Proving size does not matter, this itty-bitty witch casts a bewitching spell.
Big dreams come in itty-bitty packages.
Betty is excited for her “first day as a first-grade witch.” Black-haired with a light brown complexion and small in stature, Betty is teased by classmates Abby and Sam (both white) for still using a “kinder-broom,” and they nickname her “Itty Bitty.” “My name is Betty,” she protests. When the class learns about the annual broom-riding race, or Halloween Dash, for the whole first grade, Betty decides she must win, thinking the name-calling will cease if she does. “SWOOSH! WHOOSH! / UH-OH!” Despite testing such flying strategies as a running start and nose-dives during practice, Betty fails, feeling “itty-bitty inside.” Undeterred, Betty maps out her race course and strategizes for the big day. Shaskan utilizes onomatopoeia and smartly placed rhymes to narrate Betty’s emotional journey as she battles her own self-doubts. Yan brings as much action and pop to the tale with her warm-toned digital renderings of Betty’s diverse classmates and teacher. All characters are portrayed with round heads and cartoonish, large eyes, and streaks of glittering bright colors trail behind their brooms. It is when Betty finally realizes that her perceived shortcomings are actually an advantage that she wins the acceptance of her peers—and, more importantly, herself. Caregivers and teachers will be pleased with the multiple extensions the story offers, all wrapped up in a Halloween theme.
Proving size does not matter, this itty-bitty witch casts a bewitching spell. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: July 16, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-5420-4123-2
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Two Lions
Review Posted Online: July 13, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2019
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Another quirky take on the series theme that it’s cool to be kind.
The cool beans again step up to do a timorous fellow legume a fava…this time at the pool.
Will a rash decision to tackle the multistory super-slide lead to another embarrassing watery fail for our shy protagonist? Nope, for up the stairs right behind comes a trio of cool beans, each a different type and color, all clad in nothing but dark shades. They make an offer: “It’s not as scary if you go with friends!” As the knobby nerd explains once the thrilling ride down is done, “They all realized that I just needed some encouragement and support.” Just to make sure that both cool and uncool readers get the message, the narrator lets us know that “there are plenty of kind folks who have my back. They’re always there when I need them.” The beany bonhomie doesn’t end at the bottom of the slide, with all gliding down to the shallow end of the pool (“3 INCHES. NO DIVING”) for a splashy finale. This latest early reader starring characters from John and Oswald’s immensely popular Food Group series will be a hit with fans. Fun accessories, such as a bean who rocks pink cat-eye frames, add some pizzazz to the chromatically and somatotypically varied cast.
Another quirky take on the series theme that it’s cool to be kind. (Easy reader. 5-7)Pub Date: March 26, 2024
ISBN: 9780063329560
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Feb. 17, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share.
In this latest in the series, Little Blue Truck, driven by pal Toad, is challenged to a countryside race by Racer Red, a sleek, low-slung vehicle.
Blue agrees, and the race is on. Although the two start off “hood to hood / and wheel to wheel,” they switch positions often as they speed their way over dusty country roads. Blue’s farm friends follow along to share in the excitement and shout out encouragement; adult readers will have fun voicing the various animal sounds. Short rhyming verses on each page and several strategic page turns add drama to the narrative, but soft, mottled effects in the otherwise colorful illustrations keep the competition from becoming too intense. Racer Red crosses the finish line first, but Blue is a gracious loser, happy to have worked hard. That’s a new concept for Racer Red, who’s laser-focused on victory but takes Blue’s words (“win or lose, it’s fun to try!”) to heart—a revelation that may lead to worthwhile storytime discussions. When Blue’s farm animal friends hop into the truck for the ride home, Racer Red tags along and learns a second lesson, one about speed. “Fast is fun, / and slow is too, / as long as you’re / with friends.”
A friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: March 25, 2025
ISBN: 9780063387843
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Clarion/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Jan. 18, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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