In a set of large, lavishly detailed, full-bleed watercolors, Lloyd-Jones captures the intricate beauty of more than 15 species of butterflies from around the world. On the opposite page and with equal lyricism, Winer deftly stirs together natural history and an appreciation of their colors and movement through the seasons: “Butterflies frolic / In the brisk autumn breeze, / Mingling with colors / That fall from the trees. / That’s when butterflies fly.” Above each poem the butterfly being featured is singled out for a closer look, helping readers to spot them in the sometimes-camouflaged scene opposite. A key at the back identifies each butterfly by common and scientific name, notes whether or not it’s endangered, and describes its range and habitat. Children who want to know more will find helpful lists of books and Web sites to consult. It’s another lovely close-up look at nature from the creators of Spiders Spin Webs (1998). (Poetry/nonfiction. 6-9)
Pub Date: Feb. 1, 2001
ISBN: 1-57091-446-X
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Charlesbridge
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2000
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Here’s to more adventures for Fergus and Zeke! (Early reader 6-9)
A class pet decides not to miss the class field trip to the Museum of Natural History.
Fergus is a model student in Miss Maxwell’s class. He follows directions, listens quietly, does his math without looking at anyone else’s paper, and always chips in to tidy up. But he may not get to go on the class trip, as Fergus is a mouse. At the last minute, he sneaks into Emma’s backpack and continues following the teacher’s directions, including pairing up for the day…with a banana. Although the banana won’t come with Fergus when it’s time to explore, Zeke will. He’s a museum mouse who shows Fergus all the sights and is his buddy for the day. But when Fergus and Zeke overlook the human rule to not touch the exhibits, will it be Fergus’ downfall? Will he be able to reunite with his class and get back to school? And what about his new friend, Zeke? Messner’s first in a new early-reader series (Fergus and Zeke will visit the school science fair next) is divided into four chapters and meant for those who are confident enough in their reading abilities to begin to make the transition to chapter books. Ross’ digital illustrations add interest and break up the text, giving readers a mouse’s-eye view of the museum and its fascinating exhibits. Miss Maxwell is a blonde, white woman with a diverse class.
Here’s to more adventures for Fergus and Zeke! (Early reader 6-9)Pub Date: June 13, 2017
ISBN: 978-0-7636-7846-3
Page Count: 56
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: May 14, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2017
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A loving tribute to problem-solvers, quarrel menders, and peacemakers.
A solitary mail carrier brings more than just letters to a forest community.
From early morning to shadowy twilight, an aging, bespectacled letter carrier—depicted in Montero Galán’s forest scenes as a portly, uniformed badger on a bike—quietly delivers to the forest’s burrows, dens, and nests. The notes—all typed and printed in boxes to separate them from the narrative text—offer complaints, apologies, reconciliations, or offers of friendship between animal neighbors. Hedgehog apologizes to Squirrel for an accidental jab, and Squirrel suggests in return having dinner together and a nice chat; Woodpecker’s tapping keeps Dormouse up, and Woodpecker replies with a promise to find another tree; Rabbit would love to join Bear in the pond but is afraid of water, so Bear offers a back to climb on, “just as if I were a big old boat.” At day’s end the weary letter carrier goes home…to spend the evening typing out the very letters he’s delivering. Then one day he finds a letter in his bag addressed to him. It’s a thank-you note from the animals, who follow it up by gathering that night to heap him with appreciation. Emotionally, Montero Galán begins the letter carrier’s tale with an orangey-red dawn and ends with a rosy-red candlelit scene. Although daytime scenes are dominated by blue skies and green grass, the artist unifies the palette throughout with such touches as the red wings of butterflies and red, autumnal leaves on the trees. The effect is to suffuse the pages with warmth.
A loving tribute to problem-solvers, quarrel menders, and peacemakers. (Picture book. 6-8)Pub Date: April 11, 2017
ISBN: 978-84-16147-98-4
Page Count: 28
Publisher: Cuento de Luz
Review Posted Online: Feb. 13, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2017
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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