The gorgeous watercolor illustrations of this sweet picture book help secure it a place in the hearts of adults who read it.
A parent-child relationship evolves as time passes.
From the title-page illustration of a peach-skinned, pregnant mother, hands spread across her belly, to the same mother, silver-haired, holding her grown son’s hand, the titular “loving hands” anchor the story of parenthood and its moments both sweet and bittersweet. Johnston’s text has some lovely, poetic lines: “His mother’s hair turns white as salt. / Her memories slip like sand, / except for one, dearest of all— / the memory of her Lamb.” While most of the stanzas either rhyme or include a loose rhyme, some awkwardly seem not to at all, thus breaking up the otherwise sweet lullaby lilt. It’s really Bates’ illustrations—done in watercolor, gouache, and pencil—that stand out, gently and warmly showing the intimate moments of parenting. Each of the book’s four stunning two-page spreads features tone and shadows echoed in color across all four. The remaining scenes include text pages with a darling, small illustration featuring the mother and/or son’s hands that echoes a woodcut design—a nice, delicate touch. Ultimately, this is a beautiful picture book sure to resonate with any adult who has ever loved a child. Meanwhile, kids will relate to the childhood hallmarks represented throughout.
The gorgeous watercolor illustrations of this sweet picture book help secure it a place in the hearts of adults who read it. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Dec. 24, 2018
ISBN: 978-0-7636-7993-4
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: Sept. 16, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2018
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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