A+ for Big Ben earns only a C-.
Ellis and LaFave’s charming Big Ben (2001) is adapted into a board-book format.
Parents of babies and toddlers will wonder why, as neither the text nor the subject matter (young Ben wants a report card, just like his older siblings) reflects the interests or concerns of the audience that board books are designed for. A preschooler like Ben, who is able to whistle and tie his own shoes, is also old enough to turn the pages of a regular picture book. Simple illustrations designed to emulate a preschooler's crayon drawings are not enough to make this text-heavy story appropriate for a toddler. These drawings, arranged on comfortable expanses of white space in the original book, are crammed into the smaller trim size. Imprecise language will confuse toddlers. For example, at one point the text reads, “Ben is too little to see.” Actually Ben can see just fine—he just can't see out the window.
A+ for Big Ben earns only a C-. (Board book. 2-3)Pub Date: July 1, 2015
ISBN: 978-1-927485-76-7
Page Count: 24
Publisher: Pajama Press
Review Posted Online: June 15, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2016
Though its single-minded focus on success offers positive role modeling, it needs to be used with other, more realistic...
A toddler shares his glee at leaving diapers behind.
The book is completely child-focused, without an adult in sight. This youngster's independence influences each aspect of his toileting; he takes himself to the pot, and he uses a step stool to reach the sink to wash his hands after. There's no indication that any accidents may occur. The boy boasts, “When it's time, I know.” Brisk, rhyming phrases miss the mark. “Everyone uses the potty, / like me and Daddy and Mommy. / It's potty time, hooray! / I'm a big kid today.” With a little button nose and short spiky hair, the Caucasian tot is appealing. His favorite teddy bear plays the role of a loyal companion and even sits on his own potty just like the child. A die-cut–framed, battery-operated button (“flush me!”) triggers sound effects. Adults looking for a straightforward celebration of this milestone will gravitate toward this short selection, but there's no hint of the inevitable missteps young children face during the process.
Though its single-minded focus on success offers positive role modeling, it needs to be used with other, more realistic titles (and lots of patience). (Board book. 2-3)Pub Date: May 1, 2012
ISBN: 978-0-545-35080-8
Page Count: 10
Publisher: Cartwheel/Scholastic
Review Posted Online: May 29, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2012
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A terrific resource for fans of Daniel Tiger and newcomers alike.
Animated PBS character Daniel Tiger helps readers tell time.
Mr. Rogers–like (explicitly—the show is produced by the Fred Rogers Co.), Daniel Tiger welcomes his neighbors, inviting them to spend the day with him and learn to use a clock along the way. A large clock face with movable hands is accessible through a large, die-cut circle in the upper-right corner of each double-page spread. The hands click and clack as they’re moved around the clock’s face, and the sound is peculiarly satisfying. Each hand has a different noise, helping children to differentiate between the two. Daniel and his family and friends do lots of things throughout the day, including eating breakfast, going to school, running errands, eating dinner, and going to bed. The illustrations emulate the show’s rounded, calmly colored style. Fans of the television show will be entranced. Daniel’s constant engagement with readers will spawn busy interaction, and the fact that this book covers a whole day makes it an excellent read right before bed.
A terrific resource for fans of Daniel Tiger and newcomers alike. (Board book. 2-3)Pub Date: Aug. 30, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-4814-6934-0
Page Count: 14
Publisher: Simon Spotlight
Review Posted Online: Aug. 29, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2017
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