An appealing tale of an inspired amphibian chef.
An amphibian chef serves up fancy pond fusion cuisine in Keres’ picture book.
Finn the Frog has his work cut out for him cooking a meal for a special guest. As self-professed “King of the Kitchen,” Finn’s excited to share some favorite recipes, each specific to a different culture. For each, he dresses in attire that corresponds to the dish’s region. He also reveals the sources of some surprising secret ingredients, including swamp mud and pond water—and expresses surprise that his human guest doesn’t like them. Keres paints Finn as an unflappable character who ultimately has a positive attitude, despite his efforts not turning out as expected. Lin’s illustrations capture Finn’s various excitable expressions. He also has Finn speak directly to the reader as his dinner guest, which effectively enlivens the story; one never sees the guest fully, but the person's reactions—such as a satisfying, loud belch—bring the character to life. Young readers can easily imagine themselves as Finn’s guest and decide which dish they would eat. It’s a safe bet that some might share the same attitude as Finn’s guest; adult caregivers of picky eaters will surely relate to the frog’s situation.
An appealing tale of an inspired amphibian chef.Pub Date: Nov. 14, 2023
ISBN: 979-8985911282
Page Count: 44
Publisher: Buzzbook Press
Review Posted Online: Oct. 18, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2023
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A stocking stuffer par excellence, just right for dishing up with milk and cookies.
Pigeon finds something better to drive than some old bus.
This time it’s Santa delivering the fateful titular words, and with a “Ho. Ho. Whoa!” the badgering begins: “C’mon! Where’s your holiday spirit? It would be a Christmas MIRACLE! Don’t you want to be part of a Christmas miracle…?” Pigeon is determined: “I can do Santa stuff!” Like wrapping gifts (though the accompanying illustration shows a rather untidy present), delivering them (the image of Pigeon attempting to get an oversize sack down a chimney will have little ones giggling), and eating plenty of cookies. Alas, as Willems’ legion of young fans will gleefully predict, not even Pigeon’s by-now well-honed persuasive powers (“I CAN BE JOLLY!”) will budge the sleigh’s large and stinky reindeer guardian. “BAH. Also humbug.” In the typically minimalist art, the frustrated feathered one sports a floppily expressive green and red elf hat for this seasonal addition to the series—but then discards it at the end for, uh oh, a pair of bunny ears. What could Pigeon have in mind now? “Egg delivery, anyone?”
A stocking stuffer par excellence, just right for dishing up with milk and cookies. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Sept. 5, 2023
ISBN: 9781454952770
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Union Square Kids
Review Posted Online: Sept. 12, 2023
A sweet, tender and charming experience to read aloud or together.
A clueless duckling tries to make a new friend.
He is confused by this peculiar-looking duck, who has a long tail, doesn’t waddle and likes to be alone. No matter how explicitly the creature denies he is a duck and announces that he is a cat, the duckling refuses to acknowledge the facts. When this creature expresses complete lack of interest in playing puddle stomp, the little ducking goes off and plays on his own. But the cat is not without remorse for rejecting an offered friendship. Of course it all ends happily, with the two new friends enjoying each other’s company. Bramsen employs brief sentences and the simplest of rhymes to tell this slight tale. The two heroes are meticulously drawn with endearing, expressive faces and body language, and their feathers and fur appear textured and touchable. Even the detailed tree bark and grass seem three-dimensional. There are single- and double-page spreads, panels surrounded by white space and circular and oval frames, all in a variety of eye-pleasing juxtapositions. While the initial appeal is solidly visual, young readers will get the gentle message that friendship is not something to take for granted but is to be embraced with open arms—or paws and webbed feet.
A sweet, tender and charming experience to read aloud or together. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-375-86990-7
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: Nov. 13, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2012
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