Bound to be a roaring success at storytime.
A young tiger loves everything about books…except reading them.
The King tells his loyal subjects Elephant, Boar, and Monkey that it’s Book Day: “Prepare to be dazzled by all the marvelous things I can do with my books.” The other animals observe as the King builds book towers, creates “a mighty bookquake,” and eats off a “book tray.” Boar vainly attempts to show the King what books are really for but is admonished for interrupting and flees in terror. Later, the King “tidies up” by dumping his books into the moat. Unamused, the moat monster throws them back, leading the King to conclude that his realm is under siege. Back at the castle, the King’s subjects finally reveal the true purpose of books and show him a guide with tips for vanquishing moat monsters. The King wonders why no one’s told him about the importance of reading. (“We tried.” “We really did.”) Apologizing, he suggests that they all read together—which they do, happily (the moat monster included). Some kids may wonder why the King never attempted to read these stories, since he evidently knows how; still, it’s a small point. The King’s dialogue is styled in bold print, suggesting his status and loud voice, both contrasting with his diminutive stature. With his adorably oversize head, the King is clearly a tiger cub—but one who oozes confidence and moxie. Perry’s colorful, crisp illustrations infuse the King’s wonderfully explosive tantrums with drama.
Bound to be a roaring success at storytime. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: July 15, 2025
ISBN: 9781250330123
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Review Posted Online: March 22, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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
A satisfyingly cozy winter holiday tale.
The protagonist of The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt (2020) enjoys a “boo-tiful” holiday.
The titular spirit—comprised of a patterned quilt rather than a plain white sheet like his peers—loves drifting outside in the cold. His heavier fabrics may slow him down the rest of the year, but in winter they keep him warm enough to enjoy the outdoors while his friends remain inside. One December evening, while visiting the human neighborhood, he notices people singing and putting up twinkling lights (amid the Christmas decorations, one window features a menorah). The little ghost quilt is happy for himself but sad that his pals aren’t witnessing all this, too. The sight of a holiday tree inspires him: He’ll bring a tree to his friends! A branch that blows off during a snowstorm will do nicely. For ornaments, he uses odds and ends from the attic of his house. And when his friends arrive at his home that night, everyone decorates the tree together. The moon, peeping through the window and reflecting off a mirror from the attic, provides the glorious pièce de résistance: The make-believe tree glows brilliantly. This quietly lovely holiday tale underscores the true meaning of the holidays: friendship and togetherness. The illustrations rely on a muted palette with spots of vivid colors; like a quilt, they’re soft and delicate. Human characters vary in skin tone.
A satisfyingly cozy winter holiday tale. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Aug. 26, 2025
ISBN: 9781774885376
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Tundra Books
Review Posted Online: April 4, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
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