A pop song finds new life as a simple yet heartfelt story of acceptance.
In this picture-book adaptation of R.E.M.’s song, a young fox and rabbit show the adults that everyone can be friends.
The joyous reunion of the young animals is cut short when they meet angry adult rabbits gesturing at a no-foxes sign. The duo try to convince the protesting rabbits that Fox is a friend. Fox even makes a carrot peace offering that is refused and tries unsuccessfully to amuse the protestors by riding a unicycle. Next, an adult fox, wolf, and bear show up and threaten the resident rabbits. The animals are about to come to blows when the young fox and rabbit mediate. In the end, tempers cool and everyone shares a meal and some joyful dancing. At first, the song’s lyrics match the illustrations; during the conflict, the words and art appear dramatically at odds; and, in the end, the vibrancy of the images reflects the words. The story is simple, but careful readers will note that color plays a large role—fiery reds and oranges denote conflict, while vibrant blues, purples, and pinks surround the happy folks at the end. While the song on which the book is based has somewhat dark, ironic undertones—it was released two years after the Tiananmen Square uprising, and the titular phrase was taken from Chinese propaganda posters—the illustrations match the pop feel of the melody, with an upbeat tone that will resonate with kids. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A pop song finds new life as a simple yet heartfelt story of acceptance. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Nov. 1, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-61775-851-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Akashic
Review Posted Online: Sept. 13, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2022
Halloween is used merely as a backdrop; better holiday titles for young readers are available.
A ghost learns to appreciate his differences.
The little ghost protagonist of this title is unusual. He’s a quilt, not a lightweight sheet like his parents and friends. He dislikes being different despite his mom’s reassurance that his ancestors also had unconventional appearances. Halloween makes the little ghost happy, though. He decides to watch trick-or-treaters by draping over a porch chair—but lands on a porch rail instead. A mom accompanying her daughter picks him up, wraps him around her chilly daughter, and brings him home with them! The family likes his looks and comforting warmth, and the little ghost immediately feels better about himself. As soon as he’s able to, he flies out through the chimney and muses happily that this adventure happened only due to his being a quilt. This odd but gently told story conveys the importance of self-respect and acceptance of one’s uniqueness. The delivery of this positive message has something of a heavy-handed feel and is rushed besides. It also isn’t entirely logical: The protagonist could have been a different type of covering; a blanket, for instance, might have enjoyed an identical experience. The soft, pleasing illustrations’ palette of tans, grays, white, black, some touches of color, and, occasionally, white text against black backgrounds suggest isolation, such as the ghost feels about himself. Most humans, including the trick-or-treating mom and daughter, have beige skin. (This book was reviewed digitally with 11-by-16.6-inch double-page spreads viewed at 66.2% of actual size.)
Halloween is used merely as a backdrop; better holiday titles for young readers are available. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-7352-6447-2
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Tundra Books
Review Posted Online: July 13, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2020
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
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