Lessons in what not to do, whimsically delivered by a crew of characters still figuring it out for themselves.
Daywalt and Jeffers’ crayons get schooled in etiquette.
Our stubby, waxy friends have learned many lessons over the years, but they still might need some practice when it comes to manners. Daywalt sets up the framework with a comically exaggerated statement at the start: “Duncan’s crayons are perfect little angels, who never, ever misbehave and always use their manners. Always, always, always.” Several crayons pose nearby, smiling and hugging, but readers will notice the black crayon making the bunny ears gesture behind the blue crayon—a hint that these characters might not be as angelic as described. The pages that follow each highlight one polite expectation, while the illustrations depict a conflicting behavior. When Daywalt asserts, “They always say ‘please,’” Jeffers’ accompanying image shows the yellow crayon simply shouting, “Gimme!” And when we’re told that the crayons “always share,” the illustration shows the red crayon surrounded by toys while another looks on forlornly. The creators mine humor from bodily functions: “And they never toot at their brother. “ (The blue crayon’s response to the puff of gas? “C’mon man, seriously? Dude. WHY?”) All is forgiven in the end, though, when they realize they aren’t perfect; what matters is apologizing for their missteps—sound advice. Once more, Daywalt relies on archly funny narration, with Jeffers contributing minimalist depictions of his winsome cast in action.
Lessons in what not to do, whimsically delivered by a crew of characters still figuring it out for themselves. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: May 19, 2026
ISBN: 9780593694909
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Philomel
Review Posted Online: Feb. 16, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2026
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A good choice for offering comfort and support to a budding perfectionist.
Can anyone be perfect?
Beatrice Bottomwell always does everything right. “Most people in town didn’t even know Beatrice’s name. They just called her ‘The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes,’ because for as long as anyone could remember, she never did.” One Thursday though, she almost does something wrong (she drops some eggs while cooking at school but catches them just in time). Straightforward text describes Beatrice’s predicament as, unnerved, she ponders her almost-error and begins to worry. What if she really does do something wrong? Brightly colored watercolors and gentle humor combine to portray Beatrice’s eventful day, her growing fear and her sprightly pet hamster. During a school talent show, Beatrice finally makes a real mistake—in front of everyone. How will she cope? Learning how to relax enough to laugh and simply be herself just might do the trick. While the plot is predictable and the solution to the problem fairly pat, this is a well-intentioned story, full of acceptance and goodwill. It will be especially useful in a therapeutic setting; it may be a real comfort to a child who is afraid of making mistakes, while children dealing with similar issues will also find reassurance here.
A good choice for offering comfort and support to a budding perfectionist. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Oct. 4, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4022-5544-1
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Review Posted Online: Sept. 13, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2011
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Too cute to be spooky indeed but most certainly sweet.
A ghost longs to be scary, but none of the creepy personas she tries on fit.
Misty, a feline ghost with big green eyes and long whiskers, wants to be the frightening presence that her haunted house calls for, but sadly, she’s “too cute to be spooky.” She dons toilet paper to resemble a mummy, attempts to fly on a broom like a witch, and howls at the moon like a werewolf. Nothing works. She heads to a Halloween party dressed reluctantly as herself. When she arrives, her friends’ joyful screams reassure her that she’s great just as she is. Sadler’s message, though a familiar one, is delivered effectively in a charming, ghostly package. Misty truly is too precious to be frightening. Laberis depicts an endearingly spooky, all-animal cast—a frog witch, for instance, and a crocodilian mummy. Misty’s sidekick, a cheery little bat who lends support throughout, might be even more adorable than she is. Though Misty’s haunted house is filled with cobwebs and surrounded by jagged, leafless trees, the charming characters keep things from ever getting too frightening. The images will encourage lingering looks. Clearly, there’s plenty that makes Misty special just as she is—a takeaway that adults sharing the book with their little ones should be sure to drive home.
Too cute to be spooky indeed but most certainly sweet. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Aug. 13, 2024
ISBN: 9780593702901
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: May 17, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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