An empowering introduction to a common but underrepresented disorder.
A dog shares all the things his owner does to manage diabetes in this picture book.
Teddy, a Pomeranian, says that his human owner Emily “is a very good girl. She is also a T1D,” their nickname for Emily’s status as someone with Type 1 diabetes. After a factual, approachable description of the disease, Teddy describes Emily’s routine. As a devoted, loving dog, Teddy always describes Emily in the kindest terms, praising how she takes her medicine (without her parents having to hide it in peanut butter), calling her brave for being able to use a lancet, and comparing her very cool monitor to Teddy’s squeaky toy. The two work to be healthy together, treating her blood sugar levels as a game in which she tries to get the best score. Messenger’s look at diabetes, through Teddy’s clever perspective, is matter-of-fact and makes the canine’s love for Emily clear. The story focuses strongly on its mission of introducing the disease to those who are unfamiliar, so it’s light on plot. However, the praise for Emily’s bravery will resonate with youngsters who also have diabetes and help others to be more understanding of those with the condition. Latham’s bright, colorful illustrations portray Emily in a cartoonish fashion while making Teddy look soft enough to cuddle.
An empowering introduction to a common but underrepresented disorder.Pub Date: Oct. 15, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-73699-970-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Messenger Publishing
Review Posted Online: Sept. 30, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2021
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
A stocking stuffer par excellence, just right for dishing up with milk and cookies.
Pigeon finds something better to drive than some old bus.
This time it’s Santa delivering the fateful titular words, and with a “Ho. Ho. Whoa!” the badgering begins: “C’mon! Where’s your holiday spirit? It would be a Christmas MIRACLE! Don’t you want to be part of a Christmas miracle…?” Pigeon is determined: “I can do Santa stuff!” Like wrapping gifts (though the accompanying illustration shows a rather untidy present), delivering them (the image of Pigeon attempting to get an oversize sack down a chimney will have little ones giggling), and eating plenty of cookies. Alas, as Willems’ legion of young fans will gleefully predict, not even Pigeon’s by-now well-honed persuasive powers (“I CAN BE JOLLY!”) will budge the sleigh’s large and stinky reindeer guardian. “BAH. Also humbug.” In the typically minimalist art, the frustrated feathered one sports a floppily expressive green and red elf hat for this seasonal addition to the series—but then discards it at the end for, uh oh, a pair of bunny ears. What could Pigeon have in mind now? “Egg delivery, anyone?”
A stocking stuffer par excellence, just right for dishing up with milk and cookies. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Sept. 5, 2023
ISBN: 9781454952770
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Union Square Kids
Review Posted Online: Sept. 12, 2023
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
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