Humorous, with a bittersweet edge.
A scrawny but intelligent hound dog finds a home on a farm by winning over the reluctant farmer.
The hound asks the farmer if he needs a dog, but the man is reluctant to take on a dog, saying that dogs don’t earn their keep. The wily hound pretends to audition for a farm job as a horse, a cow, and a chicken, finding ways to help with each group of animals so that the entire farm operation improves its efficiency. After cleaning out the henhouse, the dog beds down for the night next to the hens, and it’s his burst of loud barking that prevents a fox from stealing eggs or chickens. The farmer finally realizes the value of a good farm dog and offers the hound a home and a job. The dog’s creative ploys and the physical humor resulting from his schemes propel the story to the satisfying, conclusive hug. Evocative illustrations in watercolor and colored pencil use a muted palette that suits the sad, earnest demeanor of the homeless dog trying to make a place for himself. The farmer wears glasses, but his eyes don’t show within the eyeglass frames, perhaps indicating a man who can’t see the value of a good thing right in front of his eyes.
Humorous, with a bittersweet edge. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-8234-3391-9
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Holiday House
Review Posted Online: July 14, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2015
A good bet for the youngest bird-watchers.
Echoing the meter of “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” Ward uses catchy original rhymes to describe the variety of nests birds create.
Each sweet stanza is complemented by a factual, engaging description of the nesting habits of each bird. Some of the notes are intriguing, such as the fact that the hummingbird uses flexible spider web to construct its cup-shaped nest so the nest will stretch as the chicks grow. An especially endearing nesting behavior is that of the emperor penguin, who, with unbelievable patience, incubates the egg between his tummy and his feet for up to 60 days. The author clearly feels a mission to impart her extensive knowledge of birds and bird behavior to the very young, and she’s found an appealing and attractive way to accomplish this. The simple rhymes on the left page of each spread, written from the young bird’s perspective, will appeal to younger children, and the notes on the right-hand page of each spread provide more complex factual information that will help parents answer further questions and satisfy the curiosity of older children. Jenkins’ accomplished collage illustrations of common bird species—woodpecker, hummingbird, cowbird, emperor penguin, eagle, owl, wren—as well as exotics, such as flamingoes and hornbills, are characteristically naturalistic and accurate in detail.
A good bet for the youngest bird-watchers. (author’s note, further resources) (Informational picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: March 18, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-4424-2116-5
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Beach Lane/Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Jan. 3, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2014
A heartwarming reminder to embrace change.
A dog who belongs to an expecting couple adjusts to home life as a new baby arrives.
Pepita, the family pet, is beloved and still so little they call her Bebita (baby girl). But Pepita’s world is changing as her Mami and Papi await the arrival of a baby. Pepita is used to being spoiled “with treats and tummy rubs and my favorite fluffy pillow….But lately, things have been changing.” As the home gets new additions like a crib and gifts from the grandparents, Pepita feels left out, no longer the center of attention. Once the baby arrives, Pepita tries to adjust but is kept up at night by crying and doesn’t get playtime like before. But Pepita’s sweetness shines through as she finds ways to help out and bond with the new baby. “I feel so proud to be the big sister,” she concludes. The book is sprinkled with Spanish phrases, reflecting that Pepita is part of a Latine household; readers unfamiliar with Spanish will find the glossary helpful. Illustrations are warm and cuddly throughout, and the story is highly relatable; soon-to-be big siblings fretting over a new arrival will find it especially comforting. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A heartwarming reminder to embrace change. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Sept. 12, 2023
ISBN: 9780593566985
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Knopf
Review Posted Online: July 13, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2023
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