A well-intentioned reminder that everyone can make a difference hampered by problematic framing.
A boy and his dog lend a hand—and a paw—after a storm.
When Adam and his dog, Up, see Madam Mayor on TV discussing the aftermath of a recent storm, they are stirred to act—after all, the mayor did say, “Now, it’s time to get to work. Up and at ’em!” Hearing their names, Up and Adam rise to the challenge. They pick up toys with Mr. Janitor, help a pizzeria employee sweep the sidewalk, and more. Adam smiles at everyone he meets, receiving smiles in return. Kang's cartoon-style illustrations readily convey Adam’s exuberance. Finally, as Adam hands out homemade cookies on the boardwalk, the mayor commends him for bringing the townspeople closer. At bedtime, Adam sees his reflection and happily realizes that “a pair of smiles can make a difference.” An author’s note explains that Adam is based on Zapata’s son, who has Down syndrome (though Down syndrome is unnamed in the text), and her love for her son shines through. Unfortunately, in light of the author’s explanation, the emphasis on Adam’s “amazing smile” as he cheers up the town risks evoking the tired trope of people with intellectual disabilities serving to inspire nondisabled people, as does the author’s note itself (“He reminds us to practice patience, share the gift of a smile, and take time to have fun”). Adam is light-skinned and dark-haired; background characters are racially diverse. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A well-intentioned reminder that everyone can make a difference hampered by problematic framing. (resources) (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: May 3, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-5253-0441-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Kids Can
Review Posted Online: April 26, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2022
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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