin to the competition, so they call on Miss Rabbit and her helicopter to airlift the pumpkin to the festivities as Peppa and her grandparents ride inside. Peppa arrives just in time for the contest and wins the prize for best flying pumpkin. The scenes look as if they are pulled directly from the television show, right down to the rectangular framing of some of the scenes. While the story is literally nothing new, the text is serviceable, describing the action in two to three sentences per page. The pumpkin-shaped book and orange foil cover will likely attract youngsters, whether they are Peppa fans or not.
This TV rerun in board-book form has nothing new to offer. (Board book. 2-4)Pub Date: July 30, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-338-33922-2
Page Count: 10
Publisher: Scholastic
Review Posted Online: Sept. 24, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2019
Categories: CHILDREN'S ANIMALS | CHILDREN'S FAMILY | CHILDREN'S HOLIDAYS & CELEBRATIONS
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