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32 pp.
| Random
| February, 2017
|
TradeISBN 978-0-553-53744-4$17.99
|
LibraryISBN 978-0-553-53745-1$20.99
|
EbookISBN 978-0-553-53746-8
(3)
K-3
A solitary kitten is rescued, taken to a shelter, and adopted by a loving family. Lyrical text with the refrain "day by day" chronicles his journey. Slowly "Swan" settles in, concluding that "each day [is] perfect." Realistic watercolor illustrations contrast the kitten's life on the dangerous, colorless streets with the growing cat's safe, warm new home; Swan's movement and expressions are authentically, irresistibly feline.
32 pp.
| Little
| September, 2015
|
TradeISBN 978-0-316-07017-1$17.00
(2)
K-3
With a setting that suggests early-twentieth-century northern Europe or North America and an unadorned text adapted from Manheim's 1977 translation of the Grimms' tale, this handsome edition will suit readers looking for a traditional rendition that strikes just the right balance between scary and not-too. That deep green forest is mysterious but inviting, and the witch's house looks delicious.
Reviewer: Roger Sutton
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
November, 2015
32 pp.
| Little
| April, 2012
|
TradeISBN 978-0-316-20334-0$16.99
(3)
K-3
This nearly wordless picture book--set up, through introductory and concluding letters, as a book a grandmother has made for her granddaughter--chronicles the life (and several near-deaths) of Gem, a toad living near a country farmhouse. Hobbie's gentle, elegant pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations end with a curious farm girl capturing but happily releasing Gem back into his garden home.
32 pp.
| Little
| October, 2010
|
TradeISBN 978-0-316-07019-5$16.99
(4)
K-3
The author's childhood reminiscences of moving to a farm, and her dreams of owning a horse to fill the empty barn, are undercut by a bait-and-switch ending that will puzzle readers (the hoped-for birthday present turns out to be a bicycle). However, dynamic watercolor and pen-and-ink illustrations in a muted country palette ably capture the narrator's impetuousness and the beauty of rural life.
40 pp.
| Little
| September, 2009
|
TradeISBN 978-0-316-16688-1$16.99
(4)
K-3
In this sequel to Fanny, the eponymous girl creates a picture book about her beloved doll Annabelle. Hobbie's art is satisfying, especially when she takes on her young protagonist's writing and drawing project. However, the parallel story lines are confusing and contrived with art imitating life and vice versa.
32 pp.
| Little
| September, 2008
|
TradeISBN 978-0-316-16687-4$16.99
(3)
K-3
Fanny makes her own doll when her mother refuses to get her a "Connie" doll (read: Barbie). Annabelle is soft and lovable, but Fanny's best friends, both of whom have Connies, are not impressed. Fanny's plight will be recognizable to many readers; her relationship with Annabelle is sweetly portrayed. The pink-heavy illustrations are lively and expressive.
32 pp.
| Little
| October, 2007
|
TradeISBN 978-0-316-16686-7$16.99
(2)
K-3
Though Toot and Puddle struggle with what to get each other, Christmas Day finds the friends thrilled with their respective gifts. Cousin Opal, who suggested Toot and Puddle give each other dolls (a fine choice for her, not them), isn't too surprised by her own present--she's one clever little pig. Hobbie infuses her story with cozy language and homey settings.
32 pp.
| Little
| September, 2006
|
TradeISBN 0-316-36664-1$16.99
(3)
K-3
Opal shares with fellow pigs Toot and Puddle the trouble she's having with a new girl in class who copies everything she does and gets credit for her ideas. In this book about dealing with copycats, the writing and art are gently humorous and tenderly particular.
32 pp.
| Little
| September, 2004
|
TradeISBN 0-316-36636-6$16.99
(3)
K-3
In the latest Toot and Puddle book, the two pig friends receive a visit from Opal and her talented friend Daphne, who's "a bit of a prima donna." Daphne seems to be "better at everything," but, not surprisingly, Opal soon discovers otherwise. The watercolors for this comforting tale offer an engaging portrait of the pigs, their cozy home, and the autumn woods.
32 pp.
| Little
| September, 2003
|
TradeISBN 0-316-36633-1$$15.95
(3)
K-3
Puddle's young cousin Opal loses a tooth while visiting Toot and Puddle's house. To make sure Opal receives the coin she expects from the Tooth Fairy, the two pig friends are prepared to do whatever it takes, including impersonating the fairy. The seventh story starring Toot and Puddle is low-key but inviting, and Hobbie's watercolor illustrations are as charming as ever.
32 pp.
| Little
| September, 2002
|
TradeISBN 0-316-36513-0$$15.95
(4)
K-3
When Toot doesn't come back from his morning walk, his friend Puddle goes looking for him and ends up in France, where Toot has traveled because he "had a whim." Following another whim, the pigs go mountain-climbing in Nepal before returning home. While this genial story has a couple of abrupt transitions, Hobbie's watercolors skillfully portray the pigs and the multiple settings.
32 pp.
| Little
| October, 2001
|
TradeISBN 0-316-36623-4$$15.95
(3)
K-3
During a blizzard, Toot struggles to get home to the United States after visiting Scotland, while his friend Puddle gets their house ready for Christmas. Thanks (possibly) to the lucky nut given to him in Scotland by his great-great-aunt and to a mysterious stranger in a sleigh, Toot finally arrives on Christmas Eve. In this amiable fifth book about the two pigs, Hobbie's expert watercolors alternate between snowy scenes and warm interiors.
48 pp.
| Little
| September, 2000
|
TradeISBN 0-316-36593-9$$14.95
(3)
PS
To help Otto the turtle learn how to write his name, Puddle paints a picture for each letter of the alphabet, depicting subjects such as "Ant alone with apple" and "Ballerina blowing bubbles." The watercolors for this fourth Toot and Puddle book are attractive, and the framing story, in which Otto discovers that "OTTO is TOOT spelled inside out," adds to the enjoyment.
32 pp.
| Little
| September, 1999
|
TradeISBN 0-316-36562-9$$14.95
(3)
PS
In the third story about pig pals Toot and Puddle, loyal Puddle and Tulip the parrot try to snap Toot out of a mope. Nothing cheers him up, not five-berry cobbler, not a river-rafting adventure, not a visit from friends. When clouds as gray as Toot's mood darken a summer day, the storm clears the air and Toot's gloom. Watercolor pictures imbued with gentle humor perfectly capture the tenor of the tale.