EDDIE SHAPES UP

Name: EDDIE SHAPES UP
Author: Ed Koch
ISBN: 978-1-60478-378-0

by Ed Koch Pat Koch Thaler illustrated by Jonathan Hoefer ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 8, 2011

Larded with earnest purpose but unconvincing and far from likely to be the first call for attention to America’s weight...

bookshelf

With a message-driven tale of a plump lad who turns over a new leaf, an ex-mayor of New York and his sister clobber readers with the Board of Education.

To judge from the contemporary dress of the figures in Hoefer’s inexpert illustrations, this isn’t intended to be autobiographical despite the main character’s name—though a breezy admission in the closing lecture that the co-authors were both "chubby" children does creates a certain resonance. Round as the apple he discards from his lunch every day, young Eddie chows down on fatty foods and avoids playground games for fear of embarrassment—until a friend tells him that he’s “a little heavy and out of shape. Maybe it’s because of the way you eat.” The next day Eddie begins asking his mom for healthier breakfasts than bagels with butter and also heads for the park to jog. A “few weeks” later he’s nimble enough to chase down a runaway baby carriage, hold his own in a playground dodgeball game and even join the school’s soccer team. Despite a seemingly simple program—eat less, cut down on the cookies, exercise regularly—will Eddie’s example prompt similar sudden epiphanies in rotund readers? Fat chance.

Larded with earnest purpose but unconvincing and far from likely to be the first call for attention to America’s weight problem that children or parents will encounter. (Picture book. 6-8)

Pub Date: Sept. 8, 2011

ISBN: 978-1-60478-378-0

Page Count: 48

Publisher: Zagat

Review Posted Online: Aug. 2, 2011

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2011

Categories:

CHILDREN'S PARANORMAL & SUPERNATURAL

- BOOK REVIEW
EDDIE’S LITTLE SISTER MAKES A SPLASH
by Ed Koch & Pat Koch Thaler & illustrated by James Warhola

- BOOK REVIEW
EDDIE: HAROLD’S LITTLE BROTHER
by Ed Koch & Pat Koch Thaler & illustrated by James Warhola

bookshelf

FOREST FRIGHTS

From the Scare School Diaries series , Vol. 2

by Jarrett Lerner ; illustrated by Jarrett Lerner ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 5, 2024

A warmly reassuring tale for those who prefer their scares on the lighter side.

bookshelf

Bash is back for another session of Scare School.

This second series installment sees the young ghost tasked with completing a group project that requires him to learn about a terrifying place in or around the school. Bash is assigned to work with Wes, a shy but gentle and artistic werewolf, and Vicky and Vlad, two prickly vampires. The group decides to research the spooky forest. Bash is nervous about exploring the forest; plus, he must contend with teammates who don’t pull their own weight (Vicky and Vlad goof off in the gym while Bash and Wes wait for them in the library). But Bash eventually finds a way to confront his fears as he and the others complete their project. Despite the premise, this tale’s more sweet than spooky. Endearing Bash frets about new experiences but proves eager to jump in. He has a delightful, supportive friend in his roommate, Itsy the spider; her tiny knitted socks are an especially charming detail. The characters’ realization that fear can sometimes hold us back will resonate with readers. The plot moves at a steady clip, while stick figure illustrations and comic panels break up the text, giving the tale an appealing, Wimpy Kid–esque vibe.

A warmly reassuring tale for those who prefer their scares on the lighter side. (Fiction. 6-8)

Pub Date: Nov. 5, 2024

ISBN: 9781665922128

Page Count: 128

Publisher: Aladdin

Review Posted Online: Oct. 12, 2024

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2024

Categories:

CHILDREN'S PARANORMAL & SUPERNATURAL

- BOOK REVIEW
WELCOME TO SCARE SCHOOL
by Jarrett Lerner ; illustrated by Jarrett Lerner

- BOOK REVIEW
A WORK IN PROGRESS
by Jarrett Lerner ; illustrated by Jarrett Lerner

- BOOK REVIEW
NAT THE CAT TAKES A NAP
by Jarrett Lerner ; illustrated by Jarrett Lerner

bookshelf

WELCOME TO SCARE SCHOOL

From the Scare School Diaries series , Vol. 1

by Jarrett Lerner ; illustrated by Jarrett Lerner ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 16, 2024

Approachable and comfortably predictable.

bookshelf

A young ghost arrives at Scare School.

Unlike big sister Bella, late bloomer Bash has never been good at “all the GHOST STUFF.” Dad’s sure that Scare School is just what Bash needs. Bash isn’t so certain; he’s intimidated by his classmates and teachers. But he perks up when he meets his roommate, Itsy, a smart, welcoming spider, though he vows to steer clear of mean-spirited Vlad and Vicky. Still, the dreaded Creature Aptitude Test worries Bash. To pass, he must pass through solid objects and turn himself invisible—skills he struggles with. Bash doesn’t want to be kicked out of school, so he’ll have to buckle down. With Itsy’s help and encouragement from his classmates, Bash realizes he’s more capable than he thought. Written in first person from endearingly anxious Bash’s point of view, the book has a diarylike feel. The text is presented in a handwritten font, while grayscale cartoon illustrations are peppered throughout. The supportive, sincere friendship between Bash and Itsy is the most compelling part of the story. Letters between Bash and Bella shed further light on Bash’s personality and their relationship. Though the book’s takeaway—believe in yourself, and you can do anything—is a familiar one, it’s just what many children need…and who better to deliver the message than an adorably nervous ghost?

Approachable and comfortably predictable. (Fiction. 6-8)