Despite its title, Shahan’s latest is not really bilingual, but rather a poetic characterization of nine colors, introducing their Spanish names and employing similes rooted in Latin American culture. Using both exact and slant rhyme, Shahan’s phrases encourage the reader/listener’s participation by snapping, whacking, or tapping along, or even by acting out the similes—“Purple as piñatas / Smack! Whack! / Spin on the ground,” for example, or “Black as castanets / clickety-clickety / clack-clack.” The inclusion of terms reflecting originally African-American musical forms—jazz, blues, hip-hop—reflects the racially diverse nature of “Hispanic” identity as well. Barragán’s illustrations echo the exuberance of the verse and are in some ways reminiscent of the poured-paper stencils of Denise Fleming, though Barragán’s work features sharper edges and a great deal of detail. Back matter includes a glossary of Spanish terms used in the verse and a pronunciation guide. Successful both as an introduction to Latin American culture for children unfamiliar with it and as a celebration for those who call it their own. (Picture book. 3-6)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2004
ISBN: 0-87483-741-3
Page Count: 24
Publisher: August House
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2004
Count on construction die-hards falling in love, but discerning readers would be wise to look elsewhere for their...
Less ambitious than Chris Gall’s widely known Dinotrux (2009) and sequels, this British import systematically relegates each dinosaur/construction-equipment hybrid to its most logical job.
The title figures are introduced as bigger than both diggers and dinosaurs, and rhyming text and two construction-helmeted kids show just what these creatures are capable of. Each diggersaur has a specific job to do and a distinct sound effect. The dozersaurus moves rocks with a “SCRAAAAPE!!!” while the rollersaurus flattens lumps with a cheery “TOOT TOOT!!” Each diggersaur is numbered, with 12 in all, allowing this to be a counting book on the sly. As the diggersaurs (not all of which dig) perform jobs that regular construction equipment can do, albeit on a larger scale, there is no particular reason why any of them should have dinosaurlike looks other than just ’cause. Peppy computer art tries valiantly to attract attention away from the singularly unoriginal text. “Diggersaurs dig with bites so BIG, / each SCOOP creates a crater. // They’re TOUGH and STRONG / with necks so long— / they’re super EXCAVATORS!” Far more interesting are the two human characters, a white girl and a black boy, that flit about the pictures offering commentary and action. Much of the fun of the book can be found in trying to spot them on every two-page spread.
Count on construction die-hards falling in love, but discerning readers would be wise to look elsewhere for their dino/construction kicks. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: April 2, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-9848-4779-9
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: Jan. 14, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2019
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
This charming, colorful counting tale of ten little fish runs full-circle. Although the light verse opens and closes with ten fish swimming in a line, page-by-page the line grows shorter as the number of fish diminishes one-by-one. One fish dives down, one gets lost, one hides, and another takes a nap until a single fish remains. Then along comes another fish to form a couple and suddenly a new family of little fish emerges to begin all over. Slick, digitally-created images of brilliant marine flora and fauna give an illusion of underwater depth and silence enhancing the verse’s numerical and theatrical progression. The holistic story bubbles with life’s endless cycle. (Picture book. 3-5)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2004
ISBN: 0-439-63569-1
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Blue Sky/Scholastic
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2004
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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