Nevertheless, while the repetitive refrains pile up near the beginning and the end, the message is one kids will probably...
A song-turned–storybook app from the second track on Marley’s Grammy-winning children’s album, Family Time.
The app is a word-for-word mirror of the reggae star’s poetic ode celebrating mutual love. Many songs tell some sort of story, of course, but that doesn’t mean they’ll necessarily translate well to a book format. This one works reasonably well, but the developers didn’t go out of their way to innovate or accentuate the content. Interaction is the Oceanhouse standard, consisting of turning pages and tapping on various characters and objects, which elicits brief visual and auditory descriptions. Readers and/or their loved ones can narrate the story by recording themselves reading the text; once that’s been done, the recorded version becomes the default narration unless otherwise specified from the menu. The main menu offers four options: “Read to Me,” “Read it Myself,” “Auto Play” and “Sing Along.” The latter two are identical, except one is read and one is sung (both by Marley). Illustrations (uncredited) are crisp, vibrant and endearing. It is a pity that there’s no mechanical interaction or animation beyond screen panning, as the infectious bounce of the song is ill-served by the staid treatment.
Nevertheless, while the repetitive refrains pile up near the beginning and the end, the message is one kids will probably never tire of hearing: “I love you too / I love you too / I tell you I love you.” (iPad storybook app. 2-5)Pub Date: Nov. 21, 2013
ISBN: N/A
Page Count: -
Publisher: Oceanhouse Media
Review Posted Online: Dec. 17, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2014
A good choice for caregivers looking for a positive, uncomplicated introduction to a new baby that focuses on everything an...
A little boy exults in his new role as big brother.
Rhyming text describes the arrival of a new baby and all of the big brother’s rewarding new duties. He gets to help with feedings, diaper changes, playtime, bathtime, and naptime. Though the rhyming couplets can sometimes feel a bit forced and awkward, the sentiment is sweet, as the focus here never veers from the excitement and love a little boy feels for his tiny new sibling. The charming, uncluttered illustrations convincingly depict the growing bond between this fair-skinned, rosy-cheeked, smiling pair of boys. In the final pages, the parents, heretofore kept mostly out of view, are pictured holding the children. The accompanying text reads: “Mommy, Daddy, baby, me. / We love each other—a family!” In companion volume I Am a Big Sister, the little boy is replaced with a little girl with bows in her hair. Some of the colors and patterns in the illustrations are slightly altered, but it is essentially the same title.
A good choice for caregivers looking for a positive, uncomplicated introduction to a new baby that focuses on everything an older sibling can do to help. (Board book. 2-4)Pub Date: Jan. 27, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-545-68886-4
Page Count: 24
Publisher: Cartwheel/Scholastic
Review Posted Online: March 16, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2015
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Although a bit on the slight side, this offering is infused with a warm, light humor just right for cuddling up with a young...
This title previously published in the U.K. takes a cozy look at all kinds of kisses.
Walsh’s rhyming text is full of cutesy rhythms: “Kisses on noses, kisses on toes-es. Sudden kisses when you least supposes.” Sometimes the phrasing stumbles: “Who likes to kiss? I do! I do! Even the shy do. Why not try, too?” But toddlers and young preschoolers will probably not mind. They will be too engaged in spotting the lively penguin on each spread and too charmed by Abbot’s winsome illustrations that fittingly extend the wording in the story. Patient dogs queue up for a smooch from a frog prince, cool blue “ ’normous elephants” contrast strikingly with bright red “little tiny ants” and a bewildered monkey endures a smattering of lipstick kisses. Be the kiss small or tall, one to start or end the day, young readers are reminded that “the very best kiss… / is a kiss from you!” Perhaps no big surprise but comforting nonetheless.
Although a bit on the slight side, this offering is infused with a warm, light humor just right for cuddling up with a young tyke or sharing with a gathering for storytime. (Picture book. 2-5)Pub Date: Dec. 20, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4424-2769-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Paula Wiseman/Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Nov. 19, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2011
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