A bouncy and buoyant take on the changing seasons.
Two siblings remark upon the seasons, exploring and playing in nature.
A child bursts into the room of a younger sibling, declaring, “it’s sunny!” “And early,” the other replies. The two head outside on a bright day and revel in all that spring has to offer. It’s not just sunny, but also “mucky” and “ducky” at the pond. The next series of spreads depicts a day of play in what is clearly summer (“ ‘it’s muggy…’ ‘and buggy!’ ”), followed by fall (“it’s windy and squirrelly!”) and winter (“I’m warm and socksy”). The children’s observations capture the sensory experiences of the seasons, many of them making unexpected connections depicted by the illustrations. (Summer is “fuzzy” when you’re holding a caterpillar.) Parts of speech are creatively employed: Fall is “goodbye-y” when you’re watching geese fly south for the winter, and winter itself can be “waity” if you’re staring out the window, longing for some snow to play in. The playful rhymes flow easily, beg to be read aloud, and would work well as creative writing prompts in elementary classrooms. There is a distinctly peppy, perky quality to the artwork: All the characters, depicted as White and living in what appears to be a middle-class home near a lake, are freckled, apple-cheeked, and nearly always smiling. The bows in the older child’s hair even consistently appear as if hearts are always floating nearby. (This book was reviewed digitally with 11-by-21-inch double-page spreads viewed at actual size.)
A bouncy and buoyant take on the changing seasons. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: May 11, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-4197-4181-4
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Abrams
Review Posted Online: March 30, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2021
New parents of daughters will eat these up and perhaps pass on the lessons learned.
All the reasons why a daughter needs a mother.
Each spread features an adorable cartoon animal parent-child pair on the recto opposite a rhyming verse: “I’ll always support you in giving your all / in every endeavor, the big and the small, / and be there to catch you in case you should fall. / I hope you believe this is true.” A virtually identical book, Why a Daughter Needs a Dad, publishes simultaneously. Both address standing up for yourself and your values, laughing to ease troubles, being thankful, valuing friendship, persevering and dreaming big, being truthful, thinking through decisions, and being open to differences, among other topics. Though the sentiments/life lessons here and in the companion title are heartfelt and important, there are much better ways to deliver them. These books are likely to go right over children’s heads and developmental levels (especially with the rather advanced vocabulary); their parents are the more likely audience, and for them, the books provide some coaching in what kids need to hear. The two books are largely interchangeable, especially since there are so few references to mom or dad, but one spread in each book reverts to stereotype: Dad balances the two-wheeler, and mom helps with clothing and hair styles. Since the books are separate, it aids in customization for many families.
New parents of daughters will eat these up and perhaps pass on the lessons learned. (Picture book. 4-8, adult)Pub Date: May 1, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-4926-6781-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Review Posted Online: March 16, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2019
A friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share.
In this latest in the series, Little Blue Truck, driven by pal Toad, is challenged to a countryside race by Racer Red, a sleek, low-slung vehicle.
Blue agrees, and the race is on. Although the two start off “hood to hood / and wheel to wheel,” they switch positions often as they speed their way over dusty country roads. Blue’s farm friends follow along to share in the excitement and shout out encouragement; adult readers will have fun voicing the various animal sounds. Short rhyming verses on each page and several strategic page turns add drama to the narrative, but soft, mottled effects in the otherwise colorful illustrations keep the competition from becoming too intense. Racer Red crosses the finish line first, but Blue is a gracious loser, happy to have worked hard. That’s a new concept for Racer Red, who’s laser-focused on victory but takes Blue’s words (“win or lose, it’s fun to try!”) to heart—a revelation that may lead to worthwhile storytime discussions. When Blue’s farm animal friends hop into the truck for the ride home, Racer Red tags along and learns a second lesson, one about speed. “Fast is fun, / and slow is too, / as long as you’re / with friends.”
A friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: March 25, 2025
ISBN: 9780063387843
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Clarion/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Jan. 18, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2025
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