Destined to become a classic.
A picture book that invites readers to consider shapes of all kinds.
A lively young child and a grown-up, both of whom present Asian, with beige skin and dark, wavy hair, experience their world in all its forms. Văn’s simple yet evocative verse explores the shapes of tangible, concrete objects like the Earth (“a sphere”), the characters’ front door (“a rectangle”), and their kitchen table (“a square”) as well as the shapes of abstract concepts like thinking (“the shape of thinking is quiet”), friendship (“a dog”), and surprise (“best when it hides what’s inside"). The author trusts young readers to understand such heady material. The grown-up is never far from the child’s side, ready to answer a question or reassure but also encouraging the little one’s curiosity. Sato’s enchanting illustrations craft a recognizable world filled with crayons, toys, a lovable puppy, and more, all made from textured fabrics and other materials that, when sewn together, evoke warmth and love. Striking scenes, like a luminous rose sunset and deep space, with its dark, impenetrable purples, matter as much as a smaller yet equally powerful moment of sadness that leads to a reassuring cuddle. The closeness between the characters enables the child to grow and learn and change—as the book closes, both are confident that “The shape of my love will always be you.” (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Destined to become a classic. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: May 2, 2023
ISBN: 9781525305450
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Kids Can
Review Posted Online: March 13, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2023
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
WOO-HOO! This is the perfect way to foster healthy self-esteem in little ones.
What’s better than a cheerleading chicken?
Are you ever blue, unsure, tired, or overworked? Do you ever feel lost or overwhelmed? This uplifting book, expressed in delightful, jaunty verse, explains how to lift your spirits pronto: What you need is a booster chicken telling you’re doing great even when you’re not so confident, as when you’re learning or practicing a new skill, for instance. Your feathered champion will be right there, encouraging you all the way, with a loud “WOO HOO!” that’ll keep you going and remove any doubt you’re super terrific. But what if your cheerful chick errs and doesn’t do what it set out to do? Don’t worry—your cheery chicken just needs a reminder that everyone makes mistakes. That alone is a pep talk, enhanced by the wisdom that making mistakes allows everyone to learn and demonstrate they did their best. So forgive yourself, chickens! But the best thing is…instead of relying on someone else—like a chicken—to strengthen your ego, say a generous daily “WOO HOO!” to yourself. This riotous book hits all the right notes and does so succinctly and hilariously. The energetic, comical illustrations, in Boynton’s signature style, will elicit giggles and go far to make the book’s important point. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
WOO-HOO! This is the perfect way to foster healthy self-esteem in little ones. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: April 4, 2023
ISBN: 978-0-316-48679-8
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: Dec. 23, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2023
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