An enjoyable piece that will entice readers back to the original tale (conveniently re-illustrated by Voake and publishing...
Newlyweds Owl and Pussy-cat are ready for another adventure in this continuation of Edward Lear’s classic poem.
Picking up the Owl and the Pussy-cat’s story immediately following their nuptials, Donaldson’s new tale involves a crow’s theft of the Pussy-cat’s wedding ring and the couple’s acquisition of a hot air balloon in which to search for the thief. Freedom from the narrative constraints of Lear’s original work enables her to maintain the style of his original verse while introducing a host of new characters, including a Pobble with no toes, glove-knitting Doves, and a Dong with a brightly shining Nose. Though not as well-defined as the original cast, the new additions are whimsically illustrated by Voake, whose ink-and-watercolor drawings aptly convey both the Owl’s and the Pussy-cat’s sorrow at losing the ring and their adventurous spirits during the journey to recover it. Best of all, her renderings of the protagonists highlight their abiding love. The endpapers in particular set the tone of the new story and express to readers the difference between initial romance and married love. Using only soft blue hues, she depicts the married couple in a heart surrounded by birds and balloons, indicating that their love is unvarying and soaring.
An enjoyable piece that will entice readers back to the original tale (conveniently re-illustrated by Voake and publishing simultaneously). (Picture book. 2-6)Pub Date: Jan. 3, 2017
ISBN: 978-0-7636-9081-6
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: Oct. 10, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2016
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
Beloved Little Blue takes a bit of the mystery—and fear—out of Halloween costumes.
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
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