An instant favorite for horror fans and ecological warriors.
They’re not coming for you...because they’re already here!
With the palette of a 1990s laser tag arena and the menace of an ’80s horror movie, a nursery of raccoons (yes, that is the collective name) descends on a diverse community to perform acts of devilment like taking doughnuts, raiding trash cans, and pooping in the grass. The horror vibe ramps up as dark silhouettes with neon highlights scurry across the pages, scruffy claws destroy screen doors, and house cats are shown in moments of abject terror. But, as the colors of the book soften, the raccoons are seen less as threats and more as furry animals until terrified humans ask what the raccoons want. The answer is surprising if logical: The raccoons were here first and are just adapting as best they can to the new landscape of their homes. Readers will immediately be drawn to the strong art style and funny, rhythmic text. Savvy educators and caregivers will take this tale to new heights as a springboard to discussions of urban sprawl, deforestation, and the effects of humans on the ecosystem. While the book does not include a bibliography for curious readers to learn more, its message still provides enough of an oomph—told mischievously in its bait-and-switch way—to linger with readers. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
An instant favorite for horror fans and ecological warriors. (Picture book. 6-10)Pub Date: Oct. 18, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-77147-438-2
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Owlkids Books
Review Posted Online: July 26, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2022
This outing lacks the sophistication of such category standards as Clementine; here’s hoping English amps things up for...
A gentle voice and familiar pitfalls characterize this tale of a boy navigating the risky road to responsibility.
Gavin is new to his neighborhood and Carver Elementary. He likes his new friend, Richard, and has a typically contentious relationship with his older sister, Danielle. When Gavin’s desire to impress Richard sets off a disastrous chain of events, the boy struggles to evade responsibility for his actions. “After all, it isn’t his fault that Danielle’s snow globe got broken. Sure, he shouldn’t have been in her room—but then, she shouldn’t be keeping candy in her room to tempt him. Anybody would be tempted. Anybody!” opines Gavin once he learns the punishment for his crime. While Gavin has a charming Everyboy quality, and his aversion to Aunt Myrtle’s yapping little dog rings true, little about Gavin distinguishes him from other trouble-prone protagonists. He is, regrettably, forgettable. Coretta Scott King Honor winner English (Francie, 1999) is a teacher whose storytelling usually benefits from her day job. Unfortunately, the pizzazz of classroom chaos is largely absent from this series opener.
This outing lacks the sophistication of such category standards as Clementine; here’s hoping English amps things up for subsequent volumes. (Fiction. 6-9)Pub Date: Dec. 17, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-547-97044-8
Page Count: 128
Publisher: Clarion Books
Review Posted Online: Oct. 1, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2013
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Lively fun with animal friends.
Has Plum’s pep deserted him?
Several animals from the Athensville Zoo are on their way to visit an elementary school. Overconfident Itch the ningbing (an Australian marsupial), unaware that zookeeper Lizzie will be doing all the talking, looks forward to “lecturing eager young minds.” Plum, the usually chipper peacock, on the other hand, is anxious—maybe the schoolchildren won’t like him or he’ll get lost. So when they arrive at the school to find the students have been sent home due to a blizzard, Plum is relieved. The animals are left in a school gym for the night until three self-important class mice free them. Itch heads for the library to meet the learned turtle, but Plum reluctantly explores with his friends. When his anxiety peaks, they reassure him, and when the mice reject Meg, another peacock, as “borrrring” and uncool, they buoy her as well before everyone comes together to save Itch, who finds himself outside and stranded in a snowdrift. Unlike Leave It to Plum (2022), this is not a mystery, and the relationship focus shifts from Lizzie to the rodents, but the pace is brisk, and sequel seekers will be pleased to revisit familiar characters (if dismayed that Itch’s longing for knowledge leads to his downfall). In Phelan’s engaging grayscale pen-and-wash illustrations, Lizzie has short curly hair; text and art cue her as Latine.
Lively fun with animal friends. (how to draw Plum) (Chapter book. 7-10)Pub Date: Feb. 7, 2023
ISBN: 978-0-06-307920-5
Page Count: 128
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Review Posted Online: Feb. 24, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2023
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