A lively tale in which observant readers will discover—long before the narrator does—that in fact much more than nothing...
This book’s appeal lies in the fact that the title tells a lie.
A little sharp-nosed man with small, protruding ears, who wears a bow tie and carries a lantern, gives readers warnings against reading this book; it’s “boring,” he says. Accordingly, the story opens with only a white speech bubble on a black page with red undertones. However, once the narrator realizes readers will stick around, both the illustrations and the story get more interesting. As a teddy bear sneaks up behind, the narrator begins to find circus- and band-related objects strewn all over the place (a clown’s shoe, a trumpet, a baton…). At the story’s climax, a fold-out page shows exactly to whom the objects belong, celebrates the zany expansiveness of the entertainment, and gives young readers plenty of details to enjoy. The book’s retro look, matte finish, elongated format, and delightful speech bubbles make it a somewhat unusual find. And now that Ringling Brothers will no longer be visiting a town near you, this may be one of the few ways kids will get to experience circus fun.
A lively tale in which observant readers will discover—long before the narrator does—that in fact much more than nothing happens in this book. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: May 1, 2018
ISBN: 978-1-77138-737-8
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Kids Can
Review Posted Online: Feb. 18, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2018
Visually accomplished but marred by stereotypical cultural depictions.
Ellis, known for her illustrations for Colin Meloy’s Wildwood series, here riffs on the concept of “home.”
Shifting among homes mundane and speculative, contemporary and not, Ellis begins and ends with views of her own home and a peek into her studio. She highlights palaces and mansions, but she also takes readers to animal homes and a certain famously folkloric shoe (whose iconic Old Woman manages a passel of multiethnic kids absorbed in daring games). One spread showcases “some folks” who “live on the road”; a band unloads its tour bus in front of a theater marquee. Ellis’ compelling ink and gouache paintings, in a palette of blue-grays, sepia and brick red, depict scenes ranging from mythical, underwater Atlantis to a distant moonscape. Another spread, depicting a garden and large building under connected, transparent domes, invites readers to wonder: “Who in the world lives here? / And why?” (Earth is seen as a distant blue marble.) Some of Ellis’ chosen depictions, oddly juxtaposed and stripped of any historical or cultural context due to the stylized design and spare text, become stereotypical. “Some homes are boats. / Some homes are wigwams.” A sailing ship’s crew seems poised to land near a trio of men clad in breechcloths—otherwise unidentified and unremarked upon.
Visually accomplished but marred by stereotypical cultural depictions. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Feb. 24, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-7636-6529-6
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: Nov. 17, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2014
This humorous, lively dog’s-eye view provides gentle instruction for interacting with pets.
In Weaver’s charming picture book, a dog reassesses his not-so-glowing review of little kids.
“Families are OVERRATED!” as far as the bluish-gray hound named Dog is concerned. While he approves of the adults in the household, the four small children are for the birds. In an attempt to resolve his conflicted feelings, Dog pours his heart out to a therapist scribbling on a notepad. Dog lists his grievances via couplet rhymes: “And many times I’ve found their dirty toys INSIDE MY BOWL! / It’s obvious these little humans have no SELF-CONTROL!” With key words highlighted in colorful and bolded fonts for more emphasis, his voice now has added urgency. Soylu’s lively drawings in muted tones are wondrously effective in animating Dog; his hanging jowls, big eyes, and floppy ears all convey believably beleaguered expressions. Lifelike details enhance the dramatic effect of the children’s boisterous antics. At the end, Weaver provides a list of do’s and don’ts for interacting with pets. Dog lovers can identify the dog breed silhouettes on the endpapers. Kids will get a kick out of Dog’s opinion of humans and perhaps recognize some behaviors to reconsider.
This humorous, lively dog’s-eye view provides gentle instruction for interacting with pets.Pub Date: July 16, 2024
ISBN: 9781736267370
Page Count: 40
Publisher: A Little Offbeat Publishing
Review Posted Online: April 26, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2024
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
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