by Yayo Kawamura ; illustrated by Yayo Kawamura ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 16, 2019
Even though it’s a little odd to see a harmless predator in the lead role, the book’s message is clear, and the artwork is...
A lesson in the cruelty of discrimination and the benefits of inclusion.
A little wolf encounters fear and mistrust from the other kids in the forest when he sets out in search of playmates. After being rebuffed by a squirrel, a bunny, and a fox, who all say, “I’m not allowed to play with wolves,” the overalls-clad cub ends up alone and in tears. Finally, a passing bumblebee asks, “Do you want to play with me?” Delighted to find someone who doesn’t fear him, the little wolf plays hide-and-seek with his new friend, and they chase each other through the forest. Predictably, their laughter catches the attention of the squirrel, bunny, and fox. After the squirrel inquires, “Can I play, too?” the others join in, followed swiftly by a bear, owl, mole, mouse, deer, boar, and bat. The final illustration is a lovely, two-page image of the 12 friends watching a gorgeous sunset together, a poignant reminder that they’re more alike than different. The obvious irony, of course, is that while discrimination has an arbitrary, unfair quality, responsible squirrel and rabbit parents would be quite right to warn their offspring against playing with wolves. The animals who disregarded the warnings of their parents could well have ended up as dinner.
Even though it’s a little odd to see a harmless predator in the lead role, the book’s message is clear, and the artwork is colorful, distinctive, and engaging. (Board book. 2-5)Pub Date: April 16, 2019
ISBN: 978-3-7913-7381-2
Page Count: 24
Publisher: Prestel
Review Posted Online: March 26, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2019
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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 Alice Schertle ; illustrated by John Joseph
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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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by Sandra Boynton ; illustrated by Sandra Boynton
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by Sandra Boynton ; illustrated by Sandra Boynton
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by Sandra Boynton ; illustrated by Sandra Boynton
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