An often funny read for children and adults alike, but one that feels incomplete.
In author/illustrator Smith’s picture book, a young bunny chafes against the idea that he must always stay clothed.
Preschool-aged Naked Butt, as his name implies, loves being naked. Whenever possible, the youngster strips down to remain cool, comfortable, and unencumbered. He undresses at Lil’ Bun Bun Preschool for Bright Bunnies, at Tots T-ball practice, and at the Whole Carrot grocery store. However, his Momma makes clear that he—like other bunnies—is expected to keep his tail covered. One day, at Gymbunnybounce class, Naked Butt becomes warm, sticky, and sweaty and soon can’t take it anymore. Naked Butt throws off his clothes and runs outside and into a crowd before un unexpected ending. In this comedic tale, Smith presents familiar days in the life of a very young child. The primary-colored illustrations show simple but authentic facial expressions as the protagonist emotionally navigates his world. The book presents just the right amount of suspense before the final twist, which stresses individuality. However, the book ends abruptly and would have benefited from a few more reflections after Momma says, “There’s a time to wear clothes and there is a time to bust out!” Still, Smith’s work has a clear message about being true to oneself.
An often funny read for children and adults alike, but one that feels incomplete.Pub Date: March 21, 2023
ISBN: 9798985779806
Page Count: 34
Publisher: Self
Review Posted Online: Nov. 21, 2022
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
Renata’s wren encounter proves magical, one most children could only wish to experience outside of this lovely story.
A home-renovation project is interrupted by a family of wrens, allowing a young girl an up-close glimpse of nature.
Renata and her father enjoy working on upgrading their bathroom, installing a clawfoot bathtub, and cutting a space for a new window. One warm night, after Papi leaves the window space open, two wrens begin making a nest in the bathroom. Rather than seeing it as an unfortunate delay of their project, Renata and Papi decide to let the avian carpenters continue their work. Renata witnesses the birth of four chicks as their rosy eggs split open “like coats that are suddenly too small.” Renata finds at a crucial moment that she can help the chicks learn to fly, even with the bittersweet knowledge that it will only hasten their exits from her life. Rosen uses lively language and well-chosen details to move the story of the baby birds forward. The text suggests the strong bond built by this Afro-Latinx father and daughter with their ongoing project without needing to point it out explicitly, a light touch in a picture book full of delicate, well-drawn moments and precise wording. Garoche’s drawings are impressively detailed, from the nest’s many small bits to the developing first feathers on the chicks and the wall smudges and exposed wiring of the renovation. (This book was reviewed digitally with 10-by-20-inch double-page spreads viewed at actual size.)
Renata’s wren encounter proves magical, one most children could only wish to experience outside of this lovely story. (Picture book. 3-7)Pub Date: March 16, 2021
ISBN: 978-0-593-12320-1
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade/Random
Review Posted Online: Jan. 12, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2021
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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