A passable presentation on dealing with negative emotions.
Can’t a puppy just have a grumpy day?
“One sunny, shining, beautiful day, / Rue woke up feeling grouchy and gray.” Black-furred pug puppy Rue thinks everything is wrong, from her bunchy socks to her crunchy breakfast. Her mom tries a kiss, and her teacher asks her to smile, but nothing helps. At recess, her friends try to get her to play, but Rue just wants to pout. Then Rue gets an idea. She makes a sign inviting everyone to her pout party, where no one can be happy or excited. No one wants to join…except her white-furred kitten friend Joy, who fakes a grumpy face. Rue tries to out-grumpy Joy, but Joy “grumble[s] and groan[s], And stomp[s] with her feet.” Others think it looks like fun and join in. Rue coaches the whole class, and they all make horrible faces…which makes Rue giggle. And everyone laughs. Then Joy assures Rue that next time she feels grumpy, Joy will still be there for her. The rhyme might clunk once or twice and go for the obvious throughout, but children will easily see themselves in the animals of various species that populate McColl’s simple tale. The big-eyed, clothed animals in her cartoon illustrations are expressive and colorful. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A passable presentation on dealing with negative emotions. (Picture book. 2-6)Pub Date: Sept. 6, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-64823-017-2
Page Count: 32
Publisher: POW!
Review Posted Online: June 21, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2022
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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