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32 pp.
| Pajama
| April, 2024
|
TradeISBN 9781772783216$18.95
(3)
K-3
This picture book amusingly frames a simple errand (delivering a package) as an “expedition,” with dramatic voiceover-esque narration (“This is their story”) providing humor through its completely serious delivery. The cartoonish illustrations make varied use of the spreads as the expedition encounters obstacles (a hurt toe; an “ambush” by an adult, or “senior officer”). Sure to provide great fun as a deadpan read-aloud.
32 pp.
| Kane/Miller
| March, 2015
|
TradeISBN 978-1-61067-347-1$11.99
(2)
K-3
On her first day at a new school, Jessica (who happens to use a wheelchair) brings a teddy bear in a box, and the other kids laugh (or walk away). By the fourth day, discouraged Jessica puts the box over her head--and becomes friends with a boy who thinks she's playing around. A straightforward story and simple mixed-media illustrations are strengths of this Australian import.
Reviewer: Sam Bloom
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
May, 2015
32 pp.
| Kane/Miller
| October, 2015
|
TradeISBN 978-1-61067-458-4$11.99
(3)
K-3
Each time Whale complains (e.g., "It's my bike...It's all wet"), Penguin has the answer ("You can use my towel"). It makes no sense--the "bike" is clearly a shopping cart, and it's underwater, so of course it's wet--but no matter: the subtly sold point is that a friend makes everything better. The collage-style art indulges the story's straight-faced silliness.
32 pp.
| Kane/Miller
| September, 2014
|
TradeISBN 978-1-61067-245-0$11.99
(3)
K-3
"One quiet morning, a small boy landed on the page." There he plants a tree, falls in love, etc. Still, he ultimately tries jumping off, "only to tumble straight back" onto a scene full of the people who love him--"At last...he knew why he was here." This existential meditation works because the illustrations are lighthearted and the philosophizing light-handed.
32 pp.
| Kane/Miller
| September, 2013
|
TradeISBN 978-1-61067-145-3$11.99
(3)
K-3
Angus and Lucy's family don't own a television, car, or house, but their trailer is teeming with books. When the books overtake the home, they must go. The newly uncluttered space means "a lot more space between them all," until a library book lovingly reunites them. Quiet illustrations with generous white space complement this gentle tribute to family reading and libraries.