A reminder that though life is unpredictable, good friends can help you do anything and go anywhere.
An encouraging message for kids as they embark on that adventure called life.
Trying something new can be scary, but friends can help us over hurdles. A young child with brown skin and curly dark hair experiences nature alongside animal pals such as a mouse, a cheetah, and a bear. The friends support one another—the child comforts a little elephant who looks on, overwhelmed, as others play in a watering hole. On the next spread, the child cheers as the elephant races a young zebra on the dusty plain—a playful and joyous moment. Each page contains spare text that acknowledges the anxiety that accompanies trying something new but also encourages kids to give it their all, take a step back if they need to, and try again. Images and words build to support the final message: “You might not know how each adventure will end…but you’re never alone when it is shared with friends.” Painterly illustrations of sweetly smiling animals burst with life, making this a good book for group reading, though children reading this independently will note smaller details and appreciate the vignettes, such as one depicting a polar bear pondering star constellations. Although aimed at younger readers, the book’s positive message would also make it a good gift for any reader in transition.
A reminder that though life is unpredictable, good friends can help you do anything and go anywhere. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Jan. 2, 2024
ISBN: 9781536232547
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Templar/Candlewick
Review Posted Online: Oct. 21, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2023
Another quirky take on the series theme that it’s cool to be kind.
The cool beans again step up to do a timorous fellow legume a fava…this time at the pool.
Will a rash decision to tackle the multistory super-slide lead to another embarrassing watery fail for our shy protagonist? Nope, for up the stairs right behind comes a trio of cool beans, each a different type and color, all clad in nothing but dark shades. They make an offer: “It’s not as scary if you go with friends!” As the knobby nerd explains once the thrilling ride down is done, “They all realized that I just needed some encouragement and support.” Just to make sure that both cool and uncool readers get the message, the narrator lets us know that “there are plenty of kind folks who have my back. They’re always there when I need them.” The beany bonhomie doesn’t end at the bottom of the slide, with all gliding down to the shallow end of the pool (“3 INCHES. NO DIVING”) for a splashy finale. This latest early reader starring characters from John and Oswald’s immensely popular Food Group series will be a hit with fans. Fun accessories, such as a bean who rocks pink cat-eye frames, add some pizzazz to the chromatically and somatotypically varied cast.
Another quirky take on the series theme that it’s cool to be kind. (Easy reader. 5-7)Pub Date: March 26, 2024
ISBN: 9780063329560
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Feb. 17, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2024
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A friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share.
In this latest in the series, Little Blue Truck, driven by pal Toad, is challenged to a countryside race by Racer Red, a sleek, low-slung vehicle.
Blue agrees, and the race is on. Although the two start off “hood to hood / and wheel to wheel,” they switch positions often as they speed their way over dusty country roads. Blue’s farm friends follow along to share in the excitement and shout out encouragement; adult readers will have fun voicing the various animal sounds. Short rhyming verses on each page and several strategic page turns add drama to the narrative, but soft, mottled effects in the otherwise colorful illustrations keep the competition from becoming too intense. Racer Red crosses the finish line first, but Blue is a gracious loser, happy to have worked hard. That’s a new concept for Racer Red, who’s laser-focused on victory but takes Blue’s words (“win or lose, it’s fun to try!”) to heart—a revelation that may lead to worthwhile storytime discussions. When Blue’s farm animal friends hop into the truck for the ride home, Racer Red tags along and learns a second lesson, one about speed. “Fast is fun, / and slow is too, / as long as you’re / with friends.”
A friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: March 25, 2025
ISBN: 9780063387843
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Clarion/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Jan. 18, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2025
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