A charming, energetic attention-grabber—but one that probably shouldn’t be read before bedtime.
Everything winds down at nighttime, right? Guess again.
Some creatures rouse when others snooze. This lively book, narrated in concise, rich prose, kicks off with animals who, by night, propel a voracious food chain. The chain starts with microscopic organisms and grows as increasingly larger beings prey upon smaller, weaker creatures in turn—and concludes in a full-page spread with a fierce-looking, stylized tiger reigning victorious atop the chain, depicted with prey floating within a cutaway shot of its abdomen. But, as readers discover when a young tiger-costumed child and their pajama-clad sibling appear on the pages following that scene, this book isn’t about nocturnal animals’ dining habits. It’s really about what children desire as night falls—to assert dominance over sleep, i.e., to cajole parents into extra romps and snuggles before bed. Youngsters will easily relate to that notion and will be captivated by the energetic, fanciful illustrations—created with gouache, watercolor, ink, colored pencil, and oil pastel—that explode in a dazzling array of colors as the creatures devour each other. The text plays with fonts, incorporating imaginative type settings throughout, enhancing visual interest. However, the juxtaposition between the dynamic scenes portraying the nighttime feeding frenzy and those depicting the children’s rambunctious sleep-delaying tactics might prove jarring, though the tiger is shown finally settling down, too. The family is tan-skinned. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A charming, energetic attention-grabber—but one that probably shouldn’t be read before bedtime. (facts about the animals named in the book) (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: March 28, 2023
ISBN: 978-0-593-37429-0
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Random House Studio
Review Posted Online: Dec. 13, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2023
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
A sweet, tender and charming experience to read aloud or together.
A clueless duckling tries to make a new friend.
He is confused by this peculiar-looking duck, who has a long tail, doesn’t waddle and likes to be alone. No matter how explicitly the creature denies he is a duck and announces that he is a cat, the duckling refuses to acknowledge the facts. When this creature expresses complete lack of interest in playing puddle stomp, the little ducking goes off and plays on his own. But the cat is not without remorse for rejecting an offered friendship. Of course it all ends happily, with the two new friends enjoying each other’s company. Bramsen employs brief sentences and the simplest of rhymes to tell this slight tale. The two heroes are meticulously drawn with endearing, expressive faces and body language, and their feathers and fur appear textured and touchable. Even the detailed tree bark and grass seem three-dimensional. There are single- and double-page spreads, panels surrounded by white space and circular and oval frames, all in a variety of eye-pleasing juxtapositions. While the initial appeal is solidly visual, young readers will get the gentle message that friendship is not something to take for granted but is to be embraced with open arms—or paws and webbed feet.
A sweet, tender and charming experience to read aloud or together. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-375-86990-7
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: Nov. 13, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2012
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