Birds do it. Bees do it. Even educated toddlers will be able to do it thanks to this gentle guide.
This introductory guide to the wide and wonderful world of potty training is presented through the medium of wildlife.
Cheery cartoons of insects, mammals, birds, and beasts show precisely where they loose their bowels. The simple text reads, “Ant poops on dirt. / And Beetle poops on dirt. // Monkey poops from a tree. / And Squirrel poops from a tree.” Some poop in the air, some under the sea, some on mountains, and some in deserts. The gently anthropomorphized cartoon critters beam out of the page as they deposit their waste hither, thither, and yon. While potty books abound, Meisel’s stands out in its unvarnished directness and respect, simple words and pictures speaking directly at the level of young children. Following the exploration of wild animals’ defecation habits, the book asks: “Where do you poop?” In answer, Meisel shows racially diverse children sitting on different types of potties as the text reads, “You poop here! / (And pee here too!).” Simple facts and trivia about poop appear at the end. A godsend for caregivers on the prowl for potty-training aids, the book does not strive for scientific accuracy in its depiction of animal feces, most of which appear as scribbly brown lumps on the page, or defecation postures. (This book was reviewed digitally with 10-by-16-inch double-page spreads viewed at 28.4% of actual size.)
Birds do it. Bees do it. Even educated toddlers will be able to do it thanks to this gentle guide. (Picture book. 2-4)Pub Date: Oct. 20, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-8234-4601-8
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Holiday House
Review Posted Online: July 27, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2020
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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