Next book

THE PRETTY PRETTY BUNNY

Narcissa is a bunny with an issue: Arrogance and conceit are some descriptors that might fit the bill. She stares at herself in a mirror, compliments herself to nearby animals and insults the appearances of other creatures that are less attractive (in her immodest opinion). When she stops to admire her reflection in a pond (recalling the myth of Narcissus, with a nod to those who remember their classical mythology), she spies a clownish, warts-and-all frog. He kindly offers her one free wish, but when Narcissa responds with a characteristic insult, the frog puts an evil spell on the ungrateful rabbit. With this spell, each time Narcissa laughs, she acquires one physical trait from the animals she has insulted: a beaver’s tail, a turtle’s shell and a moose’s antlers. Dejected by her altered appearance, Narcissa wishes she could start the day all over again, and—poof!—the final page repeats the first page, with Narcissa again admiring herself in her mirror. This open-ended conclusion allows for discussion or simply quiet reflection about what the vain little rabbit may have learned. At first glance, the story, much like Narcissa herself, seems lightweight and even shallow, but there are subtle and worthwhile lessons hidden within the humor and trendy figures of speech. Bold, cartoon-style illustrations use speech balloons and sound-effect phrases for added humor. (Picture book. 3-6)

Pub Date: Jan. 1, 2011

ISBN: 978-0-399-25276-1

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Putnam

Review Posted Online: Feb. 20, 2011

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2011

Awards & Accolades

Likes

  • Readers Vote
  • 10


Our Verdict

  • Our Verdict
  • GET IT


  • New York Times Bestseller

Next book

DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE SLEIGH!

A stocking stuffer par excellence, just right for dishing up with milk and cookies.

Awards & Accolades

Likes

  • Readers Vote
  • 10


Our Verdict

  • Our Verdict
  • GET IT


  • New York Times Bestseller

Pigeon finds something better to drive than some old bus.

This time it’s Santa delivering the fateful titular words, and with a “Ho. Ho. Whoa!” the badgering begins: “C’mon! Where’s your holiday spirit? It would be a Christmas MIRACLE! Don’t you want to be part of a Christmas miracle…?” Pigeon is determined: “I can do Santa stuff!” Like wrapping gifts (though the accompanying illustration shows a rather untidy present), delivering them (the image of Pigeon attempting to get an oversize sack down a chimney will have little ones giggling), and eating plenty of cookies. Alas, as Willems’ legion of young fans will gleefully predict, not even Pigeon’s by-now well-honed persuasive powers (“I CAN BE JOLLY!”) will budge the sleigh’s large and stinky reindeer guardian. “BAH. Also humbug.” In the typically minimalist art, the frustrated feathered one sports a floppily expressive green and red elf hat for this seasonal addition to the series—but then discards it at the end for, uh oh, a pair of bunny ears. What could Pigeon have in mind now? “Egg delivery, anyone?”

A stocking stuffer par excellence, just right for dishing up with milk and cookies. (Picture book. 4-6)

Pub Date: Sept. 5, 2023

ISBN: 9781454952770

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Union Square Kids

Review Posted Online: Sept. 12, 2023

Next book

IT'S NOT EASY BEING A GHOST

From the It's Not Easy Being series

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

Close Quickview