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I'M PROGRAMMED TO LOVE YOU

Name: I'M PROGRAMMED TO LOVE YOU
Author: Elias Barks
ISBN: 978-1-948931-15-1

by Elias Barks ; illustrated by Gemma Román ‧ RELEASE DATE: Dec. 29, 2020

While there are some clever moments, ultimately it’s a one-joke offering.

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A robot caregiver shows their love for their tot bot. In first-person narration, this parental unit describes activities that human parents engage in, such as hugging, kissing, cuddling, teaching, and reading with their youngster. The images show clever interpretations of said activities, with the grown-up droid acting as a night light at bedtime, projecting holograms to teach concepts, feeding Hex Nuts cereal to the little automaton, and welding a knee that has a boo-boo. The art is decidedly retro and recalls many mechanical creatures of several animated movies; the rather surprising palette is dominated by pink, orange, turquoise, and metallic blue. A companion title, I Love You More Than Plunder, follows a similar formula but from a pirate angle. Here a gray-bearded pirate expresses their love for a Pippi Longstocking–esque preschooler with blue, textured hair in four Afro puffs. On each double-page spread this ruddy-complexioned duo engage in buccaneer activities, from “swashbuckling tussles” with other pirates to wrestling sharks underwater. The oversized trim of both titles provides an immersive lap-reading experience for youngsters, though many of the jests are more for grown-ups than the little ones—and will grow old for them quickly. While there are some clever moments, ultimately it’s a one-joke offering. (Board book. 2-3)

Pub Date: Dec. 29, 2020

ISBN: 978-1-948931-15-1

Page Count: 20

Publisher: Hazy Dell Press

Review Posted Online: Dec. 24, 2020

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2021

Categories:

CHILDREN'S FAMILY | CHILDREN'S HOLIDAYS & CELEBRATIONS

- BOOK REVIEW
I BELIEVE IN YOU
by Elias Barks ; illustrated by George Bletsis

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YETI BABY!
by Elias Barks ; illustrated by Meg Hunt

- BOOK REVIEW
ALIEN BABY!
by Elias Barks ; illustrated by Meg Hunt

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YOU ARE MY PUMPKIN

by Joyce Wan ; illustrated by Joyce Wan ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 28, 2016

While this is not an essential purchase, most little pumpkins will love being told, “Baby, I'm batty for you!” (Board book....

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Young children won't understand the metaphors but will appreciate the sentiment made clear by the repeated, Halloween-themed declarations of love in Wan's latest board book.

Each of the seven spreads presents an endearment illustrated by an object drawn with heavy outlines and just enough detail to invoke its essential characteristics. Lest it become too maudlin, between the “sugary, sweet candy corn” and a “purr-fect, cuddly kitty” is a “wild, messy monster.” Wan manages to make each drawing expressive and distinctive while relying on just a few shapes—crescents or circles for eyes, dots or ovals accenting cheeks. Although each spread stands alone, there are quiet connections. For example, the orange of the pumpkin is repeated in the candy corn, and the purple that adorns kitty's hat and bow becomes the prominent color on the next spread, setting off the friendly white ghost nicely. The same purple is used for the spider's body on the next to last spread. Subtle, shadowed backgrounds repeat the patterns found elsewhere in the book. For example, the background of the page with the kitty includes pumpkins, hearts, and hats and bows like the ones kitty is wearing.

While this is not an essential purchase, most little pumpkins will love being told, “Baby, I'm batty for you!” (Board book. 6 mos.-3)

Pub Date: June 28, 2016

ISBN: 978-0-545-88092-3

Page Count: 14

Publisher: Cartwheel/Scholastic

Review Posted Online: May 13, 2016

Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2016

Categories:

CHILDREN'S HOLIDAYS & CELEBRATIONS

- BOOK REVIEW
PUG & PIG AND FRIENDS
by Sue Lowell Gallion ; illustrated by Joyce Wan

- BOOK REVIEW
SLEEPY FARM
by Joyce Wan ; illustrated by Joyce Wan

- BOOK REVIEW
DREAM BIG
by Joyce Wan ; illustrated by Joyce Wan

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POTTY TIME!

by Caroline Jayne Church & illustrated by Caroline Jayne Church ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 1, 2012

Though its single-minded focus on success offers positive role modeling, it needs to be used with other, more realistic...

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A toddler shares his glee at leaving diapers behind.

The book is completely child-focused, without an adult in sight. This youngster's independence influences each aspect of his toileting; he takes himself to the pot, and he uses a step stool to reach the sink to wash his hands after. There's no indication that any accidents may occur. The boy boasts, “When it's time, I know.” Brisk, rhyming phrases miss the mark. “Everyone uses the potty, / like me and Daddy and Mommy. / It's potty time, hooray! / I'm a big kid today.” With a little button nose and short spiky hair, the Caucasian tot is appealing. His favorite teddy bear plays the role of a loyal companion and even sits on his own potty just like the child. A die-cut–framed, battery-operated button (“flush me!”) triggers sound effects. Adults looking for a straightforward celebration of this milestone will gravitate toward this short selection, but there's no hint of the inevitable missteps young children face during the process.

Though its single-minded focus on success offers positive role modeling, it needs to be used with other, more realistic titles (and lots of patience). (Board book. 2-3)