An exciting ride that unfortunately runs out of steam on the last lap.
A race car–driving princess has something to prove when taking a pit stop leaves her in last place with just one lap to go.
While her capable crew of magical creatures gets her ready, the Princess hears her position and reddens with fiery ambition. She zooms ferociously around the track, leaving a rainbow trail of exhaust in her wake. As a track-announcer frog calls out the pun-laced action, the Princess speeds by her famous opponents, recognizable from fairy tales, children’s classics, and nursery rhymes. This princess is a force to be reckoned with. She’s not afraid of a little rough-and-tumble in the pursuit of victory. After crossing the finish line she celebrates by spinning doughnuts, posing for pictures while covered in grime, and happily accepting an endorsement deal. The full-page illustrations are saturated with color and express the action so vividly readers will nearly hear the roar of the racetrack. The emphasis on the Princess’ racing skill and zeal for her sport is empowering and refreshing, which is what makes the end spread all the more disappointing. At her victory party, readers finally get to hear the Princess speak for the only time in the entire book. “C’mon Prince! We’ve got a dance contest to win!” What a crash and burn. The Princess has light-brown skin and black hair.
An exciting ride that unfortunately runs out of steam on the last lap. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: July 10, 2018
ISBN: 978-1-4197-2848-8
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Abrams
Review Posted Online: April 15, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2018
A charming winner about purpose, bravery, and making one’s dreams come true.
Dedication and determination are everything.
Gabriel, an old elephant who lives by the sea, reminisces about visiting a lifeboat as a youngster. He loved watching the crew ready it to rescue sailors and enjoyed listening to them sing sea shanties. He longed to be so brave! When Gabriel asked to join them, they told him to return when he was older and stronger. Gabriel read about storms and sea rescues and practiced rowing. He grew older, stronger, and BIGGER. By the time he returned to the crew, Gabriel had unfortunately grown too large to fit into the boat. More intent than ever, Gabriel constructed his own vessel, singing mightily. Meanwhile, the fishing fleet set out, then ran into big trouble when a strong gale hit. The regular lifeboat team couldn’t help. Guess who rescued the sailors safely with his own powerful vessel? In the end, everyone decided to build a larger craft to accommodate everyone. By turns thrilling and warmly reassuring, this story demonstrates that resolve—and inclusion—wins out; readers will cheer for Gabriel all the way. Sailing through the narrative are vigorous shanties readers might well join in on. Fitting his animal cast out in thick sweaters and raincoats, Vere brings the Cornish setting to life beautifully. Gabriel cuts an endearing figure in the lively illustrations, rendered in a limited palette of soft oranges, grays, and blues.
A charming winner about purpose, bravery, and making one’s dreams come true. (author’s note) (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: May 7, 2024
ISBN: 9780525580904
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Doubleday
Review Posted Online: March 9, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2024
A real treat, ready to be swept up from Halloween-display shelves.
The creators of The Little Ghost Who Lost Her Boo! (2020) tell the story of a witch who must consider other transport options when her standard vehicle disappears.
Little Witch can’t wait to ride her broom during the full moon tonight. She goes to dust it off, but it’s gone. She searches everywhere, even in her cauldron. The witch must find the broom before moonrise. Accompanied by her cat, Gloom, Little Witch takes to the streets. “Maybe a scooter’s as good as a broom?” But when she realizes Gloom won’t fit, she concludes, “A witch with no cat, / it’s just not right. / I cannot ride / a scooter tonight.” She test-drives a bike, a digger, and a train but ultimately rejects each one; each time, Bickell employs a variation on the earlier rhyme. What’s a witch to do? In a metafictive final twist, Little Witch gazes out at readers from the book and asks if they know where her broom is. Yes, they do (thanks to the illustrated hint). Children will enjoy this lively, unusual Halloween story, first published in New Zealand, and will particularly appreciate the unexpected, interactive ending. The tale is told in serviceable but somewhat clunky verse; the illustrations incorporate onomatopoeic sound effects. McGrath’s graceful artwork is populated by mummies, ghosts, and other sweetly scary creatures. Expressive, bespectacled Little Witch is light-skinned.
A real treat, ready to be swept up from Halloween-display shelves. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Aug. 6, 2024
ISBN: 9780593692387
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Flamingo Books
Review Posted Online: May 4, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2024
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