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Kulka, Joe
4 Reviews
(3)
K-3
An unseen narrator insists that, like chameleons, ostriches are "experts at blending into their surroundings." Refuting this are illustrations showing an ostrich overtaking a birdbath ("Hard to find, right?"), plainly visible under a lampshade ("An ostrich could be in your house right now, and you would never know it"), and otherwise supplying visual evidence that this book is agreeably silly.
Reviewer: Nell Beram
(4)
K-3
The Coal Man has been saving up to move to a tropical island. Unfortunately, Santa has bad news: he no longer needs the Coal Man's services ("The whole coal-in-the-stocking thing just isn't working"). This is an inspired elaboration on an overlooked aspect of the Christmas mythology, and everybody celebrates in the end. Too bad the art can be off-puttingly foreboding.
Reviewer: Nell Beram
(4)
K-3
Dinosaurs aren't extinct; they've just been off visiting other planets. Now they're back, sporting vacation duds incongruous with their menacing looks, and trying to settle in to earthbound routines: lawn care, laundry, and shopping for school supplies. Though the verses can be ill-metered, the combination of kid-friendly themes (dinosaurs, space travel, humor) may inspire giggles.
Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden
(4)
K-3
Pa, Ma, and Junior discover a rope hanging from the sky above their farm. They follow the rope's directions ("Pull for more") and take turns making wishes, with disappointing--to say the least--results. It's a funny little tale with an understated you-get-what-you-pay-for message, but the book's quality is diminished by its less accomplished, cartoony illustrations.
Reviewer: Nell Beram
4 reviews
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