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I AM THE LONGEST DOG

Name: I AM THE LONGEST DOG
Author: Avery Monsen
ISBN: 978-1-368-05321-1

by Avery Monsen ; illustrated by Avery Monsen ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 2, 2021

A cheerful, good-humored bit of a stretch.

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Lucy the dog enjoys describing just how long she is.

“This is where I start,” she notes, opposite an illustration of doggy rear end, two hind legs, and a tail. Her body, which is white, with brown spots, extends across a bright blue background—and beyond. “I keep going, too.” The furry body (no feet, just fur and spots) spans the whole double-page spread: “I’m telling you: I am a very long dog.” If a dog told a joke it would probably have this same goofy energy and good humor but no punchline in sight. It might go on, and on, as long as someone was listening. Lucy demonstrates that she is longer than a stretch limousine, a blue whale, and a “stretch limo for the big blue whale.” She can’t fit in doghouses or go for car rides or sit on laps. She goes to great lengths (ha, ha) to prove that, indeed, she is the longest dog. The single visual joke bridges the turn of many pages before reaching Lucy’s head with its friendly doggy grin and slightly floppy ears. Pretty silly and pretty funny—if a bit short on plot, Lucy’s tale is nevertheless long on amusing hyperbole. She certainly IS the longest dog, and a final, unfolding spread drives home exactly how long she is.

A cheerful, good-humored bit of a stretch. (Picture book. 2-5)

Pub Date: Feb. 2, 2021

ISBN: 978-1-368-05321-1

Page Count: 48

Publisher: Little, Brown

Review Posted Online: Nov. 17, 2020

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2020

Categories:

CHILDREN'S ANIMALS

- BOOK REVIEW
PARFAIT, NOT PARFAIT!
by Scott Rothman ; illustrated by Avery Monsen

- BOOK REVIEW
CHESTER VAN CHIME WHO FORGOT HOW TO RHYME
by Avery Monsen ; illustrated by Abby Hanlon

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LITTLE BLUE TRUCK'S HALLOWEEN

by Alice Schertle ; illustrated by Jill McElmurry ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 5, 2016

Beloved Little Blue takes a bit of the mystery—and fear—out of Halloween costumes.

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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

Categories:

CHILDREN'S ANIMALS | CHILDREN'S HOLIDAYS & CELEBRATIONS | CHILDREN'S TRANSPORTATION

- BOOK REVIEW
LITTLE BLUE TRUCK AND RACER RED
by Alice Schertle ; illustrated by Jill McElmurry

- BOOK REVIEW
LITTLE BLUE TRUCK MAKES A FRIEND
by Alice Schertle ; illustrated by Jill McElmurry

- BOOK REVIEW
TIME FOR SCHOOL, LITTLE BLUE TRUCK
by Alice Schertle ; illustrated by John Joseph

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HAPPY EASTER, LITTLE POOKIE

From the Little Pookie series

by Sandra Boynton ; illustrated by Sandra Boynton ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 31, 2023

An upbeat Easter outing with a beloved character.

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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)