This enchanting book will leave readers contemplating their own wishes and the deeper meaning behind them.
Be careful what you wish for: In this fast-paced, lightly magical read, fifth graders Bug, Zoe, Casey, and Billy each receive two wishes.
In four parallel short stories set in what appears to be the same neighborhood, each character receives two pieces of tissue paper, each representing a single wish. Bug asks for material items but later discovers greater joy in sharing and helping others. Zoe initially wants her parents to stop their “Ugly Fighting” and ultimately makes a wish that declares a positive hope for her family. Casey desires a dog and also wishes for her mom to open her heart. Billy impulsively asks for a unicorn—and then must figure out what to do with it. Each story explores the balance between selfishness and selflessness. A cautionary moral lesson lies at the heart of these narratives, with the characters’ inner conflicts and social-emotional learning adding depth and captivating interest. As the stories progress, they become more philosophical and abstract, highlighting the transformative impact of connecting with other people and animals. The characters’ lives encompass various family configurations and living situations, enhancing the book’s appeal. Newbery-winning author Voigt skillfully weaves modern-day fairy tales that will resonate with readers, imparting timeless lessons about what truly matters in life. Kaulitzki’s spot art adds a sweet and whimsical touch. The characters are minimally described and largely present white.
This enchanting book will leave readers contemplating their own wishes and the deeper meaning behind them. (Fantasy. 7-11)Pub Date: Aug. 13, 2024
ISBN: 9780062996923
Page Count: 224
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Review Posted Online: Aug. 17, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2024
We challenge anyone to read this and keep a straight face.
Four misunderstood villains endeavor to turn over a new leaf…or a new rap sheet in Blabey's frenzied romp.
As readers open the first page of this early chapter book, Mr. Wolf is right there to greet them, bemoaning his reputation. "Just because I've got BIG POINTY TEETH and RAZOR-SHARP CLAWS and I occasionally like to dress up like an OLD LADY, that doesn't mean… / … I'm a BAD GUY." To prove this very fact, Mr. Wolf enlists three equally slandered friends into the Good Guys Club: Mr. Snake (aka the Chicken Swallower), Mr. Piranha (aka the Butt Biter), and Mr. Shark (aka Jaws). After some convincing from Mr. Wolf, the foursome sets off determined to un-smirch their names (and reluctantly curbing their appetites). Although these predators find that not everyone is ready to be at the receiving end of their helpful efforts, they use all their Bad Guy know-how to manage a few hilarious good deeds. Blabey has hit the proverbial nail on the head, kissed it full on the mouth, and handed it a stick of Acme dynamite. With illustrations that startle in their manic comedy and deadpan direct address and with a narrative that follows four endearingly sardonic characters trying to push past (sometimes successfully) their fear-causing natures, this book instantly joins the classic ranks of Captain Underpants and The Stinky Cheese Man.
We challenge anyone to read this and keep a straight face. (Fiction. 7-11)Pub Date: Jan. 3, 2017
ISBN: 978-0-545-91240-2
Page Count: 144
Publisher: Scholastic
Review Posted Online: Sept. 18, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2016
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Lively fun with animal friends.
Has Plum’s pep deserted him?
Several animals from the Athensville Zoo are on their way to visit an elementary school. Overconfident Itch the ningbing (an Australian marsupial), unaware that zookeeper Lizzie will be doing all the talking, looks forward to “lecturing eager young minds.” Plum, the usually chipper peacock, on the other hand, is anxious—maybe the schoolchildren won’t like him or he’ll get lost. So when they arrive at the school to find the students have been sent home due to a blizzard, Plum is relieved. The animals are left in a school gym for the night until three self-important class mice free them. Itch heads for the library to meet the learned turtle, but Plum reluctantly explores with his friends. When his anxiety peaks, they reassure him, and when the mice reject Meg, another peacock, as “borrrring” and uncool, they buoy her as well before everyone comes together to save Itch, who finds himself outside and stranded in a snowdrift. Unlike Leave It to Plum (2022), this is not a mystery, and the relationship focus shifts from Lizzie to the rodents, but the pace is brisk, and sequel seekers will be pleased to revisit familiar characters (if dismayed that Itch’s longing for knowledge leads to his downfall). In Phelan’s engaging grayscale pen-and-wash illustrations, Lizzie has short curly hair; text and art cue her as Latine.
Lively fun with animal friends. (how to draw Plum) (Chapter book. 7-10)Pub Date: Feb. 7, 2023
ISBN: 978-0-06-307920-5
Page Count: 128
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Review Posted Online: Feb. 24, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2023
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