A genuinely jolly Christmas choice.
A comic case of mistaken identity.
A tan-skinned child sees a white-haired, white-bearded, red-suited, light-skinned gentleman enter a store and asks if he’s Santa. The man denies it, but the kid points out that the man resembles Santa. When the man mentions his wife, the child asks if he’s referring to Mrs. Claus. The man protests: “Her name is Cheryl. She’s a veterinarian.” Later, the youngster compliments the man’s “sleigh”—a red truck—and follows the gent home to “N. Pole Drive.” There, the youngster inquires about some nearby reindeer—they aren’t pets, “Santa” says, just neighborhood “wild animals.” Interestingly, “Santa’s” house includes a workshop, where he makes “hand-crafted trinkets,” runs “a coal business,” and employs elflike “assistants.” The man imparts “the true meaning of Christmas”: “spending time with people you love and thinking about others before yourself.” Before departing, the child leaves a long list of gifts—just in case. When last seen, the maybe-Santa gets his truck loaded, and the “wild reindeer” haul him and a burgeoning sack across the night sky. Kids will enjoy this drily witty and original twist on Christmas. They’ll likely have already realized from the outset that, of course, this Santa’s real; they’ll feel vindicated by the conclusion. The humorous, thick-lined digital illustrations feature wide-eyed, racially diverse characters.
A genuinely jolly Christmas choice. (Picture book. 5-8)Pub Date: Oct. 15, 2024
ISBN: 9780593528488
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Flamingo Books
Review Posted Online: July 19, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2024
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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
Sugary uplift, shrink-wrapped for the masses.
An elusive new quarry leads the How To Catch… kids on a merry chase through a natural history museum.
Taking at least a step away from the “hunters versus prey” vibe of previous entries in the popular series, the racially diverse group of young visitors dashes through various museum halls in pursuit of the eponymous dino—whose quest to “spread kindness and joy ’round the world” takes the form of a mildly tumultuous museum tour. In most of Elkerton’s overly sweet, color-saturated scenes, only portions of the Loveosaurus, who is purple and covered with pink hearts, are visible behind exhibits or lumbering off the page. But the children find small enticements left behind, from craft supplies to make cards for endangered species to pictures of smiley faces, candy heart–style personal notes (“You Rock!” “Give Hugs”), and, in the hall of medieval arms and armor, a sign urging them to “Be Honest Be Kind.” The somewhat heavy-handed lesson comes through loud and clear. “There’s a message, he wants us to think,” hints Walstead to clue in more obtuse readers…and concluding scenes of smiling people young and otherwise exchanging hugs and knuckle bumps, holding doors for a wheelchair rider, and dancing through clouds of sparkles indicate that they, at least, have gotten it. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Sugary uplift, shrink-wrapped for the masses. (Picture book. 5-7)Pub Date: Dec. 6, 2022
ISBN: 9781728268781
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Sourcebooks Wonderland
Review Posted Online: Jan. 17, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2023
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