A dream of an adaptation that is an unabashed love letter to the series that inspired it.
One of children’s literature’s most memorable redheaded heroines is being introduced to a younger audience.
For all caregivers who have been champing at the bit to share their love of L.M. Montgomery’s bestselling series with their little ones, Christmas is here early in this delightful abridged version of the first novel aimed at emerging readers. George, who adapted Anne’s tale into a gorgeous picture book (Goodnight Anne, 2018, etc.), is the ideal person for the task of distilling the first novel’s adventures into manageable chunks for independent readers. The author chooses her words with care, preserving all of Anne’s charm, wit, and infectious enthusiasm as she renames places in Avonlea and integrates herself into Green Gables. The short, clipped sentences also capture Matthew Cuthbert’s quiet-yet-affectionate nature and Marilla’s well-meaning prickliness. The book focuses on Anne’s early tussle with nosy next-door neighbor Mrs. Lynde, so those hoping for a glimpse of Gilbert will have to wait until the next installment. Halpin’s illustrations are a sheer delight, and in her capable hands the vibrant green grass and delicate pink flowers of Green Gables pop off of the page. The illustrator’s chief strength is drawing people, and she beautifully captures the angular awkwardness of Anne’s prepubescent body and the worry lines on the Cuthberts’ faces. All characters are white.
A dream of an adaptation that is an unabashed love letter to the series that inspired it. (Early reader. 6-8)Pub Date: Sept. 25, 2018
ISBN: 978-1-77049-930-0
Page Count: 72
Publisher: Tundra Books
Review Posted Online: June 24, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2018
Cuándo quieras un perro feliz, look no further.
A young Latine boy finally gets to rescue the dog of his dreams, but training can be a challenge in two languages.
Like many children, José has been dreaming of having a pet of his own, specifically un perro, a dog. Like any good owner, José promptly begins training his new canine companion but soon realizes his rescue mutt, Feliz, knows only words in English. This is a problem because in José’s home everyone speaks both Spanish and English. José and Feliz must rise to the challenge; fortunately, treats and snuggles are great motivators. The narrative uses Spanish words and phrases throughout (“perros blancos,” “¡Yo quiero este!” “¡Sientate!”), usually with English context clues for understanding. This is complex vocabulary for an early reader, and the shifting in phonics from English to Spanish will be challenging for true beginners; the book is best suited for intermediate to advanced readers in dual-language classrooms or homes. Much like Feliz, however, it is sure to find a loving (and bilingual) home. Cheerful illustrations complement the text, helping readers make sense of the narrative. While José and his mother are darker-skinned, his father and sister are lighter-skinned. (This review has been updated for accuracy.)
Cuándo quieras un perro feliz, look no further. (glossary of Spanish-English words) (Early reader. 6-8)Pub Date: April 25, 2023
ISBN: 978-0-593-52116-8
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Penguin Workshop
Review Posted Online: Jan. 11, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
An effective early chapter book conveyed in a slightly overdone gag.
Epistolary dispatches from the eternal canine/feline feud.
Simon the cat is angry. He had done a good job taking care of his boy, Andy, but now that Andy’s parents are divorced, a dog named Baxter has moved into Andy’s dad’s house. Simon believes that there isn’t enough room in Andy’s life for two furry friends, so he uses the power of the pen to get Baxter to move out. Inventively for the early-chapter-book format, the story is told in letters written back and forth; Simon’s are impeccably spelled on personalized stationery while Baxter’s spelling slowly improves through the letters he scrawls on scraps of paper. A few other animals make appearances—a puffy-lipped goldfish who for some reason punctuates her letter with “Blub…blub…” seems to be the only female character (cued through stereotypical use of eyelashes and red lipstick), and a mustachioed snail ferries the mail to and fro. White-appearing Andy is seen playing with both animals as a visual background to the text, as is his friend Noah (a dark-skinned child who perhaps should not be nicknamed “N Man”). Cat lovers will appreciate Simon’s prickliness while dog aficionados will likely enjoy Baxter’s obtuse enthusiasm, and all readers will learn about the time and patience it takes to overcome conflict and jealousy with someone you dislike.
An effective early chapter book conveyed in a slightly overdone gag. (Fiction. 6-8)Pub Date: May 12, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-8234-4492-2
Page Count: 80
Publisher: Holiday House
Review Posted Online: Jan. 20, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2020
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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