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Butler, John
8 Reviews
(4)
PS
In this latest "Over in the Meadow" takeoff, mothers prepare their baby animals, from one little rhino to ten tiny elephants, for bed. Repetition of soothing words--hush, settle, snuggle--supports the soft-hued, idealized illustrations in which the smiling creatures look furry enough to touch. It's all a little cutesy but serves its purpose.
Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan
(4)
K-3
I Wonder Why series.
These books present information about the traits of a variety of pets including fish, cats, dogs, hamsters, and farm animals, all shown in realistic pastel-hued illustrations. Lift-the-flap half pages reveal pet questions and answers, many of which are vague and/or random. Each volume provides a very general overview for animal lovers. Ind. Review covers these I Wonder Why titles: Farm Animals and Pets.
Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz
(4)
PS
This gentle bedtime story asks young listeners to mimic the sounds of animals, including a bear, dolphin, elephant, and wolf. By the final page "everyone is quiet" and it's time to "fall fast asleep." Fuzzy acrylic and colored-pencil paintings of each smiling animal in its habitat complement the text and cultivate the soothing mood.
Reviewer: Beth L. Meister
(4)
PS
Ten forest animals play hide-and-seek. One by one, Bear finds their hiding spots until only Mousey remains hidden. Young listeners will enjoy hearing the gentle, repetitive rhythm and trying to spot the hidden critters in the soft, fuzzy, pastel-hued illustrations. The whole package, however, may be too sentimental and saccharine for some.
Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty
(4)
PS
Each right-hand page asks "Whose nose and toes?" alongside an illustration of a baby animal's proboscis and foot in profile; the following left-hand page answers the question ("They are tiger's nose and toes") and provides a complete image of the cuddly looking critter. The book ends abruptly after we meet an elephant, but the youngest of lap-sitters probably won't mind.
Reviewer: Nell Beram
(4)
PS
Butler asks the young listener to copy a variety of animal actions such as "swing like a monkey" and "wink like an owl." Although toddlers will love the invitation to get physically involved in the story, some of the actions, such as "splash like an otter" and "hide in a tree" are difficult for a toddler to imitate while listening to this bedtime story. The soft, close-up illustrations, without much background, bring the reader right into the scene.
Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth
(3)
K-3
Exquisite pastel drawings are the main feature of this gentle, realistic story about a panda's first year. When young Pi-shu ventures away from his mother, he discovers men cutting down trees, so he and his mother trek over the mountains to a wilder area. Both animals and setting are accurate and immensely appealing. Panda facts appear at the end of the book.
Reviewer: Lolly Robinson
(3)
PS
Under each winsome illustration of a young animal is the question, "Whose baby am I?" Turn the page, and the baby is identified and shown with a parent. Nine animals, including a koala, panda, and penguin, are introduced. The final page shows the words for the baby animals such as foal, joey, and cub. This toddler-friendly book is printed on heavy-coated paper.
Reviewer: Patricia Riley
8 reviews
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