http://www.slj.com The world's largest reviewer of books, multimedia, and technology for children and teens Thu, 19 Sep 2013 01:52:26 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.2 http://www.slj.com/2013/07/books-media/reviews/pick-of-the-day/pick-of-the-day-if-you-want-to-see-a-whale/ http://www.slj.com/2013/07/books-media/reviews/pick-of-the-day/pick-of-the-day-if-you-want-to-see-a-whale/#comments Mon, 01 Jul 2013 09:00:41 +0000 SLJ http://www.slj.com/?p=50526 FOGLIANO, Julie. If You Want to See a Whale. illus. by Erin E. Stead. 32p. Roaring Brook/Neal Porter. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-731-9. LC 2012012988.
PreS-Gr 2–A poetic text advises children what to do (and not do) if they want to see a whale, as the illustrations show a boy, a dog, and a bird trying out the actions suggested: “…if you want to see a whale,/you will need a not-so-comfy chair/and a not-so-cozy blanket/because sleeping eyes can’t watch for whales…” and “…if you want to see a whale/you shouldn’t watch the clouds/…because if you start to look straight up/you might just miss a whale.” An imaginative effort, the book uses linoleum printing techniques and pencil for the softly colored illustrations. It is also designed with a great deal of white space, which deftly evokes the mystery and vastness of the sea. A unique and lovely offering that will appeal to sensitive and patient children.–Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA

 

 

]]> http://www.slj.com/2013/07/books-media/reviews/pick-of-the-day/pick-of-the-day-if-you-want-to-see-a-whale/feed/ 0 http://www.slj.com/2013/02/books-media/reviews/pick-of-the-day/pick-of-the-day-bunnies-on-ice-2/ http://www.slj.com/2013/02/books-media/reviews/pick-of-the-day/pick-of-the-day-bunnies-on-ice-2/#comments Mon, 11 Feb 2013 14:00:05 +0000 SLJ http://www.slj.com/?p=31134 WRIGHT, Joanna. Bunnies on Ice. illus. by author. 32p. Roaring Brook/Neal Porter. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-404-2. LC 2012001187. PreS-Gr 1–This budding champion (a white snow bunny) loves to ice skate so much that she patiently waits for perfect conditions.  When the other bunnies are doing summer things, she is planning what she will do when the snow falls. She proceeds to wait through the fall as she dresses her scarecrow with a pair of skates. Then when the snow [...]]]> WRIGHT, Joanna. Bunnies on Ice. illus. by author. 32p. Roaring Brook/Neal Porter. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-404-2. LC 2012001187.
PreS-Gr 1–This budding champion (a white snow bunny) loves to ice skate so much that she patiently waits for perfect conditions.  When the other bunnies are doing summer things, she is planning what she will do when the snow falls. She proceeds to wait through the fall as she dresses her scarecrow with a pair of skates. Then when the snow arrives and the conditions seem right, she heads for the ice with her family as her support team. She boasts about all the maneuvers she hasn’t quite perfected yet, all while proclaiming her champion status. After a rigorous workout of not-so-perfect figure eights and leaps, she rewards herself with après skate indulgences, including hot chocolate, toasted marshmallows, and a warm bath. After her busy day, this little bunny goes to bed, ready to try again tomorrow. Wright has created a charming and determined character. The youngster’s fortitude and enthusiasm are admirable even if she isn’t as accomplished as she makes out to be. The dark-outlined illustrations are painted in soft hues. This sweet story about a bunny who is determined to follow her dream is a great addition.–Diane Antezzo, Ridgefield Library, CT

]]> http://www.slj.com/2013/02/books-media/reviews/pick-of-the-day/pick-of-the-day-bunnies-on-ice-2/feed/ 0