While it’s certainly true that kisses make most things better, most kids don’t need yet another book, no matter how sweet,...
This book extols all the wondrous things that kisses can make better.
From boo-boos and bruises to just feeling down, kisses can fix it all. And “did you know, kisses can actually speak?” There are “I’m-sorry” kisses to make amends and ask, “Can we be friends?” and there are all kinds that make the first-day-of-school morning easier: “cheer-up,” “be-brave,” and “see-you-soon” kisses. “A go-to-sleep kiss shouts out, ‘MONSTERS, SHOO!’ ” There are smooches for thunderstorms and busses for those who are sick, and no matter how old or young, tall or small, the supply of kisses will never run out…nor does the need for them. Though the words sometimes seem chosen less for their meaning than for their rhyme, the rhythm will only occasionally cause readers to stumble. Massini’s digital mixed-media and collage illustrations use vignettes, full-page, and double-page pictures to depict a bear family—mother, father, sister, brother (relying on clothing and accessories to denote gender)—and use a light palette and lots of hearts to convey the sweet message. And yet, it all seems to be something of a statement of the obvious.
While it’s certainly true that kisses make most things better, most kids don’t need yet another book, no matter how sweet, to tell them so. (Picture book. 2-6)Pub Date: Oct. 18, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-68119-149-2
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Review Posted Online: July 19, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2016
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BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A stocking stuffer par excellence, just right for dishing up with milk and cookies.
Pigeon finds something better to drive than some old bus.
This time it’s Santa delivering the fateful titular words, and with a “Ho. Ho. Whoa!” the badgering begins: “C’mon! Where’s your holiday spirit? It would be a Christmas MIRACLE! Don’t you want to be part of a Christmas miracle…?” Pigeon is determined: “I can do Santa stuff!” Like wrapping gifts (though the accompanying illustration shows a rather untidy present), delivering them (the image of Pigeon attempting to get an oversize sack down a chimney will have little ones giggling), and eating plenty of cookies. Alas, as Willems’ legion of young fans will gleefully predict, not even Pigeon’s by-now well-honed persuasive powers (“I CAN BE JOLLY!”) will budge the sleigh’s large and stinky reindeer guardian. “BAH. Also humbug.” In the typically minimalist art, the frustrated feathered one sports a floppily expressive green and red elf hat for this seasonal addition to the series—but then discards it at the end for, uh oh, a pair of bunny ears. What could Pigeon have in mind now? “Egg delivery, anyone?”
A stocking stuffer par excellence, just right for dishing up with milk and cookies. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Sept. 5, 2023
ISBN: 9781454952770
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Union Square Kids
Review Posted Online: Sept. 12, 2023
Beloved Little Blue takes a bit of the mystery—and fear—out of Halloween costumes.
A lift-the-flap book gives the littlest trick-or-treaters some practice identifying partygoers under their costumes.
Little Blue Truck and his buddy Toad are off to a party, and they invite readers (and a black cat) along for the ride: “ ‘Beep! Beep! Beep!’ / says Little Blue. / ‘It’s Halloween!’ / You come, too.” As they drive, they are surprised (and joined) by many of their friends in costume. “Who’s that in a tutu / striking a pose / up on the tiniest / tips of her toes? / Under the mask / who do you see?” Lifting the flap unmasks a friend: “ ‘Quack!’ says the duck. / ‘It’s me! It’s me!’ ” The sheep is disguised as a clown, the cow’s a queen, the pig’s a witch, the hen and her chick are pirates, and the horse is a dragon. Not to be left out, Little Blue has a costume, too. The flaps are large and sturdy, and enough of the animals’ characteristic features are visible under and around the costumes that little ones will be able to make successful guesses even on the first reading. Lovely curvy shapes and autumn colors fade to dusky blues as night falls, and children are sure to notice the traditional elements of a Halloween party: apple bobbing, lit jack-o’-lanterns, and punch and treats.
Beloved Little Blue takes a bit of the mystery—and fear—out of Halloween costumes. (Board book. 2-4)Pub Date: July 5, 2016
ISBN: 978-0-544-77253-3
Page Count: 16
Publisher: HMH Books
Review Posted Online: July 19, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2016
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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