Provides some fun and some learning, but a bland effort overall.
Seek and you will find—or will you?
Marshland animals decide to play hide-and-seek and designate Turtle as “it.” They hide while Turtle counts to 10 slowly (and incorrectly). Heron doesn’t know where to hide and tries a few places, only to discover that someone’s already ensconced there. Each time, Heron asks, “Is this a good spot?” only to be told, “No, this is my spot!” The animals also explain why their spot is ideal: “I blend right in,” or “I like to play in the mud.” Observant readers will notice that each lurking animal resembles its hiding place. Eventually, Heron finds a place that seems perfect—just as Turtle finishes counting and begins seeking her friends. Initially, they can’t be found, but then Turtle locates them, except Heron. Finally, Heron emerges from the marsh grasses to greet the others. Originally published in Belgium, this brief, thin story should appeal to fans of the popular game; it also offers a simple lesson in camouflage and may spark conversations about the topic. A few quibbles: Most of the animals aren’t named until later in the story, so readers can’t identify them from the outset. Realistic-looking animal portrayals would have served the story much better, especially in the manatee’s case; its very inexact, odd-looking depiction isn’t consistent. Some explanatory backmatter on the featured animals and information about their “hiding places” also would have been helpful.
Provides some fun and some learning, but a bland effort overall. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: July 23, 2024
ISBN: 9781605378329
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Clavis
Review Posted Online: March 9, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2024
This warm family story is a splendid showcase for the combined talents of Medina, a Pura Belpré award winner, and Dominguez,...
Abuela is coming to stay with Mia and her parents. But how will they communicate if Mia speaks little Spanish and Abuela, little English? Could it be that a parrot named Mango is the solution?
The measured, evocative text describes how Mia’s español is not good enough to tell Abuela the things a grandmother should know. And Abuela’s English is too poquito to tell Mia all the stories a granddaughter wants to hear. Mia sets out to teach her Abuela English. A red feather Abuela has brought with her to remind her of a wild parrot that roosted in her mango trees back home gives Mia an idea. She and her mother buy a parrot they name Mango. And as Abuela and Mia teach Mango, and each other, to speak both Spanish and English, their “mouths [fill] with things to say.” The accompanying illustrations are charmingly executed in ink, gouache, and marker, “with a sprinkling of digital magic.” They depict a cheery urban neighborhood and a comfortable, small apartment. Readers from multigenerational immigrant families will recognize the all-too-familiar language barrier. They will also cheer for the warm and loving relationship between Abuela and Mia, which is evident in both text and illustrations even as the characters struggle to understand each other. A Spanish-language edition, Mango, Abuela, y yo, gracefully translated by Teresa Mlawer, publishes simultaneously.
This warm family story is a splendid showcase for the combined talents of Medina, a Pura Belpré award winner, and Dominguez, an honoree. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Aug. 25, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-7636-6900-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: April 14, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2015
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A friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share.
In this latest in the series, Little Blue Truck, driven by pal Toad, is challenged to a countryside race by Racer Red, a sleek, low-slung vehicle.
Blue agrees, and the race is on. Although the two start off “hood to hood / and wheel to wheel,” they switch positions often as they speed their way over dusty country roads. Blue’s farm friends follow along to share in the excitement and shout out encouragement; adult readers will have fun voicing the various animal sounds. Short rhyming verses on each page and several strategic page turns add drama to the narrative, but soft, mottled effects in the otherwise colorful illustrations keep the competition from becoming too intense. Racer Red crosses the finish line first, but Blue is a gracious loser, happy to have worked hard. That’s a new concept for Racer Red, who’s laser-focused on victory but takes Blue’s words (“win or lose, it’s fun to try!”) to heart—a revelation that may lead to worthwhile storytime discussions. When Blue’s farm animal friends hop into the truck for the ride home, Racer Red tags along and learns a second lesson, one about speed. “Fast is fun, / and slow is too, / as long as you’re / with friends.”
A friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: March 25, 2025
ISBN: 9780063387843
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Clarion/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Jan. 18, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2025
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