A reassuring reminder that families come in all forms.
Oddbird finds himself wishing for a family of his own.
The titular protagonist is used to being the odd one out; in Oddbird (2023), he was initially rebuffed by the other, more brightly hued birds for his gray, colorless appearance. Though he eventually makes friends, a visit to his pal Jerry’s house—filled with warmth and chattering family members—throws Oddbird’s lack of a family into stark relief. As Oddbird walks home later, he notices bird families swimming, rollerblading (with helmets), riding a tandem bike (sans helmets), flying a kite, and picnicking. On the next spread—the only one without a white background—a sad-looking Oddbird appears alone, off-center, against a deep-blue swirling background. A few weeks later, he’s about to celebrate his birthday on his own when his friends burst in with a cake. “You didn’t think you would celebrate alone, did you?” asks Jerry. Oddbird realizes that although his family may look different, it’s just as loving and supportive as the others he’s observed. This stand-alone sequel features the same brilliantly colored and textured illustrations as the first book. While Oddbird is a somewhat passive character—it’s his friends who carry the day at the end—the positive message about chosen families shines nonetheless; children who are part of nontraditional families will feel seen.
A reassuring reminder that families come in all forms. (Picture book. 2-5)Pub Date: May 28, 2024
ISBN: 9781250864680
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Review Posted Online: March 9, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2024
Beloved Little Blue takes a bit of the mystery—and fear—out of Halloween costumes.
A lift-the-flap book gives the littlest trick-or-treaters some practice identifying partygoers under their costumes.
Little Blue Truck and his buddy Toad are off to a party, and they invite readers (and a black cat) along for the ride: “ ‘Beep! Beep! Beep!’ / says Little Blue. / ‘It’s Halloween!’ / You come, too.” As they drive, they are surprised (and joined) by many of their friends in costume. “Who’s that in a tutu / striking a pose / up on the tiniest / tips of her toes? / Under the mask / who do you see?” Lifting the flap unmasks a friend: “ ‘Quack!’ says the duck. / ‘It’s me! It’s me!’ ” The sheep is disguised as a clown, the cow’s a queen, the pig’s a witch, the hen and her chick are pirates, and the horse is a dragon. Not to be left out, Little Blue has a costume, too. The flaps are large and sturdy, and enough of the animals’ characteristic features are visible under and around the costumes that little ones will be able to make successful guesses even on the first reading. Lovely curvy shapes and autumn colors fade to dusky blues as night falls, and children are sure to notice the traditional elements of a Halloween party: apple bobbing, lit jack-o’-lanterns, and punch and treats.
Beloved Little Blue takes a bit of the mystery—and fear—out of Halloween costumes. (Board book. 2-4)Pub Date: July 5, 2016
ISBN: 978-0-544-77253-3
Page Count: 16
Publisher: HMH Books
Review Posted Online: July 19, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2016
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An upbeat Easter outing with a beloved character.
Pookie celebrates Easter with a play date and holiday activities.
Pookie’s friend Bean, a gray puppy, comes over for Easter fun that includes lots of bouncing around and egg decorating. After Bean goes home, Pookie gets excited about the Easter Bunny’s arrival and goes to sleep dreaming of a large chocolate egg. Like the other Pookie books before it, this one is told in rhyme from the perspective of a loving grown-up addressing the little pig, which keeps the pace moving and makes for a great read-aloud. Bean and Pookie are realistically—and endearingly—childlike, from Pookie’s pronunciation of yellow as “lellow!” to the joyful mess they make while decorating eggs. There are plenty of sweet and festive touches, such as the bunny ears that Bean and Pookie (and Pookie’s teddy) wear and the daffodils painted on the end of Pookie’s bed. The illustrations include large, full-page images as well as smaller vignettes against solid backgrounds. One page shows Pookie and parent looking out the window at the moon, anticipating Easter’s spoils. For fans of Boynton and little Pookie, this Easter tale is exactly as expected: a touch of playfulness, a relatable story, and comfort in the familiar. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
An upbeat Easter outing with a beloved character. (Board book. 2-4)Pub Date: Jan. 31, 2023
ISBN: 978-1-66592-838-0
Page Count: 18
Publisher: Boynton Bookworks
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2022
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