Slight in substance storywise and perpetuating too-common representations of Arctic peoples: not ideal.
A polar bear cub does not like to dive into the water but needs to overcome his fear to help a new friend.
Miki (Inuktitut for “little”) is a cub. His mother wants him to catch a fish in the icy Arctic Ocean, but he would rather play. He scampers up a hill to find a new playmate. In the distance, he sees a red dot. As the dot gets closer, in panels obscured by fuzzy snow, readers can see it is a small Inuit child, with a face as pale as the white surroundings save for pink cheeks, clad in a red parka. But to Miki, it is simply “the Dot.” Miki likes the “gurgling sound” it makes (readers can see from the illustration that it’s laughter) and its “twinkly face.” They run and play. But suddenly the Dot’s mitten goes missing. As Miki goes back to get it, the ice cracks, and the mitten slips into the water. Miki’s heroic rescue works as the triumphant moment it is set up to be. However, the ubiquitous images of the decorative parka with furry hood, playful relationship with an Arctic animal, and “Eskimo kiss” (which thankfully is not called as such, just described as “two cold noses nudg[ing] good-bye”) can carry some pretty weighty stereotypes. At least there is nary an iglu in sight.
Slight in substance storywise and perpetuating too-common representations of Arctic peoples: not ideal. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Oct. 4, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-4549-2101-1
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Sterling
Review Posted Online: Aug. 16, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2016
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A sweet, tender and charming experience to read aloud or together.
A clueless duckling tries to make a new friend.
He is confused by this peculiar-looking duck, who has a long tail, doesn’t waddle and likes to be alone. No matter how explicitly the creature denies he is a duck and announces that he is a cat, the duckling refuses to acknowledge the facts. When this creature expresses complete lack of interest in playing puddle stomp, the little ducking goes off and plays on his own. But the cat is not without remorse for rejecting an offered friendship. Of course it all ends happily, with the two new friends enjoying each other’s company. Bramsen employs brief sentences and the simplest of rhymes to tell this slight tale. The two heroes are meticulously drawn with endearing, expressive faces and body language, and their feathers and fur appear textured and touchable. Even the detailed tree bark and grass seem three-dimensional. There are single- and double-page spreads, panels surrounded by white space and circular and oval frames, all in a variety of eye-pleasing juxtapositions. While the initial appeal is solidly visual, young readers will get the gentle message that friendship is not something to take for granted but is to be embraced with open arms—or paws and webbed feet.
A sweet, tender and charming experience to read aloud or together. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-375-86990-7
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: Nov. 13, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2012
Count on construction die-hards falling in love, but discerning readers would be wise to look elsewhere for their...
Less ambitious than Chris Gall’s widely known Dinotrux (2009) and sequels, this British import systematically relegates each dinosaur/construction-equipment hybrid to its most logical job.
The title figures are introduced as bigger than both diggers and dinosaurs, and rhyming text and two construction-helmeted kids show just what these creatures are capable of. Each diggersaur has a specific job to do and a distinct sound effect. The dozersaurus moves rocks with a “SCRAAAAPE!!!” while the rollersaurus flattens lumps with a cheery “TOOT TOOT!!” Each diggersaur is numbered, with 12 in all, allowing this to be a counting book on the sly. As the diggersaurs (not all of which dig) perform jobs that regular construction equipment can do, albeit on a larger scale, there is no particular reason why any of them should have dinosaurlike looks other than just ’cause. Peppy computer art tries valiantly to attract attention away from the singularly unoriginal text. “Diggersaurs dig with bites so BIG, / each SCOOP creates a crater. // They’re TOUGH and STRONG / with necks so long— / they’re super EXCAVATORS!” Far more interesting are the two human characters, a white girl and a black boy, that flit about the pictures offering commentary and action. Much of the fun of the book can be found in trying to spot them on every two-page spread.
Count on construction die-hards falling in love, but discerning readers would be wise to look elsewhere for their dino/construction kicks. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: April 2, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-9848-4779-9
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: Jan. 14, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2019
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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