While the drama is low-key, foodies will enjoy this entertaining expansion to the holiday shelf.
Two young siblings of Italian descent describe the year they saved Christmas Eve.
Danielle and Francesco (the authors and protagonists) narrate their story in the first-person plural, a choice that leads to dialogic constraints and little character differentiation, but those elements are not this tale’s concern. What is? Food and family. After the drive to Aunt Babe’s, the first activity is a group photo; all 22 guests are labeled, from Aunt Tootsie to Baby Meemo. The caricaturelike figures—presenting white, with a multitude of body shapes—have a retro feel, but Grandma Yoo-Hoo’s selfie stick places the night in the 21st century. The action mostly occurs in the kitchen and dining room, where readers learn about a traditional Italian Christmas Eve, from the Feast of the Seven Fishes (note the octopus in the sink) to the bignolati and rosettes. (Backmatter provides information about these delicacies.) The narrative arc peaks at a potential dessert shortage; Uncle Robert forgot to bring the struffoli. Luckily, the children know how to make cheesecake. Lozano’s digital scenes are full of holiday bustle, aunties cooking in high heels, and eye-catching textures and patterns—feathery evergreen branches, the design on the red tablecloth, the shape of stiff spaghetti before it sinks into a pot of water. Common Italian words add linguistic flavor. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
While the drama is low-key, foodies will enjoy this entertaining expansion to the holiday shelf. (authors’ note, recipe) (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Oct. 10, 2023
ISBN: 9780593621868
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Aug. 15, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2023
A predictable series entry, mitigated as usual by the protagonists’ perennially energetic positivity.
A holiday-centered spinoff from the duo behind the inspired The Day the Crayons Quit (2013).
With Green Crayon on vacation, how can the waxy ones pull off a colorful St. Patrick’s Day celebration with Duncan, their (unseen) owner? Through their signature combo of cooperation and unwavering enthusiasm, of course. Blue and Yellow collaborate on a field of shamrocks that blends—however spottily—into green. Nearly invisible White Crayon supplies an otherwise unclothed light-skinned leprechaun with undies, and Orange draws a pair of pants that match the wee creature’s iconic beard and hair. Pink applies colors to a vest, and Purple, a natty jacket and boots. Chunky Toddler Crayon contributes a “perfect” scribbly blue hat; Beige and Brown team up for the leprechaun’s harp. In arguably the best bit, Black exuberantly manifests a decidedly unvariegated rainbow, while Gold’s pot of coins is right on the money, hue-wise. Their ardor undimmed by the holiday’s missing customary color, everyone assembles to party. Though the repartee among the crayons isn’t as developed as in previous outings, the book hews close to Daywalt and Jeffers’ winning formula, and there’s still enough here to keep readers chuckling. And, in a droll “wait for it” moment nicely calibrated for storytime, Green returns from vacation, sunglasses and suitcase in hand: “Did I miss anything while I was gone?” (The cover illustrations do hint at some Green-inflected remediation.)
A predictable series entry, mitigated as usual by the protagonists’ perennially energetic positivity. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Jan. 2, 2024
ISBN: 9780593624333
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Philomel
Review Posted Online: Oct. 21, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Too cute to be spooky indeed but most certainly sweet.
A ghost longs to be scary, but none of the creepy personas she tries on fit.
Misty, a feline ghost with big green eyes and long whiskers, wants to be the frightening presence that her haunted house calls for, but sadly, she’s “too cute to be spooky.” She dons toilet paper to resemble a mummy, attempts to fly on a broom like a witch, and howls at the moon like a werewolf. Nothing works. She heads to a Halloween party dressed reluctantly as herself. When she arrives, her friends’ joyful screams reassure her that she’s great just as she is. Sadler’s message, though a familiar one, is delivered effectively in a charming, ghostly package. Misty truly is too precious to be frightening. Laberis depicts an endearingly spooky, all-animal cast—a frog witch, for instance, and a crocodilian mummy. Misty’s sidekick, a cheery little bat who lends support throughout, might be even more adorable than she is. Though Misty’s haunted house is filled with cobwebs and surrounded by jagged, leafless trees, the charming characters keep things from ever getting too frightening. The images will encourage lingering looks. Clearly, there’s plenty that makes Misty special just as she is—a takeaway that adults sharing the book with their little ones should be sure to drive home.
Too cute to be spooky indeed but most certainly sweet. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Aug. 13, 2024
ISBN: 9780593702901
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: May 17, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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