Readers’ satisfaction at spotting Wolf here and there and guessing the twist might enhance the first read, but that may not...
Five little piggies watch out for the wolf…but not for the reason readers might expect.
Piggle, the first pig, sets out for the store to buy the ingredients for a cake. Piggleton, the next little piggy, stays home to wrap boxes and blow up balloons. Wolf is spotted outside, and the pigs inside quickly close the blinds. Third piggy Piggit hastens through the woods delivering invitations. Owl warns that Wolf has passed by recently. Piggums, the fourth little piggy, keeps lookout from the roof, and the smallest, Pigbert, cries: “Wee wee wee! Everybody hide!” Wolf arrives, and, as readers will have surely surmised, the pigs and other animals gathered within shout, “SURPRISE!” It’s Wolf’s birthday. The huffing and puffing is all aimed at candles. Rissi’s conceit will be guessed by all but the youngest listeners long before the reveal. Santoso’s colorful, soft-edged cartoon illustrations are pleasing if compositionally busy. The slightly muted palette depicts five expressive piggies who look far more distinct than their confusingly similar names would indicate. Both the baroque names and sophisticated compositions go to war with the transparency of the plot, making it hard for this book to reach its most natural audience of older toddlers just graduated from nursery rhymes.
Readers’ satisfaction at spotting Wolf here and there and guessing the twist might enhance the first read, but that may not be enough to have them demanding rereads. (Picture book. 2-4)Pub Date: April 16, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-4847-8556-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Review Posted Online: Dec. 21, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2019
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
An upbeat Easter outing with a beloved character.
Pookie celebrates Easter with a play date and holiday activities.
Pookie’s friend Bean, a gray puppy, comes over for Easter fun that includes lots of bouncing around and egg decorating. After Bean goes home, Pookie gets excited about the Easter Bunny’s arrival and goes to sleep dreaming of a large chocolate egg. Like the other Pookie books before it, this one is told in rhyme from the perspective of a loving grown-up addressing the little pig, which keeps the pace moving and makes for a great read-aloud. Bean and Pookie are realistically—and endearingly—childlike, from Pookie’s pronunciation of yellow as “lellow!” to the joyful mess they make while decorating eggs. There are plenty of sweet and festive touches, such as the bunny ears that Bean and Pookie (and Pookie’s teddy) wear and the daffodils painted on the end of Pookie’s bed. The illustrations include large, full-page images as well as smaller vignettes against solid backgrounds. One page shows Pookie and parent looking out the window at the moon, anticipating Easter’s spoils. For fans of Boynton and little Pookie, this Easter tale is exactly as expected: a touch of playfulness, a relatable story, and comfort in the familiar. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
An upbeat Easter outing with a beloved character. (Board book. 2-4)Pub Date: Jan. 31, 2023
ISBN: 978-1-66592-838-0
Page Count: 18
Publisher: Boynton Bookworks
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2022
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