by Wenjun Qin ; illustrated by Xiaoxuan Xu ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 1, 2019
A persistently rose-colored narrative about family togetherness is buoyed by homey, cozy, copiously detailed illustrations.
An anthropomorphic mouse family hosts a family reunion in this picture book translated from Chinese.
Melvin, a young mouse, is excited for the upcoming Mice Festival, an annual family reunion. His family will be hosting it this year, and the preparations are nonstop. While author Qin details the activities, illustrator Xu delivers illustrations filled to their edges with copious homey details, somewhat reminiscent of Tasha Tudor’s style. Full-page illustrations, double-page spreads, spot illustrations, and one impressive three-page foldout give the story a visual animation. If only the same could be said for the narrative. Its undemanding arc relates the arrival of the relatives and their joy and delight in one another, with a small blip of tension when Uncle Dom is tardy; but all ends well—and, if possible, even cozier. Gender stereotypes are strictly adhered to: The aunties and Melvin’s mother prepare all the food; the boys tussle; the girls play dress-up. The theme of unselfish, loving family togetherness with nary a quibble is delivered with a sentimental perseverance that may not resonate with Western readers. An author’s note at the end reads peculiarly, essentially an explanatory synopsis of the story reiterating the value of family and love. An illustrator’s note following is also eccentric, conveying a fragmented homage to imagination, bravery, and, yes, love.
A persistently rose-colored narrative about family togetherness is buoyed by homey, cozy, copiously detailed illustrations. (Picture book. 3-7)Pub Date: Nov. 1, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-76036-089-4
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Starfish Bay
Review Posted Online: Aug. 11, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2019
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by Alice Walstead ; illustrated by Andy Elkerton ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 5, 2024
A syrupy tribute to mothers that may please fans of the series.
Another creature is on the loose.
The long-running series continues its successful formula with this Hallmark card of a book, which features bright illustrations and catchy rhymes. This time, the mythical creature the racially diverse children set out to catch is an absent mom who does it all (lists of descriptors include the words banker, caregiver, nurse, doctor, driver, chef, housekeeper, teacher, entertainer, playmate, laundry service, problem solver, handywoman, cleaner, and alarm clock) but doesn’t seem to have a job outside the home and is inexplicably a dinosaur. As the children prepare gifts and a meal for her, the text becomes an ode to the skills the Mamasaurus possesses (“Day or night she’s always there. / She meets every wish and need”) and values she instills (“Sometimes life can mean hard work,” “kindness matters,” and “what counts is doing your best”). This well-intentioned selection veers into cliche generously sprinkled with saccharine but manages to redeem itself with its appreciation for mothers and all that they may do. Endpapers include a “to” and “from” page framed in a heart, as well as a page where young gift givers or recipients can draw a picture of their Mamasaurus.
A syrupy tribute to mothers that may please fans of the series. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: March 5, 2024
ISBN: 9781728274300
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Sourcebooks Wonderland
Review Posted Online: Dec. 6, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2024
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by Alice Walstead ; illustrated by Andy Elkerton
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by Alice Schertle ; illustrated by John Joseph ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 22, 2019
A sweet reminder that it’s easy to weather a storm with the company and kindness of friends.
Is it a stormy-night scare or a bedtime book? Both!
Little Blue Truck and his good friend Toad are heading home when a storm lets loose. Before long, their familiar, now very nervous barnyard friends (Goat, Hen, Goose, Cow, Duck, and Pig) squeeze into the garage. Blue explains that “clouds bump and tumble in the sky, / but here inside we’re warm and dry, / and all the thirsty plants below / will get a drink to help them grow!” The friends begin to relax. “Duck said, loud as he could quack it, / ‘THUNDER’S JUST A NOISY RACKET!’ ” In the quiet after the storm, the barnyard friends are sleepy, but the garage is not their home. “ ‘Beep!’ said Blue. ‘Just hop inside. / All aboard for the bedtime ride!’ ” Young readers will settle down for their own bedtimes as Blue and Toad drop each friend at home and bid them a good night before returning to the garage and their own beds. “Blue gave one small sleepy ‘Beep.’ / Then Little Blue Truck fell fast asleep.” Joseph’s rich nighttime-blue illustrations (done “in the style of [series co-creator] Jill McElmurry”) highlight the power of the storm and capture the still serenity that follows. Little Blue Truck has been chugging along since 2008, but there seems to be plenty of gas left in the tank.
A sweet reminder that it’s easy to weather a storm with the company and kindness of friends. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Oct. 22, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-328-85213-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: HMH Books
Review Posted Online: June 22, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2019
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