A brilliantly crafted tale in which persistence pays off.
The plucky pachyderm who mastered cycling in Elena Rides (2023) returns for a new adventure: camping!
Elena, a chunky blue elephant, lugs an enormous box discreetly labeled “Tent-o-Matic.” In her scoutlike neckerchief, Elena’s confident about her tent-pitching abilities. But as soon as she pulls out the tent…“GA-BUNK!” The yellow tent swallows her up! As Elena stews—and thinks—astute readers will have spotted a piece of paper she seems to have missed. Is that a list of instructions? Despite her mental work, the tent is winning: “GA-BOING!” Stomping and pouting, Elena rejects her friend the little red bird’s offer to help. But when she finally follows the directions, cheered on by her avian pal, the tent goes up: “TA-DA!” Sporting a pair of pajamas, with the bird (wearing a jaunty nightcap) perched on her arm, Elena is ready to camp. Both the artwork and the minimal, deliciously onomatopoeia-laden text beautifully convey action, humor, and emotion, from Elena’s initial optimism to her slowly mounting frustration, short-lived rage, and, finally, satisfaction at a job well done. Firm outlines focus on bright indigo Elena, set against white backgrounds, giving the cheery yellow tent in all its contorted configurations maximum impact. For all their simplicity, the illustrations will reward observant readers; Elena’s an endearing yet fully realized character whose emotions ring true.
A brilliantly crafted tale in which persistence pays off. (Early reader. 4-7)Pub Date: June 17, 2025
ISBN: 9781536216424
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: March 22, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2025
Another quirky take on the series theme that it’s cool to be kind.
The cool beans again step up to do a timorous fellow legume a fava…this time at the pool.
Will a rash decision to tackle the multistory super-slide lead to another embarrassing watery fail for our shy protagonist? Nope, for up the stairs right behind comes a trio of cool beans, each a different type and color, all clad in nothing but dark shades. They make an offer: “It’s not as scary if you go with friends!” As the knobby nerd explains once the thrilling ride down is done, “They all realized that I just needed some encouragement and support.” Just to make sure that both cool and uncool readers get the message, the narrator lets us know that “there are plenty of kind folks who have my back. They’re always there when I need them.” The beany bonhomie doesn’t end at the bottom of the slide, with all gliding down to the shallow end of the pool (“3 INCHES. NO DIVING”) for a splashy finale. This latest early reader starring characters from John and Oswald’s immensely popular Food Group series will be a hit with fans. Fun accessories, such as a bean who rocks pink cat-eye frames, add some pizzazz to the chromatically and somatotypically varied cast.
Another quirky take on the series theme that it’s cool to be kind. (Easy reader. 5-7)Pub Date: March 26, 2024
ISBN: 9780063329560
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Feb. 17, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2024
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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
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