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SWEET DREAMS

Well intentioned, but this song doesn’t work in picture-book format.

Lyrics to a song from the album “Lullaby” are adapted by the composer/lyricist as a tender expression of maternal love.

Mother evokes everything that is lovely and ethereal to demonstrate her joy at having this baby in her life. There are moonbeams, twinkling stars and “endless blue skies.” All of this is to wish that only sweet dreams follow the child forever. There are some lovely images, and the emotions are heartfelt, but there is a major problem with construction and syntax in this adaptation. If the lyrics are to be read as poetry, they lack structure and consistency of rhyme and rhythm. “Like a dream I am falling into silver threads lined with dew” and “Each breath that you breathe is a brushstroke that leads me to you” are awkwardly worded and essentially meaningless statements. Bates’ chalk and gouache illustrations on chalkboard-painted paper are greatly appealing. Backgrounds of deep, dark night skies highlighted with bright yellow stars and constellations are filled with clever details that come as close as possible to conveying literal meaning to the vagaries of the text. Rather than reading aloud, adults might want to preview the song on the included CD and perhaps play the song and sing along while showing the pictures to their little ones.

Well intentioned, but this song doesn’t work in picture-book format. (Picture book. 1-4)

Pub Date: Sept. 17, 2013

ISBN: 978-1-4424-8931-8

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Paula Wiseman/Simon & Schuster

Review Posted Online: July 16, 2013

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2013

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I AM A BIG BROTHER

A good choice for caregivers looking for a positive, uncomplicated introduction to a new baby that focuses on everything an...

A little boy exults in his new role as big brother.

Rhyming text describes the arrival of a new baby and all of the big brother’s rewarding new duties. He gets to help with feedings, diaper changes, playtime, bathtime, and naptime. Though the rhyming couplets can sometimes feel a bit forced and awkward, the sentiment is sweet, as the focus here never veers from the excitement and love a little boy feels for his tiny new sibling. The charming, uncluttered illustrations convincingly depict the growing bond between this fair-skinned, rosy-cheeked, smiling pair of boys. In the final pages, the parents, heretofore kept mostly out of view, are pictured holding the children. The accompanying text reads: “Mommy, Daddy, baby, me. / We love each other—a family!” In companion volume I Am a Big Sister, the little boy is replaced with a little girl with bows in her hair. Some of the colors and patterns in the illustrations are slightly altered, but it is essentially the same title.

A good choice for caregivers looking for a positive, uncomplicated introduction to a new baby that focuses on everything an older sibling can do to help. (Board book. 2-4)

Pub Date: Jan. 27, 2015

ISBN: 978-0-545-68886-4

Page Count: 24

Publisher: Cartwheel/Scholastic

Review Posted Online: March 16, 2015

Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2015

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LLAMA LLAMA SHAPES

From the Learning With Llama Llama series

An invitation for readers to learn through observation.

Llama Llama and Mama spot different shapes at the farmers market.

Dewdney’s iconic llama stars in this board book, a part of the Learning With Llama Llama series. The story showcases five shapes: rectangles, squares, triangles, circles, and stars. Rather than simply showing the shapes and naming them, illustrator Morrow embeds them inside scenes from the farmers market. Each page turn uncovers a different shape. Signage and a shopping bag pop as rectangles, while umbrellas, a slice of watermelon, and the peaks of the tents form triangles. Shapes that appeared on previous pages are visible even as the story progresses, and the final page helps readers revisit and recall shapes they’ve already found. There are plenty of engaging details to keep readers looking, including other animal shoppers, kite-flying, and sudden, surprising rain. The text is concise, and each spread features a simple question inviting participation. This title is more captivating than other shape concept books, especially those that show block-colored shapes without context. Llama Llama’s popularity will make this a hit with fans, and readers looking for substance will find it. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

An invitation for readers to learn through observation. (Board book. 1-3)

Pub Date: Feb. 7, 2023

ISBN: 978-0-593-46509-7

Page Count: 14

Publisher: Viking

Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2022

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2022

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