With this masterful board book, little listeners are in for some smooth sailing.
Intrepid Little Boat encounters pint-sized obstacles before returning safely to his family.
Here’s an author who understands how much bravery it takes to be little in a big world. Little Boat floats through mild perils that will feel quite familiar to most toddlers: a crowded shipping lane where he fears being bumped, a frightening run-in with a much bigger freighter, concern about a scary storm, and loneliness. Little Boat’s anxiety is apparent, as he’s pictured teeny-tiny against the waves, but the clouds are so sweet-faced and the waters so gently rolling that it’s clear there’s no real danger. After he successfully navigates the challenges, Little Boat’s parents congratulate him on his brave solo expedition, and toddlers will similarly bask in his feeling of accomplishment. Although the small ship is ostensibly on his journey alone, he’s gently advised and reassured by a narrator who makes sure everyone, including the audience, knows that “Little Boat is fine!” The spare art is expressive in its simplicity, with ships made of basic shapes, rustically outlined and perfectly personified with paint-dabbed faces, all set against a tonally pleasing palette of blue, teal, and rose. Our hero’s white hull, jaunty triangular flag, and blush-pink–dotted cheek are both easily spotted and eminently charming.
With this masterful board book, little listeners are in for some smooth sailing. (Board book. 18 mos.-3)Pub Date: Aug. 21, 2018
ISBN: 978-1-4521-6301-7
Page Count: 22
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Review Posted Online: July 29, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2019
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A lovely, simple lift-the-flap book that will stand the test of many a mighty tot.
Little ones learn about bugs.
The world of insects and like small creatures is the focus of this sturdy board book. Each turn of the page gives readers a close view of a particular habitat. The text asks, “Where’s the ladybug?” or “Where’s the snail?” and little ones are encouraged to find the creatures under shaped felt flaps. A caterpillar poses under a leaf with a few bites taken out of it; a bumblebee flies behind a pink tulip. The flaps are made of a reasonably strong material, secured tightly within the book’s pages. Extremely determined readers may figure out a way to pull the flaps out, but most will enjoy flipping them up and over with ease. The last page of the book contains a mirror hidden behind a bush-shaped flap, and readers are asked “And where are you?” The insects smile with big eyes and are composed of large, circular, clean-edged shapes. The color palette is dulled, making the neon flaps pop effectively for little readers. Concurrently publishing companion Where’s the Giraffe? explores the world of jungle animals.
A lovely, simple lift-the-flap book that will stand the test of many a mighty tot. (Board book. 1-2)Pub Date: March 28, 2017
ISBN: 978-0-7636-9335-0
Page Count: 10
Publisher: Nosy Crow
Review Posted Online: June 18, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2017
Little fingers will enjoy exploring these pages again and again
A day in Baby’s life, with flaps, textures, sparkly bling, and mirrors to explore.
The first double-page spread, in bright, sunny colors, invites a white baby with blond hair to wake up and asks the reader, “What will baby see?” Beyond the baby’s crib is a room full of toys and a window with a blazing sun and three butterflies in flight. The subsequent spreads show different babies (the second one has a dark brown complexion, the next two are white, and the final tot is possibly of Asian descent) eating, getting dressed, playing in the park, and then back in the crib for the night. Each page follows the same formula, with relatively sturdy flaps to lift or open and at least one tactile element per page, which are a mix of embossed elements or textiles embedded in the page. Katz’s signature bright and cheery patterns and chubby, cherubic babes are in top form here, and the 10 1/2–inch-square trim is an ideal canvas. Serviceable text provides simple descriptors, and captions label many of the objects in each baby’s world.
Little fingers will enjoy exploring these pages again and again . (Board book. 1-3)Pub Date: Feb. 7, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-4814-8830-3
Page Count: 12
Publisher: Little Simon/Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: May 23, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2017
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