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IF YOU SEE A KITTEN

Name: IF YOU SEE A KITTEN
Author: John Butler
ISBN: 1-56145-108-8

by John Butler & illustrated by John Butler ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 1, 2003

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Butler (Hush, Little Ones, 2002, etc.) leads young readers on an alliterative tour of creatures. From pudgy swines to enormous proboscideans, Butler covers critters big and small. The repetitive rhythm of the tale is ideal for young readers, simply naming an animal and describing a response. “If you see a prickly porcupine . . . say, ‘Ouch!’ ” Starting with only the most adorable of creatures, the tale begins with a heavy dose of cuteness in which curious kittens romp while petite door mice slumber. Savvy readers will soon realize that surprises are in store as Butler slyly interjects some of the less savory members of the species, with “slimy slugs” slipping past a “pretty peacock.” The fun culminates in the arrival of a cantankerous crocodile, to which readers are prompted to shriek (what else of course) “HELP!” The final page depicts all of the animals along with the appropriate exclamation. The delicately detailed illustrations are quite wonderful, though a little unrealistic in some cases. Situated against a plain creamy background, each intricately drawn creature is an exquisite naturalistic rendering, requiring no extra fanfare. Perfect for preschoolers and younger, Butler’s tale easily lends itself to group read aloud settings, with each successive reading sure to become more riotous as the children become familiar with their responses. (Picture book. 2-5)

Pub Date: March 1, 2003

ISBN: 1-56145-108-8

Page Count: 24

Publisher: Peachtree

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2003

Categories:

CHILDREN'S ANIMALS

- BOOK REVIEW
WHERE IS BABY?
by Kathryn O. Galbraith ; illustrated by John Butler

- BOOK REVIEW
WHEN ANJU LOVED BEING AN ELEPHANT
by Wendy Henrichs & illustrated by John Butler

- BOOK REVIEW
GOOD NIGHT, LITTLE BUNNY
by Emily Hawkins & illustrated by John Butler

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LITTLE BLUE TRUCK'S HALLOWEEN

by Alice Schertle ; illustrated by Jill McElmurry ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 5, 2016

Beloved Little Blue takes a bit of the mystery—and fear—out of Halloween costumes.

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A lift-the-flap book gives the littlest trick-or-treaters some practice identifying partygoers under their costumes.

Little Blue Truck and his buddy Toad are off to a party, and they invite readers (and a black cat) along for the ride: “ ‘Beep! Beep! Beep!’ / says Little Blue. / ‘It’s Halloween!’ / You come, too.” As they drive, they are surprised (and joined) by many of their friends in costume. “Who’s that in a tutu / striking a pose / up on the tiniest / tips of her toes? / Under the mask / who do you see?” Lifting the flap unmasks a friend: “ ‘Quack!’ says the duck. / ‘It’s me! It’s me!’ ” The sheep is disguised as a clown, the cow’s a queen, the pig’s a witch, the hen and her chick are pirates, and the horse is a dragon. Not to be left out, Little Blue has a costume, too. The flaps are large and sturdy, and enough of the animals’ characteristic features are visible under and around the costumes that little ones will be able to make successful guesses even on the first reading. Lovely curvy shapes and autumn colors fade to dusky blues as night falls, and children are sure to notice the traditional elements of a Halloween party: apple bobbing, lit jack-o’-lanterns, and punch and treats.

Beloved Little Blue takes a bit of the mystery—and fear—out of Halloween costumes. (Board book. 2-4)

Pub Date: July 5, 2016

ISBN: 978-0-544-77253-3

Page Count: 16

Publisher: HMH Books

Review Posted Online: July 19, 2016

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2016

Categories:

CHILDREN'S ANIMALS | CHILDREN'S HOLIDAYS & CELEBRATIONS | CHILDREN'S TRANSPORTATION

- BOOK REVIEW
LITTLE BLUE TRUCK MAKES A FRIEND
by Alice Schertle ; illustrated by Jill McElmurry

- BOOK REVIEW
TIME FOR SCHOOL, LITTLE BLUE TRUCK
by Alice Schertle ; illustrated by John Joseph

- BOOK REVIEW
LITTLE BLUE TRUCK'S VALENTINE
by Alice Schertle ; illustrated by John Joseph

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ANIMAL SHAPES

by Christopher Silas Neal ; illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 27, 2018

Innovative and thoroughly enjoyable.

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You think you know shapes? Animals? Blend them together, and you might see them both a little differently!

What a mischievous twist on a concept book! With wordplay and a few groan-inducing puns, Neal creates connections among animals and shapes that are both unexpected and so seemingly obvious that readers might wonder why they didn’t see them all along. Of course, a “lazy turtle” meeting an oval would create the side-splitting combo of a “SLOW-VAL.” A dramatic page turn transforms a deeply saturated, clean-lined green oval by superimposing a head and turtle shell atop, with watery blue ripples completing the illusion. Minimal backgrounds and sketchy, impressionistic detailing keep the focus right on the zany animals. Beginning with simple shapes, the geometric forms become more complicated as the book advances, taking readers from a “soaring bird” that meets a triangle to become a “FLY-ANGLE” to a “sleepy lion” nonagon “YAWN-AGON.” Its companion text, Animal Colors, delves into color theory, this time creating entirely hybrid animals, such as the “GREEN WHION” with maned head and whale’s tail made from a “blue whale and a yellow lion.” It’s a compelling way to visualize color mixing, and like Animal Shapes, it’s got verve. Who doesn’t want to shout out that a yellow kangaroo/green moose blend is a “CHARTREUSE KANGAMOOSE”?

Innovative and thoroughly enjoyable. (Board book. 2-4)