While cat lovers will respond to the “aww” factor here, this outing will not, unlike the first, stand up to repeated...
In this slight follow-up to I See Kitty (2013), Chloe’s new kitty has made herself at home, draping herself almost everywhere for her catnaps.
Foreshadowing the theme of the book, the endpapers feature thumbnails of felines dozing on books and clothes, in bowls and shopping bags. Then Chloe asks, “Can I give Kitty her present now?” What is it? A bed for Kitty! But as much as Kitty loves sleeping, she is not interested in her bed. From one spread to the next, Chloe’s excitement changes from surprise to bewildered frustration to despondence as Kitty sleeps on the bag her bed came in, Chloe’s chair, the litter box (Chloe says “Eep!”), Mom’s favorite sweater and right in the middle of Chloe’s bed. The simple text will allow the book to serve some youngsters as an early reader. As before, the illustrations pay homage to the Hello Kitty aesthetic: black outlines, big shapes, matte colors. Chloe’s expressions are captured in pinprick eyes and a mouth indicated by a line or an O. Only when sad Chloe climbs onto Kitty’s bed does Kitty pay attention, stretching out right on top of Chloe.
While cat lovers will respond to the “aww” factor here, this outing will not, unlike the first, stand up to repeated readings. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Sept. 23, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-59643-863-7
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Review Posted Online: June 9, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2014
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
A sweet, tender and charming experience to read aloud or together.
A clueless duckling tries to make a new friend.
He is confused by this peculiar-looking duck, who has a long tail, doesn’t waddle and likes to be alone. No matter how explicitly the creature denies he is a duck and announces that he is a cat, the duckling refuses to acknowledge the facts. When this creature expresses complete lack of interest in playing puddle stomp, the little ducking goes off and plays on his own. But the cat is not without remorse for rejecting an offered friendship. Of course it all ends happily, with the two new friends enjoying each other’s company. Bramsen employs brief sentences and the simplest of rhymes to tell this slight tale. The two heroes are meticulously drawn with endearing, expressive faces and body language, and their feathers and fur appear textured and touchable. Even the detailed tree bark and grass seem three-dimensional. There are single- and double-page spreads, panels surrounded by white space and circular and oval frames, all in a variety of eye-pleasing juxtapositions. While the initial appeal is solidly visual, young readers will get the gentle message that friendship is not something to take for granted but is to be embraced with open arms—or paws and webbed feet.
A sweet, tender and charming experience to read aloud or together. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-375-86990-7
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: Nov. 13, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2012
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