THE BIRD, THE MONKEY, AND THE SNAKE IN THE JUNGLE

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THE BIRD, THE MONKEY, AND THE SNAKE IN THE JUNGLE

Name: THE BIRD, THE MONKEY, AND THE SNAKE IN THE JUNGLE
Author: Kate Banks
ISBN: 0-374-30729-6

by Kate Banks ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 18, 1999

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This short tour of the jungle from Banks (And If the Moon Could Talk, 1998, etc.) and Bogacki (The Story of a Blue Bird, 1998, etc.) features so many rebuses that it is more of a puzzle than a picture book, but a fun one at that. Bird, Monkey, and Snake—a mildly contentious lot—have their treehouse washed out from under them in a storm. They set off into the great and deep greenery in search of a new abode, with visions of ideal trees dancing in their heads. Utopia they do not find; rather, they find themselves in a series of scary encounters with giant spiders, snapping crocodiles, rude squirrels, and menacing tigers. To their credit, they come to each other’s aid, lending courage and fortitude without fanfare. They do come upon a new tree home, and though a little green frog occupies it, he welcomes them. When their personal quirks again manifest themselves, they are accepted as part of the price of community. Banks keeps the story nimble, never peddling her points with too much fervor. Bogacki, in dappled and deep jungle hues, has fractured abstract images all over the page, giving an impression of the background but endowing the inhabitants with simple, clean forms. A neat cipher of the rebus symbols appears in the border of every spread. (Picture book. 3-6)

Pub Date: March 18, 1999

ISBN: 0-374-30729-6

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 1999

Categories:

CHILDREN'S ANIMALS

- BOOK REVIEW
THE WINTER BIRD
by Kate Banks ; illustrated by Suzie Mason

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LION LULLABY
by Kate Banks ; illustrated by Lauren Tobia

- BOOK REVIEW
NOAH BUILDS AN ARK
by Kate Banks ; illustrated by John Rocco

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QUACK AND COUNT

by Keith Baker & illustrated by Keith Baker ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 1, 1999

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Baker (Big Fat Hen, 1994, etc.) engages in more number play, posing ducklings in every combination of groups, e.g., “Splashing as they leap and dive/7 ducklings, 2 plus 5.” Using a great array of streaked and dappled papers, Baker creates a series of leafy collage scenes for the noisy, exuberant ducklings to fill, tucking in an occasional ladybug or other small creature for sharp-eyed pre-readers to spot. Children will regretfully wave goodbye as the ducks fly off in neat formation at the end of this brief, painless introduction to several basic math concepts. (Picture book. 4-6)

Pub Date: Aug. 1, 1999

ISBN: 0-15-292858-8

Page Count: 24

Publisher: Harcourt

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 1999

Categories:

CHILDREN'S ANIMALS | CHILDREN'S CONCEPTS

- BOOK REVIEW
LMNO PEA-QUEL
by Keith Baker ; illustrated by Keith Baker

- BOOK REVIEW
HAP-PEA ALL YEAR
by Keith Baker ; illustrated by Keith Baker

- BOOK REVIEW
LITTLE GREEN PEAS
by Keith Baker ; illustrated by Keith Baker

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FROGGY PLAYS SOCCER

by Jonathan London ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 1, 1999

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This latest Froggy title (Froggy Goes to School, 1996, etc.) is utterly unfocused, with the star careening from soccer dolt to Mr. Superkick. Froggy’s team has a big game coming up with the Wild Things, and he is trying to remember the mantra his father, and assistant coach, taught him: “Head it! Boot it! Knee it! Shoot it! But don’t use your hands!” But illegally touching the ball seems to be the least of Froggy’s worries; distraction is his problem. He is so busy turning cartwheels, tying his shoes, and more, that the only time he makes contact with the ball is when it bounces off his head by mistake. Then, when the Wild Things make a breakaway, Froggy has some dazzling moves to avert a score, but forgetfully grabs the ball at the last second. The other team gets a penalty kick, converts it, but then Froggy makes a field-long kick for a game-winning score. London forces Froggy into too many guises—the fool, the hero, the klutz, the fancy dancer—but none of them stick. Remkiewicz’s illustrations have charm; it is in their appeal that this book will find its audience. (Picture book. 2-6)