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Biedrzycki, David
9 Reviews
(3)
K-3
In Biedrzycki's third tongue-in-cheek Breaking News picture book, local animals are beamed up to a UFO. TV reporter Chad Newsworthy provides live coverage of the event, complete with eyewitness interviews and a news ticker across the bottom of the dramatic digital illustrations. When the animals return to Earth--"with goody bags?!"--readers learn "we are not the only party animals in the universe!"
Reviewer: Martha Sibert
(3)
K-3
In this second entertaining television-newscast spoof (Breaking News: Bear Alert), the stories of a lost bear cub, his anxiously searching parents, and at-large thieves all converge at a carnival, where the bears inadvertently foil the thieves' pickpocketing scheme. The clever narrative unfolds in speech bubbles, a news ticker, and dynamically composed clue- and joke-filled illustrations that put readers one step ahead of the reporters.
Reviewer: Martha Sibert
(3)
K-3
As a child, Phil the groundhog was always in sync with his shadow. But when Phil grows up, Shadow's annoying antics drive the two apart. When Shadow steals away to exotic lands, Phil realizes how dull his life is now and searches far and wide for his companion. The humorous Photoshop art includes clever details in a mix of full pages, spreads, and paneled sections.
Reviewer: Nancy Sheridan
(3)
K-3
The narrator and his fire-breathing pet dragon do funny, dragon-appropriate odd jobs (such as snow-melting) to earn money to buy Christmas presents. In the heart-warming ending, they decide to use the money to help a needy family. The bold digital illustrations capably extend the text, revealing, for example, that Dragon knows more about the spirit of giving than the narrator suspects.
Reviewer: Martha Sibert
(3)
K-3
The host of TV's Our Furry Planet broadcasts live from inside a hibernating bears' den. Chaos ensues when the bears set chase in the action-packed story told via breaking-news programming. Arresting digital illustrations convey the bears' escapades, including a foiled bank robbery. Humorous images and references to classic characters (e.g., Pooh and Paddington) abound.
Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty
(3)
K-3
A boy and his dragon (Hameer and Sparky from Me and My Dragon) "enjoy the same stuff--except for trick-or-treating." The boy loves Halloween, but the dragon is downright terrified. Biedrzycki's text and illustrations are balanced with sneaky jokes hidden throughout. His illustrations are colorful and vibrant, and his dragon is so expressive, you can't help but laugh out loud.
Reviewer: Sian Gaetano
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
September, 2013
(4)
K-3
Over the arduous toy-delivering aspect of his job, Santa and the missus head for resort-like Mistletoe Island. He's ready to declare it his permanent home when he learns that his elves are shirking their duties. The story has a certain obviousness, but the premise and the art showing Santa doing predictably incongruous things (e.g., surfing with his reindeer) are both amusing.
Reviewer: Nell Beram
(3)
K-3
A broken old sleigh and out-of-shape reindeer prompt an elf to create the Super Santa Sleigh 3000 Jet. Its speed and strength show promise, but the onboard computer proves unreliable, leading Santa to call for a reindeer rescue. Glossy digital cartoons play up the humor in this modern Christmas tale.
Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan
(4)
K-3
In a familiar scenario, a boy shares how he would care for a dragon ("I'd take him for a walk every day"), what they'd do together ("We could clear neighbors' driveways in the winter"), and unexpected benefits ("you don't need to worry about bullies"). The text effectively plays straight man to Biedrzycki's humorous but synthetic-looking digital illustrations.
Reviewer: Pearl Higgins
9 reviews
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