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In Braun's take on the merits of the familiar "slow and steady" maxim, Chug is a little train engine who's teased for his careful ways until they enable him to rescue the larger, hastier engine, Whoosh. The simple text pulls its weight well enough, but it's the cheery digital illustrations, with bold lines and pure, bright colors, that will quickly win over young train aficionados.
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Undersized Digger seeks to prove himself to the bigger, stronger trucks when they find a rock in the ground; he succeeds thanks to some encouragement from his friend, dump truck Tom. Though the story's message about friendship is too obvious, the simple black lines and pure colors of Braun's illustrations make this an ideal visual introduction to construction vehicles.
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Ocean liner Toot disdainfully rejects little tugboat Pop's assistance around the harbor. Of course, Toot's arrogance leads to an accident, and the now-humbled ship learns a lesson. The facile story sails close to condescending, but young mariners will be buoyed by Braun's cheery illustrations, which give the boats (and the waves, a lighthouse, a crane, the sun, etc.) lots of personality.
32 pp.
| Peachtree
| March, 2010
|
TradeISBN 978-1-56145-518-8$15.95
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Mouse Ed always has an excuse for getting into bed with his parents. After a few nights of this, his exhausted parents finally lay down the law and put him back in his own bed. Ed in turn reassures his stuffed animals (and himself) that there's nothing to fear. The illustrations' cool hues complement this playful yet soothing bedtime story.
32 pp.
| HarperCollins
| April, 2004
|
TradeISBN 0-06-054310-8$$12.99
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These books extol all the wonderful things that mothers and fathers do for their children: e.g., a mommy squirrel teaches her little one to climb; a daddy bear tickles his cub. Although the illustrations, on spacious double-page spreads, are warm and humorous, the texts are clearly geared toward parents, not children ("My mommy is always there for me. I love my mommy"). Review covers these titles: I Love My Daddy and I Love My Mommy.
32 pp.
| HarperCollins
| April, 2004
|
TradeISBN 0-06-054311-6$$12.99
(4)
PS
These books extol all the wonderful things that mothers and fathers do for their children: e.g., a mommy squirrel teaches her little one to climb; a daddy bear tickles his cub. Although the illustrations, on spacious double-page spreads, are warm and humorous, the texts are clearly geared toward parents, not children ("My mommy is always there for me. I love my mommy"). Review covers these titles: I Love My Daddy and I Love My Mommy.