Though love and snails rarely go together, it’s easy to be won over by this mighty mollusk.
Alors! Beaucoup de français abounds in this third outing starring everyone’s favorite francophone gastropod.
It’s Snailentine’s Day, and Escargot is dressing up to the nines. Why? Because Escargot has received an invitation to a party and is determined to arrive with the perfect outfit. Breaking right through the fourth wall, the stylish snail encourages readers to embrace their snail selves. After Escargot shows readers how to wave their tentacles, practice “shy-hiding,” and dance, it’s time to attend the party. However, Escargot experiences a bit of shell shock when it becomes clear that there are no other snails here—instead, it’s Volerie’s Volentine’s Day party. (“Do voles like snails? Do voles eat snails?”) Will Escargot embrace the unknown and dance with Volerie? But of course! Like a mini Maurice Chevalier, this sweet snail must come out of their shell after having waxed eloquent about what to do at a party. Truthfully, there’s not as much to this tale beyond the usual declaration not to judge a book by its cover. Be wary, though. Sweet art means that when Escargot winsomely tells readers, “You can kiss me if you like,” it’ll be hard for them to pass up the chance. Be prepared for a moist Valentine’s Day storytime. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Though love and snails rarely go together, it’s easy to be won over by this mighty mollusk. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Nov. 8, 2022
ISBN: 978-0-374-31426-2
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Review Posted Online: Aug. 30, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2022
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
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
This bunny escapes all the traps but fails to find a logical plot or an emotional connection with readers.
The bestselling series (How to Catch an Elf, 2016, etc.) about capturing mythical creatures continues with a story about various ways to catch the Easter Bunny as it makes its annual deliveries.
The bunny narrates its own story in rhyming text, beginning with an introduction at its office in a manufacturing facility that creates Easter eggs and candy. The rabbit then abruptly takes off on its delivery route with a tiny basket of eggs strapped to its back, immediately encountering a trap with carrots and a box propped up with a stick. The narrative focuses on how the Easter Bunny avoids increasingly complex traps set up to catch him with no explanation as to who has set the traps or why. These traps include an underground tunnel, a fluorescent dance floor with a hidden pit of carrots, a robot bunny, pirates on an island, and a cannon that shoots candy fish, as well as some sort of locked, hazardous site with radiation danger. Readers of previous books in the series will understand the premise, but others will be confused by the rabbit’s frenetic escapades. Cartoon-style illustrations have a 1960s vibe, with a slightly scary, bow-tied bunny with chartreuse eyes and a glowing palette of neon shades that shout for attention.
This bunny escapes all the traps but fails to find a logical plot or an emotional connection with readers. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Feb. 1, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-4926-3817-9
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Review Posted Online: Jan. 16, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2017
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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