An appealing account of the sunnier side of lockdown.
A child describes how they adapted to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In a suburban house amid expansive flowering lawns, the light-skinned, short-haired child and a frisky canine companion spend time in physical isolation. (No caregiver is shown.) The child describes themselves as “a super helper!” and explains that super helpers wash their hands, stay at least six feet away from others, and “only grumble a little” while wearing masks that are “scratchy and stuffy.” The child has plenty of distractions. Outside, they play in the garden and draw with sidewalk chalk; inside they build forts, bake and decorate cookies, enjoy “a million screen visits with family and friends” on a handy laptop, and, from a cushioned window seat, wave to racially diverse dog-walking neighbors (all wearing masks outdoors). The child makes sculptures out of fresh vegetables, and there’s an endless supply of “fancy puzzles” and “lots and lots of books.” Occasional sadness includes not being able to see friends (portrayed as racially diverse in a flashback), teachers, and extended family in person or visit playgrounds and parks. Some readers will recognize this situation; those who passed the pandemic in crowded, noisy apartments, with little fresh air or exercise, might be amazed and envious. The language is direct and readable. The delicious sherbet-colored illustrations depict a soft, idyllic suburban setting and usefully identify the real helpers as global health care providers. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
An appealing account of the sunnier side of lockdown. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: May 2, 2023
ISBN: 9781957317076
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Meteor 17 Books
Review Posted Online: Feb. 7, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
Too cute to be spooky indeed but most certainly sweet.
A ghost longs to be scary, but none of the creepy personas she tries on fit.
Misty, a feline ghost with big green eyes and long whiskers, wants to be the frightening presence that her haunted house calls for, but sadly, she’s “too cute to be spooky.” She dons toilet paper to resemble a mummy, attempts to fly on a broom like a witch, and howls at the moon like a werewolf. Nothing works. She heads to a Halloween party dressed reluctantly as herself. When she arrives, her friends’ joyful screams reassure her that she’s great just as she is. Sadler’s message, though a familiar one, is delivered effectively in a charming, ghostly package. Misty truly is too precious to be frightening. Laberis depicts an endearingly spooky, all-animal cast—a frog witch, for instance, and a crocodilian mummy. Misty’s sidekick, a cheery little bat who lends support throughout, might be even more adorable than she is. Though Misty’s haunted house is filled with cobwebs and surrounded by jagged, leafless trees, the charming characters keep things from ever getting too frightening. The images will encourage lingering looks. Clearly, there’s plenty that makes Misty special just as she is—a takeaway that adults sharing the book with their little ones should be sure to drive home.
Too cute to be spooky indeed but most certainly sweet. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Aug. 13, 2024
ISBN: 9780593702901
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: May 17, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Gently models kindness and respect—positive behavior that can be applied daily.
A group of young “dinosauruses” go out into the world on their own.
A fuchsia little Hugasaurus and her Pappysaur (both of whom resemble Triceratops) have never been apart before, but Hugasaurus happily heads off with lunchbox in hand and “wonder in her heart” to make new friends. The story has a first-day-of-school feeling, but Hugasaurus doesn’t end up in a formal school environment; rather, she finds herself on a playground with other little prehistoric creatures, though no teacher or adult seems to be around. At first, the new friends laugh and play. But Hugasaurus’ pals begin to squabble, and play comes to a halt. As she wonders what to do, a fuzzy platypus playmate asks some wise questions (“What…would your Pappy say to do? / What makes YOU feel better?”), and Hugasaurus decides to give everyone a hug—though she remembers to ask permission first. Slowly, good humor is restored and play begins anew with promises to be slow to anger and, in general, to help create a kinder world. Short rhyming verses occasionally use near rhyme but also include fun pairs like ripples and double-triples. Featuring cozy illustrations of brightly colored creatures, the tale sends a strong message about appropriate and inappropriate ways to resolve conflict, the final pages restating the lesson plainly in a refrain that could become a classroom motto. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Gently models kindness and respect—positive behavior that can be applied daily. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Dec. 6, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-338-82869-6
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Orchard/Scholastic
Review Posted Online: Sept. 27, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2022
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