A cozy, comforting read.
Noodle the pug sets his sights on getting to the top of the snuggliest pile of couch blankets.
Nowhere seems comfy enough for Noodle, not even his perfectly fluffed bed. He finally spies the ideal spot: Comfy Mountain. Noodle tries to get his little pug legs up onto the couch to reach the mound of blankets, but he can’t get to the summit. Finally, he reaches the top thanks to a helping hand from his light-skinned human, Jonathan. This is Graziano’s second picture book starring Noodle, his real-life pug who gained a huge social media following for videos reminding viewers of the importance of self-care (if Noodle slumped over after Graziano held him up, it was a “no-bones day,” devoted to rest and relaxation). Noodle’s perspective is sweet and charming, and readers will relate to the peace that comes from settling in to the perfect cuddle nook. Tavis’ soft illustrations depict a wide-eyed, rotund little pup who’s impossible not to love. The shimmering golden light that falls on Comfy Mountain is pitch-perfect, as is Noodle’s perspective over his human’s domain. There’s a sweet little dust ball of a spider that hangs out on multiple pages and plenty of other charming touches. The message—that we all need a little help from a pal once in a while—is a familiar but sound one, and what better way to convey it than through a story of (hu)man’s best friend? (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A cozy, comforting read. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Nov. 7, 2023
ISBN: 9781665941679
Page Count: 32
Publisher: McElderry
Review Posted Online: July 25, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2023
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
Too cute to be spooky indeed but most certainly sweet.
A ghost longs to be scary, but none of the creepy personas she tries on fit.
Misty, a feline ghost with big green eyes and long whiskers, wants to be the frightening presence that her haunted house calls for, but sadly, she’s “too cute to be spooky.” She dons toilet paper to resemble a mummy, attempts to fly on a broom like a witch, and howls at the moon like a werewolf. Nothing works. She heads to a Halloween party dressed reluctantly as herself. When she arrives, her friends’ joyful screams reassure her that she’s great just as she is. Sadler’s message, though a familiar one, is delivered effectively in a charming, ghostly package. Misty truly is too precious to be frightening. Laberis depicts an endearingly spooky, all-animal cast—a frog witch, for instance, and a crocodilian mummy. Misty’s sidekick, a cheery little bat who lends support throughout, might be even more adorable than she is. Though Misty’s haunted house is filled with cobwebs and surrounded by jagged, leafless trees, the charming characters keep things from ever getting too frightening. The images will encourage lingering looks. Clearly, there’s plenty that makes Misty special just as she is—a takeaway that adults sharing the book with their little ones should be sure to drive home.
Too cute to be spooky indeed but most certainly sweet. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Aug. 13, 2024
ISBN: 9780593702901
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: May 17, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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