While Very Little Red Riding Hood’s agency is laudable, the incredibly feel-good plot (no consequences for foolish actions...
A sweeter-than-sweet retelling of “Little Red Riding Hood.”
In this twist on the classic tale, Little Red Riding Hood is exactly that—little...very little. In fact, she is so young that readers may wonder why her mother would send a child whose grammar and vocabulary reflect that of a 3-year-old to venture out on her own to visit her Grandmama. So, off goes Very Little Red Riding Hood cloaked in a cat-ear hooded jacket. On the edge of a very safe-looking, light-colored, sparse wood, she meets a Wolf. The Wolf, bedecked in a furry coat and scarf, is quickly intimidated by the tot’s obstinate, toddlerlike demands. When they arrive at Grandmama’s—which is hard to distinguish from the woods since both have a white-space background—Grandmama shuts the door on the Wolf, but Very Little Red Riding Hood soon convinces her to let the Wolf in. Wolf is very well-behaved—the real problem is Very Little Red Riding Hood, who has a meltdown. The Wolf coaxes her out of it using the traditional dialogue Little Red Riding Hood usually uses (“Oh, what big, wet eyes you have,” etc.).
While Very Little Red Riding Hood’s agency is laudable, the incredibly feel-good plot (no consequences for foolish actions here!) and the bratty, baby-talking Red Riding Hood herself make this book one to pass by. (Picture book. 2-5)Pub Date: Sept. 2, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-544-28000-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: HMH Books
Review Posted Online: June 9, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2014
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Although a bit on the slight side, this offering is infused with a warm, light humor just right for cuddling up with a young...
This title previously published in the U.K. takes a cozy look at all kinds of kisses.
Walsh’s rhyming text is full of cutesy rhythms: “Kisses on noses, kisses on toes-es. Sudden kisses when you least supposes.” Sometimes the phrasing stumbles: “Who likes to kiss? I do! I do! Even the shy do. Why not try, too?” But toddlers and young preschoolers will probably not mind. They will be too engaged in spotting the lively penguin on each spread and too charmed by Abbot’s winsome illustrations that fittingly extend the wording in the story. Patient dogs queue up for a smooch from a frog prince, cool blue “ ’normous elephants” contrast strikingly with bright red “little tiny ants” and a bewildered monkey endures a smattering of lipstick kisses. Be the kiss small or tall, one to start or end the day, young readers are reminded that “the very best kiss… / is a kiss from you!” Perhaps no big surprise but comforting nonetheless.
Although a bit on the slight side, this offering is infused with a warm, light humor just right for cuddling up with a young tyke or sharing with a gathering for storytime. (Picture book. 2-5)Pub Date: Dec. 20, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4424-2769-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Paula Wiseman/Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Nov. 19, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2011
A good choice for caregivers looking for a positive, uncomplicated introduction to a new baby that focuses on everything an...
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 16, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2015
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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