The wise men were not the only ones who gave gifts to the newborn Jesus. From the smallest bee, who gives beeswax to light the darkness, to the gentlest donkey, who carries Mary to Bethlehem, the creatures each use their own special qualities to protect, shelter, warm, and calm the precious baby. Ward’s (The Tin Forest, below, etc.) inspiration was the traditional French carol “The Friendly Beasts,” the words of which can be found on the final page. Though she keeps the familiar format and rhythm of the verses (“ ‘I,’ said the donkey, shaggy and brown”), she includes animals that are not typically associated with the Nativity. Lion, bear, and mongoose watch over the child, peacock’s bright tail guides travelers during the day, and woodworm ceases making holes in the stall where the baby lies. Oversized pages (11 x 11) allow Ward plenty of space to luxuriate in the glories of her art. The beautifully rendered animals seem capable of stepping off the pages—they have wonderful texture and emotional expression. The liberal use of metallic gold color adds an elegance and warmth to illustrations already rich in color. The two manger scenes where the beasts watch over the unseen child could almost be pages from an illuminated manuscript as they are filled with glowing light. The story is a gentle tribute to the animals’ role in the Nativity, and a reminder that even the smallest and lowliest have gifts to give that are fit for a king. (Picture book. 4-8)
Pub Date: Aug. 1, 2001
ISBN: 0-7613-2408-9
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Millbrook
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2001
Turkey’s in the “kind of trouble where it’s almost Thanksgiving...and you’re the main course.” Accordingly, Turkey tries on disguise after disguise, from horse to cow to pig to sheep, at each iteration being told that he looks nothing like the animal he’s trying to mimic (which is quite true, as Harper’s quirky watercolors make crystal clear). He desperately squeezes a red rubber glove onto his head to pass as a rooster, only to overhear the farmer suggest a poultry plan B when he’s unable to turn up the turkey. Turkey’s horrified expression as he stands among the peppers and tomatoes—in November? Chalk it up to artistic license—is priceless, but his surroundings give him an idea. Good fun, but it may lead to a vegetarian table or two. (Picture book. 4-8)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2009
ISBN: 978-0-7614-5529-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Marshall Cavendish
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2009
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A stocking stuffer par excellence, just right for dishing up with milk and cookies.
Pigeon finds something better to drive than some old bus.
This time it’s Santa delivering the fateful titular words, and with a “Ho. Ho. Whoa!” the badgering begins: “C’mon! Where’s your holiday spirit? It would be a Christmas MIRACLE! Don’t you want to be part of a Christmas miracle…?” Pigeon is determined: “I can do Santa stuff!” Like wrapping gifts (though the accompanying illustration shows a rather untidy present), delivering them (the image of Pigeon attempting to get an oversize sack down a chimney will have little ones giggling), and eating plenty of cookies. Alas, as Willems’ legion of young fans will gleefully predict, not even Pigeon’s by-now well-honed persuasive powers (“I CAN BE JOLLY!”) will budge the sleigh’s large and stinky reindeer guardian. “BAH. Also humbug.” In the typically minimalist art, the frustrated feathered one sports a floppily expressive green and red elf hat for this seasonal addition to the series—but then discards it at the end for, uh oh, a pair of bunny ears. What could Pigeon have in mind now? “Egg delivery, anyone?”
A stocking stuffer par excellence, just right for dishing up with milk and cookies. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Sept. 5, 2023
ISBN: 9781454952770
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Union Square Kids
Review Posted Online: Sept. 12, 2023
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