A clever, wonderfully illustrated holiday story.
A clumsy young werewolf has a surprising Halloween in this picture book.
Stan loves Oct. 31—the only night of the year that he has “permission to be as scary as he wanted.” However, on Oct. 30, he falls and breaks his foot. Because he has a cast and a cane, he fears he won’t “keep up with the pack,” and he watches sadly as his friends leave without him on Halloween. He spends the evening trying to entertain himself outside—donning a sheet for “ghosting,” riding a broom like a witch, and wrapping himself in toilet paper to resemble a mummy. However, each activity makes him fall over. Disappointed that he didn’t frighten anyone, he goes home, where friends and family throw him a surprise party. Shocked, Stan trips and falls. He rejoices when partygoers recoil from his disheveled, injured appearance, though, as he’s achieved his goal to be scary. Sutter’s story is simple but cleverly depicted. Married illustrators Thorne and Thorne’s full-color images are fantastic, with autumnal tones that positively glow. Many are quite detailed, as in a depiction of a table with party treats and a spooky but charming house. Outside scenes feature such accents as bats and witch silhouettes in the sky. The book includes recipes for festive snacks, including “Spider pizza.”
A clever, wonderfully illustrated holiday story.Pub Date: Sept. 29, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-950169-38-2
Page Count: 36
Publisher: Spork
Review Posted Online: Sept. 23, 2020
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
A charming illustration of childhood memories during the holiday season.
A colorful wintry tale ushers in Chinese New Year over two weeks.
In this picture book, the narrator recounts with nostalgia an observance of the traditional New Year in rural northern China. The snow-covered village bustles with activity as folks venture out to greet relatives and friends. “On the third day, uncles started giving LANTERNS” refers to an old custom in provincial Shaanxi—especially among maternal uncles. Palpable and immediate are Zhao Di’s eager anticipation and the care with which she “walk[s] through the snow with her lantern in case she slipped or the candle blew out in the wind.” Simple yet vivid close-ups depict Zhao Di and her friends, bundled head to toe and comparing lantern designs—accordion, watermelon, etc.—while braving the cold and a bunch of rowdy boys. All too soon, the 15th day arrives, signaling the end of the New Year celebrations. In a pivotal spread that shows Zhao Di sitting with her dog and chickens, readers are granted an interior view of the architecture and layout of a rustic farmhouse. In addition, the villagers’ various clothing styles, headdresses, and skin tones suggest the region’s diverse ethnicities and socio-economic landscapes. As the story concludes with the obligatory smashing and burning of the lanterns, Zhao Di comforts herself with the hopeful thought of lighting new lanterns next year.
A charming illustration of childhood memories during the holiday season. (author's note) (Picture book. 5-8)Pub Date: Dec. 7, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-5420-2984-1
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Amazon Crossing Kids
Review Posted Online: Sept. 23, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2021
A holiday outing that doesn’t quite satisfy.
In this follow-up to singer Parton and co-author Perl’s Billy the Kid Makes It Big (2023), literal and figurative bumps in the road imperil the touring canine country star’s promise to be home for Christmas.
Inspired by one of Parton’s holiday songs, the tale sees Billy, a small brown French bulldog, and bandmates Bo, Buster, and Binky boarding a tour bus for “pawsome” glimpses of natural wonders along with meetings with fans and “puparazzi.” Then, although Billy has sent many letters home promising to be there for the holiday, an invitation to play Barkafeller Center on Christmas Day instantly changes his tune. “Billy was happy. Though he still felt a little…he wasn’t sure what.” Readers may be excused for having mixed feelings about his mixed feelings, not to mention his tersely unapologetic note to the folks. But when, thanks to a bus-busting rock in the road on Christmas Eve, it looks like the band will have to contrive their own celebration (“Silent night, howly night”), Billy remembers that he started making music in the first place for his loved ones. He has no problem bagging the big concert (Fans? What fans? Contract? What contract?) when Dolly herself rolls up in her own bus to offer a ride back to his “Tennessee mountain home” in time for a small show for “the most important audience in the world.” While Billy cuts an endearing figure in Haley’s cartoonish illustrations, his willingness to disappoint first family, then fans may have readers feeling less than cheery.
A holiday outing that doesn’t quite satisfy. (lyrics to Parton’s “Comin’ Home for Christmas”) (Picture book. 5-7)Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2024
ISBN: 9780593755006
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Penguin Workshop
Review Posted Online: Sept. 28, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2024
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