Thank you for visiting.
This content is exclusive to subscribers only.
As a digital subscriber, you’ll receive unlimited access to Horn Book web exclusives and extensive archives, as well as access to our highly searchable Guide/Reviews Database.
To access other site content, visit The Horn Book homepage.
Log In
Don't have a Horn Book Account?
Register Now
Register Now
Bell, Cece
11 Reviews
(2)
K-3
This book for emerging readers offers a subversive lesson in manners and a silly but perilous adventure. Panels and word bubbles provide comedic timing while parsing the text into digestible parts, which thoughtfully assists children new to both independent reading and the comics form. Bold outlines and exaggerated features in the illustrations accentuate the playful absurdity of the narrative in this four-chapter comedy of errors.
Reviewer: Grace McKinney
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
September, 2019
(2)
K-3
A woodchuck at school for show-and-tell brings together a shy first grader named Chuck and his classmate Caroline. Caroline describes the ways Woodchuck goes out of his way to get her attention on Chuck's behalf. Chuck eventually finds his voice, in a sweet and satisfying way, and a three-way friendship is formed. Clear, unfussy ink and digital pictures illustrate the humorously fantastical story.
Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
March, 2016
(3)
K-3
In the follow-up to Geisel Honor book Rabbit & Robot: The Sleepover, Rabbit shows up at Robot's house, but Robot has another friend there. Can Rabbit overcome his jealousy of Robot and (frog) Ribbit's friendship? Alliterative wordplay adds another amusing level to Bell's endearing story about a duo becoming a trio. Full-color digital illustrations give new readers plot clues.
Reviewer: Kari Allen
(1)
K-3
"I yam a donkey," declares a donkey. The grammar police arrive in the form of a yam. "The proper way to say that is 'I am a donkey.'" Thus begins a "who's-on-first?" type routine ("You is a donkey, too?") between dopey donkey and increasingly indignant yam. Bell's illustrations mix things up visually; the kid-pleasingly silly wordplay has a whiff of sophistication.
Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
May, 2015
(1)
4-6
At age four Bell contracted meningitis, leaving her deaf. This graphic-novel memoir relates how she adapted to deafness, others' attitudes toward it, and to a cumbersome assistive device. At the heart of her story is an experience relevant to most children: finding the "True Friend," a falling out, a reunion. Bell combines humor and charm (her characters are anthropomorphized bunnies) with emotional complexity.
Reviewer: Deirdre F. Baker
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
November, 2014
(3)
K-3
Who knows how the orderly, methodical rabbit and the more spontaneous, cell-phone-shaped robot ever became friends, but their bond is tested over a slumber party in four entertaining, easy-to-read chapters. Picture clues creatively support new readers, and the clean design, including both spot art and full-page images, will help keep their attention. This is a lively, memorable affirmation of opposites-attract friendship.
Reviewer: Julie Roach
(3)
K-3
A story for anyone who has ever felt a little too...little. Itty Bitty, a very tiny dog, finds an enormous bone and decides to burrow into it. However, making a home is no small task, especially for someone so teeny. Bell's acrylic and ink illustrations are bright and dynamic, reinforcing Itty Bitty's optimism and can-do attitude.
Reviewer: Hannah Rodgers Barnaby
(3)
K-3
An enormous bee named Jerry unintentionally terrifies everyone he meets. After donning a wig that makes him look human, he wins over the town. There's an added surprise when it's revealed that the wig is actually a guinea pig. The cleanly composed digitally combined ink and acrylic illustrations, which are as goofy as the story line, reinforce Jerry's lovability.
Reviewer: Sethany Rancier Alongi
(4)
K-3
Sock Monkey lands the lead role in a cowboy film and turns to his friends for help. Bright digital illustrations show him learning to yodel, ride bareback, and throw a lasso, but he gets cold feet about kissing the leading lady. The too-cool movie lingo will go over kids' heads, but the "kiss a girl" conundrum will make them laugh.
Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo
(4)
K-3
With all his friends out of town, Sock Monkey is left without a dance partner for the Big Celebrity Dance. After auditions fail to produce the perfect dance partner ("Too tall! Too small! Too dizzy! Too busy!"), Sock Monkey builds one out of the souvenirs sent from his friends. The story is simple and upbeat, but the digital illustrations are flat.
Reviewer: Mark Adam
(4)
K-3
In order to go to the Oswald Awards, Sock Monkey needs a bath. Toy friends Miss Bunn, Froggie, and Blue Pig all help Sock Monkey overcome his fear of cleanliness, and he even wins a special "cleanest nominee" award. The digitally created art lacks warmth, but the flippant story line should engage readers.
Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam
11 reviews
We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing.