by Vanessa Messenger ; illustrated by Emma Latham ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 15, 2021
An empowering introduction to a common but underrepresented disorder.
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A dog shares all the things his owner does to manage diabetes in this picture book.
Teddy, a Pomeranian, says that his human owner Emily “is a very good girl. She is also a T1D,” their nickname for Emily’s status as someone with Type 1 diabetes. After a factual, approachable description of the disease, Teddy describes Emily’s routine. As a devoted, loving dog, Teddy always describes Emily in the kindest terms, praising how she takes her medicine (without her parents having to hide it in peanut butter), calling her brave for being able to use a lancet, and comparing her very cool monitor to Teddy’s squeaky toy. The two work to be healthy together, treating her blood sugar levels as a game in which she tries to get the best score. Messenger’s look at diabetes, through Teddy’s clever perspective, is matter-of-fact and makes the canine’s love for Emily clear. The story focuses strongly on its mission of introducing the disease to those who are unfamiliar, so it’s light on plot. However, the praise for Emily’s bravery will resonate with youngsters who also have diabetes and help others to be more understanding of those with the condition. Latham’s bright, colorful illustrations portray Emily in a cartoonish fashion while making Teddy look soft enough to cuddle.
An empowering introduction to a common but underrepresented disorder.Pub Date: Oct. 15, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-73699-970-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Messenger Publishing
Review Posted Online: Sept. 30, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2021
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
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by Alice Schertle ; illustrated by Jill McElmurry ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 5, 2016
Beloved Little Blue takes a bit of the mystery—and fear—out of Halloween costumes.
A lift-the-flap book gives the littlest trick-or-treaters some practice identifying partygoers under their costumes.
Little Blue Truck and his buddy Toad are off to a party, and they invite readers (and a black cat) along for the ride: “ ‘Beep! Beep! Beep!’ / says Little Blue. / ‘It’s Halloween!’ / You come, too.” As they drive, they are surprised (and joined) by many of their friends in costume. “Who’s that in a tutu / striking a pose / up on the tiniest / tips of her toes? / Under the mask / who do you see?” Lifting the flap unmasks a friend: “ ‘Quack!’ says the duck. / ‘It’s me! It’s me!’ ” The sheep is disguised as a clown, the cow’s a queen, the pig’s a witch, the hen and her chick are pirates, and the horse is a dragon. Not to be left out, Little Blue has a costume, too. The flaps are large and sturdy, and enough of the animals’ characteristic features are visible under and around the costumes that little ones will be able to make successful guesses even on the first reading. Lovely curvy shapes and autumn colors fade to dusky blues as night falls, and children are sure to notice the traditional elements of a Halloween party: apple bobbing, lit jack-o’-lanterns, and punch and treats.
Beloved Little Blue takes a bit of the mystery—and fear—out of Halloween costumes. (Board book. 2-4)Pub Date: July 5, 2016
ISBN: 978-0-544-77253-3
Page Count: 16
Publisher: HMH Books
Review Posted Online: July 19, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2016
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by Sandra Boynton ; illustrated by Sandra Boynton ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 31, 2023
An upbeat Easter outing with a beloved character.
Pookie celebrates Easter with a play date and holiday activities.
Pookie’s friend Bean, a gray puppy, comes over for Easter fun that includes lots of bouncing around and egg decorating. After Bean goes home, Pookie gets excited about the Easter Bunny’s arrival and goes to sleep dreaming of a large chocolate egg. Like the other Pookie books before it, this one is told in rhyme from the perspective of a loving grown-up addressing the little pig, which keeps the pace moving and makes for a great read-aloud. Bean and Pookie are realistically—and endearingly—childlike, from Pookie’s pronunciation of yellow as “lellow!” to the joyful mess they make while decorating eggs. There are plenty of sweet and festive touches, such as the bunny ears that Bean and Pookie (and Pookie’s teddy) wear and the daffodils painted on the end of Pookie’s bed. The illustrations include large, full-page images as well as smaller vignettes against solid backgrounds. One page shows Pookie and parent looking out the window at the moon, anticipating Easter’s spoils. For fans of Boynton and little Pookie, this Easter tale is exactly as expected: a touch of playfulness, a relatable story, and comfort in the familiar. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
An upbeat Easter outing with a beloved character. (Board book. 2-4)Pub Date: Jan. 31, 2023
ISBN: 978-1-66592-838-0
Page Count: 18
Publisher: Boynton Bookworks
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2022
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