bookshelf

PETE AND SUZIE AND THE PARTY PENGUINS

Name: PETE AND SUZIE AND THE PARTY PENGUINS
Author: Samantha Ahearne
ISBN: 9798987414033

by Samantha Ahearne ; illustrated by Julie Sneeden ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 3, 2025

An often endearing story with a fine message.

bookshelf

In Ahearne’s picture book sequel, penguins compete against pelicans and seagulls in a yearly diving competition.

It’s Hazy Day Sports Day, and the pelicans and seagulls are in preparation mode when they stumble upon an unwelcome newspaper announcement: the Party Penguins will join this year’s diving competition. Dismayed, the other birds try to recall what they know about their challengers: “What is a penguin?…Were they better divers than pelicans or seagulls?” To their astonishment, they learn that penguins are flightless—to which they laughingly observe, “A bird that can’t fly, can’t dive!” Then Puffy, an adorable baby penguin, teeters over to meet the pelicans and seagulls and later executes an amazing dive, confronting their biases and learning that one “cannot judge a bird by looks alone.” Bright colors and sharp lines in Sneeden’s illustrations make for an engaging reading experience and carry the storyline. However, the lackluster, disconnected dialogue and an abrupt switch in setting from ocean to pool may cause confusion. Still, the book’s comments about difference, affirmation, and acceptance could be meaningful to parents, teachers, and other storytellers. Joyful illustrations bring a sense of excitement that young children will surely love.

An often endearing story with a fine message.

Pub Date: June 3, 2025

ISBN: 9798987414033

Page Count: 36

Publisher: N/A

Review Posted Online: April 23, 2025

Review Program: Kirkus Indie

Categories:

CHILDREN'S ANIMALS | CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES | CHILDREN'S GENERAL CHILDREN'S

- BOOK REVIEW
PETE AND SUZIE
by Samantha Ahearne ; illustrated by Julie Sneeden

bookshelf

WHY A DAUGHTER NEEDS A MOM

by Gregory R. Lange ; illustrated by Sydney Hanson ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 1, 2019

New parents of daughters will eat these up and perhaps pass on the lessons learned.

bookshelf

All the reasons why a daughter needs a mother.

Each spread features an adorable cartoon animal parent-child pair on the recto opposite a rhyming verse: “I’ll always support you in giving your all / in every endeavor, the big and the small, / and be there to catch you in case you should fall. / I hope you believe this is true.” A virtually identical book, Why a Daughter Needs a Dad, publishes simultaneously. Both address standing up for yourself and your values, laughing to ease troubles, being thankful, valuing friendship, persevering and dreaming big, being truthful, thinking through decisions, and being open to differences, among other topics. Though the sentiments/life lessons here and in the companion title are heartfelt and important, there are much better ways to deliver them. These books are likely to go right over children’s heads and developmental levels (especially with the rather advanced vocabulary); their parents are the more likely audience, and for them, the books provide some coaching in what kids need to hear. The two books are largely interchangeable, especially since there are so few references to mom or dad, but one spread in each book reverts to stereotype: Dad balances the two-wheeler, and mom helps with clothing and hair styles. Since the books are separate, it aids in customization for many families.

New parents of daughters will eat these up and perhaps pass on the lessons learned. (Picture book. 4-8, adult)

Pub Date: May 1, 2019

ISBN: 978-1-4926-6781-0

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky

Review Posted Online: March 16, 2019

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2019

Categories:

CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES | CHILDREN'S FAMILY | CHILDREN'S HOLIDAYS & CELEBRATIONS

bookshelf

THE COOL BEAN MAKES A SPLASH

From the I Can Read! series

by Jory John ; illustrated by Pete Oswald ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 26, 2024

Another quirky take on the series theme that it’s cool to be kind.

bookshelf

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)