This cute story is like a present and a friendship—to be enjoyed and shared.
The presence of presents cements a friendship.
In this story, a New Zealand import by way of Germany, a tall, potbellied, anthropomorphic horned owl relaxes in an armchair, expecting a visitor. In walks the cheery arrival: a short, slender, yellow-and-black creature resembling a salamander and wheeling a blue shopping cart. The visitor pulls out a cake, declaring, “I made it myself!” and hands it over. The owl promptly swallows it whole. This gift is followed by a colorful “freshly picked!” floral bouquet that also makes its way down the owl’s gullet. Unsurprisingly, a third offering—a gaily wrapped, bow-bedecked box—also gets inhaled whole. After each presentation, the owl expresses their appreciation with a rub of their rotund abdomen. When the owl raises the benefactor to their mouth, readers might well surmise things won’t end well. Surprise, surprise, however: The owl presents a present of their own and a gracious, punning compliment. This short comic, told in very spare language, conveys a sweet, simple message that children should easily comprehend and, hopefully, emulate: Kindness begets kindness. The lively, humorous illustrations, set in two panels per page, are endearingly expressive. The book is a lively conversation sparker, and adults should encourage discussion about the protagonists’ relationship, why the visitor bestowed these gifts, and what presents children would give the owl.
This cute story is like a present and a friendship—to be enjoyed and shared. (Graphic fiction. 3-6)Pub Date: May 2, 2023
ISBN: 9781776574995
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Gecko Press
Review Posted Online: Feb. 24, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2023
It’s not whether you win or lose; it’s how many mediocre sequels you can squeeze out of Seussian property.
Since a reformed Grinch is hardly any fun, this follow-up Grinches him up once more.
Those seeking more of the same, prepare to receive precisely that. Christmas is coming (again!), and the Grinch can hardly wait. He’s been patient all year, and now he can finally show the Whos down in Who-ville how much he’s changed. When the Grinch learns of a tree-decorating contest, he figures that if he wins, it’ll prove he truly has the Christmas spirit. He throws himself into the task, but when it comes time to judge the trees, the Grinch is horrified to discover that he’s received only the second-place trophy. Can Cindy-Lou Who find the words to save the day? Replicating many of the original beats and wordplay of the original, this tale feels like less a sequel and more like a vaguely rewritten variation. Meanwhile, Ruiz’s art seeks to bridge the gap between the animated Chuck Jones version of the Grinch and the one depicted in the original book. This thankless task results in a strange uncanny valley between Seuss and Jones but does allow the artist a chance to colorize everything and lend some racial diversity to the Who population (Cindy-Lou is light-skinned). (This book was reviewed digitally.)
It’s not whether you win or lose; it’s how many mediocre sequels you can squeeze out of Seussian property. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Sept. 5, 2023
ISBN: 9780593563168
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: Aug. 15, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2023
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A syrupy tribute to mothers that may please fans of the series.
Another creature is on the loose.
The long-running series continues its successful formula with this Hallmark card of a book, which features bright illustrations and catchy rhymes. This time, the mythical creature the racially diverse children set out to catch is an absent mom who does it all (lists of descriptors include the words banker, caregiver, nurse, doctor, driver, chef, housekeeper, teacher, entertainer, playmate, laundry service, problem solver, handywoman, cleaner, and alarm clock) but doesn’t seem to have a job outside the home and is inexplicably a dinosaur. As the children prepare gifts and a meal for her, the text becomes an ode to the skills the Mamasaurus possesses (“Day or night she’s always there. / She meets every wish and need”) and values she instills (“Sometimes life can mean hard work,” “kindness matters,” and “what counts is doing your best”). This well-intentioned selection veers into cliche generously sprinkled with saccharine but manages to redeem itself with its appreciation for mothers and all that they may do. Endpapers include a “to” and “from” page framed in a heart, as well as a page where young gift givers or recipients can draw a picture of their Mamasaurus.
A syrupy tribute to mothers that may please fans of the series. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: March 5, 2024
ISBN: 9781728274300
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Sourcebooks Wonderland
Review Posted Online: Dec. 6, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2024
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