An amusing anthropomorphic tale about exuberant parent-and-child collaborations.
Calamities occur when a young monkey and his father attempt ambitious projects in this picture book.
A bespectacled monkey and his father work on renovations and improvement projects. But Dad’s enthusiastic yet sometimes-careless nature causes a commotion. For example, he gets doused in paint and electrocutes himself connecting lightbulbs. Although the son is annoyed when Dad accidentally shuts off the power, his father says: “Only a minor mishap!” Father and son embark on a project to construct a treehouse so “Dad can build a room of his own!” They begin with a blueprint of a building on an extended tree branch surrounded by other monkeys’ dwellings. With dedication and teamwork, they make the place materialize. The son says: “It’s a breeze! And so much fun!” Although an illustration shows the treehouse looking messy (it’s askew and wrapped in yellow and black tape) compared to the other monkeys’ digs, father and son are proud. Featuring animated, active language (BANG, ZAAAPP), Brown’s story is a superb read-aloud choice. Parents and kids with their own joint endeavors will relate to the characters’ challenges and triumphs. Lin’s colorful cartoon illustrations depict the two monkeys’ spirited process. They include vivid details that emphasize construction, like hard hats and tools, and textures, such as wood accents. Clever additions have kid appeal, like a computer labeled “APE-LE.” The last spread is particularly joyful, showing monkeys playing on equipment, including slides and a ball pit on a tree.
An amusing anthropomorphic tale about exuberant parent-and-child collaborations.Pub Date: March 22, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-73774-470-2
Page Count: 40
Publisher: 4 Blank Books
Review Posted Online: Jan. 20, 2022
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
BOOK REVIEW
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
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An upbeat Easter outing with a beloved character.
Pookie celebrates Easter with a play date and holiday activities.
Pookie’s friend Bean, a gray puppy, comes over for Easter fun that includes lots of bouncing around and egg decorating. After Bean goes home, Pookie gets excited about the Easter Bunny’s arrival and goes to sleep dreaming of a large chocolate egg. Like the other Pookie books before it, this one is told in rhyme from the perspective of a loving grown-up addressing the little pig, which keeps the pace moving and makes for a great read-aloud. Bean and Pookie are realistically—and endearingly—childlike, from Pookie’s pronunciation of yellow as “lellow!” to the joyful mess they make while decorating eggs. There are plenty of sweet and festive touches, such as the bunny ears that Bean and Pookie (and Pookie’s teddy) wear and the daffodils painted on the end of Pookie’s bed. The illustrations include large, full-page images as well as smaller vignettes against solid backgrounds. One page shows Pookie and parent looking out the window at the moon, anticipating Easter’s spoils. For fans of Boynton and little Pookie, this Easter tale is exactly as expected: a touch of playfulness, a relatable story, and comfort in the familiar. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
An upbeat Easter outing with a beloved character. (Board book. 2-4)Pub Date: Jan. 31, 2023
ISBN: 978-1-66592-838-0
Page Count: 18
Publisher: Boynton Bookworks
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2022
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