Read it and smile.
What happens when a shy, stay-at-home boy meets a timid, tree-bound bird?
Large, googly eyeballs are the common physical trait of Lawrence—a light-skinned child who apparently lives alone in a pale green house surrounded by a stockade fence—and Sophia, a blue owlish bird whose nesting tree is just outside that fence. Shadowy figures of other people and animals are sometimes observable beyond the fence, but the two protagonists have the entire story and the quirky, watercolor artwork to themselves. And no more is needed for heartwarming entertainment! Simple text makes it clear that Lawrence does not go beyond his yard because “out there” is “very big,” “very loud,” and “very crowded.” Sophia stays up in the treetops because “down there” is “dark,” “bumpy,” and “dangerous.” A friendship slowly develops, with the duo finding clever ways of sharing activities without either of them moving beyond their respective comfort zone—complemented by very funny art. Soon after Sophia builds her nest closer to Lawrence’s house and Lawrence erects a tent near Sophia’s tree, a storm breaks out. Each character is so worried about the other’s welfare that they both undergo great transformations, conveyed in a way that will be easily understood by the youngest of readers. The final page adds the finishing touch to a tale that quietly applauds both the efforts and the rewards of friendship building and risk-taking. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Read it and smile. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Oct. 17, 2023
ISBN: 9780593618301
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Rocky Pond Books/Penguin
Review Posted Online: May 24, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A disappointing follow-up.
Inventor Izzy Gizmo is back in this sequel to her eponymous debut (2017).
While busily inventing one day, Izzy receives an invitation from the Genius Guild to their annual convention. Though Izzy’s “inventions…don’t always work,” Grandpa (apparently her sole caregiver) encourages her to go. The next day they undertake a long journey “over fields, hills, and waves” and “mile after mile” to isolated Technoff Isle. There, Izzy finds she must compete against four other kids to create the most impressive machine. The colorful, detail-rich illustrations chronicle how poor Izzy is thwarted at every turn by Abi von Lavish, a Veruca Salt–esque character who takes all the supplies for herself. But when Abi abandons her project, Izzy salvages the pieces and decides to take Grandpa’s advice to create a machine that “can really be put to good use.” A frustrated Izzy’s impatience with a friend almost foils her chance at the prize, but all’s well that ends well. There’s much to like: Brown-skinned inventor girl Izzy is an appealing character, it’s great to see a nurturing brown-skinned male caregiver, the idea of an “Invention Convention” is fun, and a sustainable-energy invention is laudable. However, these elements don’t make up for rhymes that often feel forced and a lackluster story.
A disappointing follow-up. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: March 1, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-68263-164-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Peachtree
Review Posted Online: Jan. 11, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2020
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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