These named body parts belong to a figure that isn’t wholly visible until the book’s end, provoking readers to search them out in the detailed images. It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s Big Bunny!Ĭontrolled, repetitive text invites children to read short sentences directing them to find “a foot…a hand…a tail,” and so on. These reindeer games are a bit tired but, given the series’ popularity, should have a large, ready-made audience. A sprinkling of “True Facts About Reindeer” (“They live in the tundra, where they have friends like the arctic bunny”) wrap up this celebration of the predatory spirit. Infused with pop culture–based Christmas cheer (“Now I’ve already seen the shelf with the elf”), Comet prances past the traps until it’s time to gather up the kids, most of whom look terrified, for a group snapshot with the other reindeer and then climb back into harness: “This was a great stop but a few million to go / Christmas Eve must continue with style!” Though festive, the verse feels trite and unlikely to entice youngsters. 'About this title' may belong to another edition of this title.Having already failed to nab a Halloween witch, the Easter Bunny, a turkey, a leprechaun, the Tooth Fairy, and over a dozen other iconic trophies in previous episodes of this bestselling series, one would think the racially diverse gaggle of children in Elkerton’s moonlit, wintry scenes would be flagging…but no, here they lay out snares ranging from a loop of garland to an igloo baited with reindeer moss to an enticing candy cane maze, all in hopes of snagging one of Santa’s reindeer while he’s busy delivering presents. Malvagno, Queens Borough Public Library, NYĬopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. Welcome additions to beginning-reader collections.

All of the offerings promote positive messages about family, values, togetherness, traditions, and peaceful solutions. The narratives flow smoothly and are written in an age-appropriate manner. King tells how a third-grader becomes involved in the civil rights movement. Shop Talk describes a visit to the barbershop, Sunday Best is about a family's time spent together on the weekend, Tyrones focuses on a new school year, and Dr. All of the tales are told through the eyes of a child, giving readers an immediate connection to the stories. The colorful artwork reflects the mood of each title and depicts the action described in the texts. A 'Dear Family' letter at the beginning of each book offers tips for reading enjoyment for children and parents, and the back matter supplies ideas for expanding the experience. Kindergarten-Grade 3 - These titles that celebrate African-American heritage are eye-catching and welcoming.

Just For You! by Juwanda G. Ford