Children will be charmed by the furry friendships and fascinated by the visual details.
A colony of prairie dogs is caught between security and risk-taking.
Earl is afraid to leave the burrow. He keeps digging, while his five buddies entreat him to join them in the fresh air. As Earl warns against outside dangers—coyotes, an impending storm—they are oblivious to shadowy creatures lurking and the dark clouds gathering…until the pelting rain sends them scurrying. The sound of Earl’s voice guides the rodents home, and although water has filled the entrance, they take refuge in Earl’s freshly created “flood room.” Marino’s gouache and ink compositions capture the beauty of a sunrise and the drama of the storm. Varied perspectives and the dynamic use of black to depict underground scenes add dimension and interest. A small, circular opening at the top of the burrow offers a view of the sky and makes for a creative visual effect as the prairie dogs strike intriguing poses while gazing down at Earl. Presented in speech bubbles, the dialogue reflects the animals’ differing personalities, as well as their affection and appreciation for one another. After Earl’s housemates create a circle of safety for him as he emerges to dry out, he declares, “I’m not afraid of the outside anymore…because I feel loved on the inside.” A humorous epilogue shows him awestruck by the stars while his roommates urge him inside.
Children will be charmed by the furry friendships and fascinated by the visual details. (burrow diagram, more information about prairie dogs) (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: June 4, 2024
ISBN: 9780593528778
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: March 9, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Another quirky take on the series theme that it’s cool to be kind.
The cool beans again step up to do a timorous fellow legume a fava…this time at the pool.
Will a rash decision to tackle the multistory super-slide lead to another embarrassing watery fail for our shy protagonist? Nope, for up the stairs right behind comes a trio of cool beans, each a different type and color, all clad in nothing but dark shades. They make an offer: “It’s not as scary if you go with friends!” As the knobby nerd explains once the thrilling ride down is done, “They all realized that I just needed some encouragement and support.” Just to make sure that both cool and uncool readers get the message, the narrator lets us know that “there are plenty of kind folks who have my back. They’re always there when I need them.” The beany bonhomie doesn’t end at the bottom of the slide, with all gliding down to the shallow end of the pool (“3 INCHES. NO DIVING”) for a splashy finale. This latest early reader starring characters from John and Oswald’s immensely popular Food Group series will be a hit with fans. Fun accessories, such as a bean who rocks pink cat-eye frames, add some pizzazz to the chromatically and somatotypically varied cast.
Another quirky take on the series theme that it’s cool to be kind. (Easy reader. 5-7)Pub Date: March 26, 2024
ISBN: 9780063329560
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Feb. 17, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share.
In this latest in the series, Little Blue Truck, driven by pal Toad, is challenged to a countryside race by Racer Red, a sleek, low-slung vehicle.
Blue agrees, and the race is on. Although the two start off “hood to hood / and wheel to wheel,” they switch positions often as they speed their way over dusty country roads. Blue’s farm friends follow along to share in the excitement and shout out encouragement; adult readers will have fun voicing the various animal sounds. Short rhyming verses on each page and several strategic page turns add drama to the narrative, but soft, mottled effects in the otherwise colorful illustrations keep the competition from becoming too intense. Racer Red crosses the finish line first, but Blue is a gracious loser, happy to have worked hard. That’s a new concept for Racer Red, who’s laser-focused on victory but takes Blue’s words (“win or lose, it’s fun to try!”) to heart—a revelation that may lead to worthwhile storytime discussions. When Blue’s farm animal friends hop into the truck for the ride home, Racer Red tags along and learns a second lesson, one about speed. “Fast is fun, / and slow is too, / as long as you’re / with friends.”
A friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: March 25, 2025
ISBN: 9780063387843
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Clarion/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Jan. 18, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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