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PIZZA FOR BIRDS

Name: PIZZA FOR BIRDS
Author: Bob Shea
ISBN: 9780316494458

From the Chez Bob series

by Bob Shea ; illustrated by Bob Shea ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 13, 2024

A high-energy introduction to ethical internet use.

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An insecure alligator struggles when a rival enters the scene.

Chez Bob (see what the author did there?) enjoys his life as a birdseed chef for the forest fauna until one day another alligator appears, impressing the birds with his delicious pizza and fun bike stunts. After a brief wallow at being outshined, Bob turns to the “internest,” where he uses fake accounts to post lies and other trolling comments about Ryan and his pizza. Taking the online negativity at face value, Ryan prepares to leave town for an unhappy ending—“going away to art school”—while Bob considers the harm he caused before eventually coming clean to Ryan. Though Shea’s takeaway lacks subtlety, so do neon-colored alligators in check-print flannel; the medium fits the message. Overall, the kinetic illustrations and humorous tone leaven what could be an aggressively didactic story into an enjoyable jumping-off point for discussions about responsible internet use and possibly the proliferation of fake news. Shea even offers an illuminating definition of lies that may resonate with young and adult readers alike: “a bunch of not-true things I made up to get what I want.” Bob barely takes accountability for his actions (“I had a good reason”), and the conflict resolves with ludicrous ease, but the purpose here is less authentic character growth and more a lesson in social media etiquette.

A high-energy introduction to ethical internet use. (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: Aug. 13, 2024

ISBN: 9780316494458

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Little, Brown

Review Posted Online: May 17, 2024

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2024

Categories:

CHILDREN'S ANIMALS | CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES

- BOOK REVIEW
BEARSUIT TURTLE MAKES A FRIEND
by Bob Shea ; illustrated by Bob Shea

- BOOK REVIEW
PARROTFISH HAS A SUPERPOWER
by Jill Esbaum ; illustrated by Bob Shea

- BOOK REVIEW
OH, ARE YOU AWAKE?
by Bob Shea ; illustrated by Jarvis

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WHY A DAUGHTER NEEDS A MOM

by Gregory R. Lange ; illustrated by Sydney Hanson ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 1, 2019

New parents of daughters will eat these up and perhaps pass on the lessons learned.

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All the reasons why a daughter needs a mother.

Each spread features an adorable cartoon animal parent-child pair on the recto opposite a rhyming verse: “I’ll always support you in giving your all / in every endeavor, the big and the small, / and be there to catch you in case you should fall. / I hope you believe this is true.” A virtually identical book, Why a Daughter Needs a Dad, publishes simultaneously. Both address standing up for yourself and your values, laughing to ease troubles, being thankful, valuing friendship, persevering and dreaming big, being truthful, thinking through decisions, and being open to differences, among other topics. Though the sentiments/life lessons here and in the companion title are heartfelt and important, there are much better ways to deliver them. These books are likely to go right over children’s heads and developmental levels (especially with the rather advanced vocabulary); their parents are the more likely audience, and for them, the books provide some coaching in what kids need to hear. The two books are largely interchangeable, especially since there are so few references to mom or dad, but one spread in each book reverts to stereotype: Dad balances the two-wheeler, and mom helps with clothing and hair styles. Since the books are separate, it aids in customization for many families.

New parents of daughters will eat these up and perhaps pass on the lessons learned. (Picture book. 4-8, adult)

Pub Date: May 1, 2019

ISBN: 978-1-4926-6781-0

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky

Review Posted Online: March 16, 2019

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2019

Categories:

CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES | CHILDREN'S FAMILY | CHILDREN'S HOLIDAYS & CELEBRATIONS

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THE COOL BEAN MAKES A SPLASH

From the I Can Read! series

by Jory John ; illustrated by Pete Oswald ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 26, 2024

Another quirky take on the series theme that it’s cool to be kind.

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The cool beans again step up to do a timorous fellow legume a fava…this time at the pool.

Will a rash decision to tackle the multistory super-slide lead to another embarrassing watery fail for our shy protagonist? Nope, for up the stairs right behind comes a trio of cool beans, each a different type and color, all clad in nothing but dark shades. They make an offer: “It’s not as scary if you go with friends!” As the knobby nerd explains once the thrilling ride down is done, “They all realized that I just needed some encouragement and support.” Just to make sure that both cool and uncool readers get the message, the narrator lets us know that “there are plenty of kind folks who have my back. They’re always there when I need them.” The beany bonhomie doesn’t end at the bottom of the slide, with all gliding down to the shallow end of the pool (“3 INCHES. NO DIVING”) for a splashy finale. This latest early reader starring characters from John and Oswald’s immensely popular Food Group series will be a hit with fans. Fun accessories, such as a bean who rocks pink cat-eye frames, add some pizzazz to the chromatically and somatotypically varied cast.

Another quirky take on the series theme that it’s cool to be kind. (Easy reader. 5-7)