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Young, Amy
8 Reviews
(3)
K-3
It's Christmas, and to Lucy that means "lots and lots of PRESENTS!" Lucy buys gifts for her "unicorn" (read: goat) Sparkle but is hurt on Christmas morning when it seems Sparkle didn't get anything for her. Like its predecessors (A Unicorn Named Sparkle etc.), the book imparts a valuable lesson in a child-appropriate way; the cheery illustrations layer in some festive red and green.
Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith
(3)
K-3
Lucy and Sparkle the goat, whom Lucy insists is a unicorn (A Unicorn Named Sparkle), have a playdate with Lucy's friend Cole. Sparkle feels left out when Lucy and Cole play without him; then Lucy sulks when goat and boy enjoy some drum music. This picture book, with its soft, rainbow-filled illustrations, addresses a common predicament in an approachable way.
Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith
(3)
K-3
When the unicorn that Lucy ordered arrives, he is not what Lucy expected. Sparkle is ill-behaved, has fleas, eats everything--and looks remarkably like a goat. After Lucy decides to return him, however, she discovers Sparkle's endearing qualities. This is a charmingly odd picture book, with a sweet (if predictable) conclusion and lively illustrations peppered with rainbows, cupcakes, and butterflies.
Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith
(4)
K-3
A young boy wearing a red cape resents his new baby brother, but when relatives and parents exclaim the baby is so sweet they could "eat him up," Tom springs into action to protect him. The illustrations add humor to a one-note, predictable story that doesn't add much to the crowded field of new sibling books.
Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth
(4)
K-3
Because of Belinda's extra-long feet, her drama teacher, Mrs. Rhino (who really shouldn't cast stones), insists Belinda be a clumsy clown in the talent show. She is humiliated but soldiers on. Watching a ballet dancer rehearse inspires her to make the clown-act her own. Mrs. Rhino's insensitivity is over the top, but graceful Belinda's poise shines through in Young's cartoonlike illustrations.
Reviewer: Amy Kellman
(4)
K-3
Aspiring ballerina Belinda is chosen to dance the lead in Cinderella. Unfortunately, bratty Lola wants the part and tries to sabotage the production. This brisk revenge fantasy leaves Belinda's emotions offstage, creating some distance between character and reader. Her dance moves and enormous feet are captured in curve-filled art in girly colors.
Reviewer: Nell Beram
(3)
K-3
Belinda of Belinda the Ballerina fame is performing in Paris, and the city is abuzz with the news. But Belinda is worried when her ballet shoes are lost. Resourceful to the end, the dancer has her extraordinarily large feet shod bythe time of the night's performance. The art features Paris landmarks as well as ramrod-straight postured Belinda always wearing her pink tutu.
Reviewer: Hilary Breed Van Dusen
(3)
K-3
At the Annual Ballet Recital audition, Belinda is rejected before she even dances, due to her oversize feet. Working at a restaurant, she is unable to resist dancing to the band. Her performance brings in crowds--and the maestro from the Grand Metropolitan Ballet, who hires her at once. Cartoon-style drawings filled with movement and color keep the message from being too heavy-handed.
Reviewer: Amy Kellman
8 reviews
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