by Yuanhao Yang ; illustrated by Yuanhao Yang ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 1, 2019
An imperfect ride, yet sure to stir the imagination nonetheless
An alluring light takes two curious companions on a whimsical trip.
The phrase “One dull morning” opens this otherwise mostly wordless book. Rendered in detailed, fine-lined drawings blotted with warm, subdued hues of watercolor, a round, mustachioed man in a top hat and bow tie finds his pet iguana in the garden in hot pursuit of…something. The giant lizard, fitted with a riding saddle, is trying to eat a flying half-bug, half-mammal hybrid. This creature is portrayed with a translucent glowing yellow stomach, antennae, and a single, large eye as its face. This creature successfully dodges the iguana’s tongue while whizzing away on its own errand. Captivated, the man mounts his iguana, riding it after the creature on a remarkable adventure told mostly in small, square panels that occasionally open up to expansive single- and double-page illustrations. Slight gaps in the storytelling appear occasionally, requiring readers to re-examine past pages. In a forest, numerous flying creatures flit amid large, glowing golden flowers, gathering light much as bees gather honey, prompting the man to dig up a single bloom in hopes of luring the creatures and their illumination back home. The final image of the man, who has light skin, riding a saddled flying fish hints at another quest. China-based Yang supplies a short synopsis at the conclusion that provides some clarity.
An imperfect ride, yet sure to stir the imagination nonetheless . (Picture book. 5-9)Pub Date: Feb. 1, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-76036-053-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Starfish Bay
Review Posted Online: Nov. 25, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2018
Share your opinion of this book
by Craig Smith ; illustrated by Katz Cowley ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 1, 2010
Hee haw.
Awards & Accolades
Likes
69
Our Verdict
GET IT
IndieBound Bestseller
The print version of a knee-slapping cumulative ditty.
In the song, Smith meets a donkey on the road. It is three-legged, and so a “wonky donkey” that, on further examination, has but one eye and so is a “winky wonky donkey” with a taste for country music and therefore a “honky-tonky winky wonky donkey,” and so on to a final characterization as a “spunky hanky-panky cranky stinky-dinky lanky honky-tonky winky wonky donkey.” A free musical recording (of this version, anyway—the author’s website hints at an adults-only version of the song) is available from the publisher and elsewhere online. Even though the book has no included soundtrack, the sly, high-spirited, eye patch–sporting donkey that grins, winks, farts, and clumps its way through the song on a prosthetic metal hoof in Cowley’s informal watercolors supplies comical visual flourishes for the silly wordplay. Look for ready guffaws from young audiences, whether read or sung, though those attuned to disability stereotypes may find themselves wincing instead or as well.
Hee haw. (Picture book. 5-7)Pub Date: May 1, 2010
ISBN: 978-0-545-26124-1
Page Count: 26
Publisher: Scholastic
Review Posted Online: Dec. 28, 2018
Share your opinion of this book
More by Craig Smith
BOOK REVIEW
by Craig Smith ; illustrated by Katz Cowley
BOOK REVIEW
by Doug MacLeod ; illustrated by Craig Smith
BOOK REVIEW
by Adam Osterweil and illustrated by Craig Smith
by Kwame Alexander & illustrated by Tim Bowers ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 2011
Having put together a band with renowned cousin Duck Ellington and singer “Bee” Holiday, Rooster’s chances sure look...
Winning actually isn’t everything, as jazz-happy Rooster learns when he goes up against the legendary likes of Mules Davis and Ella Finchgerald at the barnyard talent show.
Having put together a band with renowned cousin Duck Ellington and singer “Bee” Holiday, Rooster’s chances sure look good—particularly after his “ ‘Hen from Ipanema’ [makes] / the barnyard chickies swoon.”—but in the end the competition is just too stiff. No matter: A compliment from cool Mules and the conviction that he still has the world’s best band soon puts the strut back in his stride. Alexander’s versifying isn’t always in tune (“So, he went to see his cousin, / a pianist of great fame…”), and despite his moniker Rooster plays an electric bass in Bower’s canted country scenes. Children are unlikely to get most of the jokes liberally sprinkled through the text, of course, so the adults sharing it with them should be ready to consult the backmatter, which consists of closing notes on jazz’s instruments, history and best-known musicians.Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-58536-688-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press
Review Posted Online: July 19, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2011
Share your opinion of this book
More by Kwame Alexander
BOOK REVIEW
by Kwame Alexander & Deanna Nikaido ; illustrated by Melissa Sweet
BOOK REVIEW
by Kwame Alexander ; illustrated by Dare Coulter
BOOK REVIEW
© Copyright 2024 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Hey there, book lover.
We’re glad you found a book that interests you!
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Don’t fret. We’ll find you.