Nothing fishy here: an adorable, laugh-out-loud winner.
Three seemingly mismatched residents of a tree learn to coexist.
Sitting on their respective branches, pals Bird and Cat cordially greet each other. Neighbor Mr. Fish brusquely shoos them away, claiming it’s his tree. Unimpressed with their accounts of how hard it was to reach it, Mr. Fish describes his difficulties in getting there himself. When he’s reminded that he’s literally a fish out of water (how’s he even breathing?), Mr. Fish temporarily solves that dilemma with a fishbowl on wheels, but Bird and Cat leave, citing his poor attitude. Alone, Mr. Fish is bored, so he throws a festive shindig. Unfortunately, the aquatic guests hurriedly swim off from what the text assures readers is “the worst party ever.” On his own again, Mr. Fish realizes the solo life’s rotten; luckily, Bird and Cat return. Apologizing for his previous conduct and divulging a terrific idea, Mr. Fish solicits their help, remembering the magic word please. Laboring furiously while generating considerable noise, the three arrive at an ingenious means to share the tree harmoniously, each according to its species. This story about friendly cooperation, expressed through dialogue, soliloquy, and narrative, is a comical hoot; the simple, matter-of-fact, dryly witty text will arouse kids’ giggles throughout. The riotous cartoon illustrations ably drive the lively proceedings; Mr. Fish is especially expressive, a master of the absurd. Note the punny final page. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Nothing fishy here: an adorable, laugh-out-loud winner. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: June 1, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-250-75871-2
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Imprint
Review Posted Online: May 4, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2021
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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