Big Scary Monster, a square of blue hair with large hands and googly eyes, lives on a mountaintop. He knows he’s the largest, scariest creature around. He likes to hide, and when the little animals who live around him least expect it, he leaps out to holler BOO! Soon the little animals learn to hide, and BSM gets bored without anyone to scare. He spies more little creatures down in the valley, but something strange happens on his way down: The rocks and plants get larger the farther he goes. In the valley, the animals are huge! When he least expects it, the boulder he’s hiding behind (a rabbit) turns to holler BOO! He returns home scared, sad and lonely...thank goodness, the little creatures know just what a bummed-out BSM needs. Brit Docherty, shortlisted for the Greenaway Medal last year, offers this traditional turnabout tale with added monster silliness. The cartoon watercolor-and-ink illustrations never approach scary. Best read to younger, less-questioning, more-elastic minds; older audiences will wonder just what gives with the odd shift in perspective. (Picture book. 2-4)
Pub Date: July 1, 2010
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4787-2
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Templar/Candlewick
Review Posted Online: June 3, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2010
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Veteran picture-book author Thompson teams with Cordell to create a deceptively simple instant classic. Little frog and his mother share a warm lily-pad embrace on the cover. Then comes the action: “Leap frog over the ladybug. Leap frog over the bee. / Leap frog over the prickly clover, / then leap back home to me!” As the little amphibian takes each ever-more-ambitious jumping adventure, his mother happily welcomes him back. The rhyming text creates a loving refrain that young ones will enjoy repeating. Sound effects for alternating excursions add to the interactive fun, as frog goes, “PLIP! … SPROING! … WHEEEEE! … WHOOSH!” over clover, splashing beavers, rocky hilltops and roaming clouds. Cordell works his magic with pen, ink and vibrant watercolors to not only perfectly complement the text but also show little frog’s growing confidence and sheer glee at each accomplishment as the day progresses. Mama frog patiently awaits her little one with smiles, crayons, a storybook, dinner and, finally, another hug as he does a “Leap frog over the sun. / Leap frog as high as you please. / Leap frog out to the farthest stars… / when you leap home, here I’ll be.” A sure delight to present to a preschool group or share one on one. Hop to it and make sure this is on your shelf! (Picture book. 2-4)
Pub Date: April 26, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4169-0664-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: McElderry
Review Posted Online: April 3, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2011
A curious preschooler explores her world and makes a mess. What began as a red circle accidentally drawn on the table escalates quickly to red dots drawn on skin and finger painting with strawberry yogurt. And for a finale? When the doorbell rings while a grumbling Daddy is searching for a less-messy snack, he leaves the door open to an irresistible temptation—the refrigerator. Eggs, milk, catsup and mustard are the paints, the floor is her canvas and her feet and the dog’s paws are the brushes. Daddy’s response is the epitome of understanding and forgiveness—in other words, inhuman. Parents will not empathize with him. Though he tells his daughter that someone has to clean up messes and she apologizes, nowhere does he explain that food should not be wasted, or give her an alternative outlet for exploring mushy, messy things. Hollander’s bright illustrations will capture interest, especially the messes—computer-added color means that the liquids are very convincing. Parents will appreciate the “What’s Going On” section, which explains the developmental stage their child is going through and how they can be supportive. The power of suggestion is strong—tread cautiously. (Picture book. 2-4)
Pub Date: Nov. 1, 2005
ISBN: 0-316-10946-0
Page Count: 28
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2005
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