1001 stories 1-929132-92-1 Publisher's Weekly

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Thinking Mother (April 25, 2006):

This children’s picture book is set in France, where it was originally published. Lovely color drawings accompany this lovely story. The story is about a domestic farm pig that is kept by a chef of a hotel with hopes of acting as a truffle hunter, to supply the hotel chef with truffles to turn into gourmet food for the restaurant’s customers. The problem is that no one has taught this farm pig how to hunt truffles, or even what a truffle is, for that matter. This book was published in English in America by Kane/Miller Publishers. One of their goals is to publish books which have a good story but also that have a deeper meaning. This book meets that goal. On the surface the story appears to be one thing, but parents and teachers can use this book to discuss much larger topics with children. This book reminds me of the type of books that are used in the “Five in a Row” series of literature based unit studies for elementary school aged children. For parents and teachers, the book can be used as a jumping off point to learn about character, respect, how to treat others, classism, stereotypes, and even a little about truffles and maybe even a little about French cuisine and France. The chef is angry with his pig for she is ignorant about hunting truffles. The chef calls her names and is mean to the pig, abandoning her in the woods as punishment for not being able to find truffles on his command. Martine the Pig then meets Raoul the Wild Boar. Raoul teaches Martine what a truffle is and to enjoy eating the delicacy and how to hunt for truffles. Martine looks down upon Raoul for looking and acting as a boar in the wild rather than acting as a domestic pig kept in a sty in town. There are many opportunities to discuss issues such as bullying, teasing, tolerance, being judgmental, judging by appearances, and respect for the differences in others. The fact that each person (or creature) has unique gifts and talents is something that can be gleaned from this book. Love, friendship and companionship are also touched upon. How the lack of communication can result from false perceptions is clearly seen (by adult readers). When Martine the Pig reunites with the Chef, she displays pride and boasts to the chef to show how she did learn to find truffles. Cesar the Chef is happy when she finds loads of truffles. Selfishness and greed is displayed when Cesar never offers or allows Martine to eat a single truffle. As Martine looks upon the restaurant diners enjoying the truffles she worked so hard to find, she feels left out and lonely (and maybe even used and exploited). Martine’s feelings are hurt, something perhaps even a young child will notice and relate to, without and adult having to point it out. Then Martine runs away from the hotel to return to Raoul and the forest. Later we see Martine living happy and free in the forest, with piglets trailing behind her. This story could also be viewed by adults, at least, that living a simple life can be very rewarding or more rewarding than living the ‘fast paced city life’. References to Martine being slow to learn could be good for a child to hear, if the child is being labeled as slow or developmentally delayed or is having problems in school or trouble learning. As the book wraps up, it states that Martine plans to teach her children to hunt for truffles when they are older and she will be gentle with them if they are slow to learn. She says she will tell them, “It doesn’t always pay to be smart” she says, and then she will tell of the day she was dumped in the woods (and of all the good that came from it). As you can see there are many different things that can be discussed with a child after reading this story: sins, morals, values, and character traits. When I read this book to my children they enjoyed it on a basic, superficial level as just a very good story, then we discussed the deeper themes. It seemed to me that my children understood and could relate to the important issues addressed in this book, without them being so heavy that the story itself is unable to be enjoyed.

UNIQUE MONIQUE

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School Library Journal (November 1, 2003):

This is an engaging story about a girl who wants to be different. Monique attends a school where the uniforms are brown and blue, "the ugliest colors and the ugliest clothes she had ever seen." When she tries to improve the look through accessories that she finds in her attic, the other students are thrilled and follow her example, but the stern principal keeps banning each alteration. Finally, the protagonist discovers a way to be truly unique, while still following all of the rules. The simple text moves at a quick pace. Papanikolaou's dynamic illustrations are exciting and filled with action, and her round-eyed, large-headed characters are truly endearing, with the irrepressible and irresistible Monique leading the pack.

Hornbook Guide to Children (Thursday, January 1, 2004):

Bored with her school uniform, Monique raids her mother's old trunk in the attic and tries out a variety of accessories, all of which inspire peer imitation but teacher outrage. The story has snap and the illustrations of plucky Monique are adorable, but when she's finally distinguished by something to which the faculty can't object--braces--Rousaki backs away from the important issue she raises about challenging pointless rules.

WASH YOUR HANDS!

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School Library Journal (March 1, 2001):

The Little Princess is constantly being reminded to wash her hands-after playing outside, frolicking with the dog, using the potty, and sneezing. After questioning why, she is told that germs and nasties can get in her food and make her sick. She accepts the reasoning graciously and washes her hands before having cake. Ross uses lighthearted text and funny, expressive cartoons to emphasize the importance of good hygiene. Without being didactic, he shows the benefits of clean hands-and the downside of the opposite. Colorful germs and nasties enhance the pages without scaring young children. Useful and entertaining.

Hornbook Guide to Children (January 1, 2001):

A princess is told to wash her hands after playing in the mud, after playing with the dog, after using the potty, and after sneezing; and each time she demands to know why. Her maid tells her that if she doesn't, "germs and nasties" will make her sick. This purposeful British import sounds condescending at times, but Ross's amusing, flyaway illustrations will appeal to readers' less-refined sensibilities.

Children’s Bookwatch (September 2005):

Clever, entertaining, and "kid friendly", "The Little Princess" series is ideal for family, preschool, daycare, nursery school, kindergarten, and community library collections.

WELCOME WITH LOVE

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Publishers Weekly (Monday, March 20, 2000):

Jack and his family welcome a baby boy in this tranquil description of a seamless home birth, from an Australian team. "Mum's got pains in her tummy and that means her baby is ready to be born," announces the boy narrator. Overend makes the baby's arrival a family affair and carefully describes the events from a child's perspective. When Mum takes a walk outdoors alone in the whistling wind to "help the baby along," for instance, Jack thinks, "If I was a baby listening to that wind, I'd want to stay inside Mum, floating in the warm water." The woman's walk and subsequent indoor pacing works, however, and she finally gives birth in a standing position, fully undressed, supported by her husband as her children and sister look on, and a midwife guides the infant out. In a placid concluding tableau, the older siblings curl up in sleeping bags before the fire, alongside their parents and the newborn. Vivas' softly focused pencil illustrations capture the serenity of the delivery, as well as Jack's awe--and slight apprehension--at the arrival of his new brother. Though the natural childbirth scenario may not be typical of most youngsters' experience, those awaiting the birth of a new sibling may well take comfort in the book's smooth introduction of the stages leading up to labor as well as its soothing tone and images.

School Library Journal (Saturday, April 1, 2000):

A refreshing book that dares to show and tell it like it is. "Mum's got pains in her tummy and that means her baby is ready to be born." So Jack, his two older sisters, Dad, Anna the midwife, and Mum's sister get ready. The baby's clothes are laid out, the "special microphone" and an oxygen tank are unpacked, and a giant bed is set up by the fire. Readers are then presented with the routines and realities of a home birth. This book is bold and sensitive, tasteful and sweet. There is no shielding from reality. Mum yells and screams and leans on Dad. Jack, from whose point of view the story is told, is anxious and unsure of what to expect. When the baby is born, there are several startling and yet beautiful images: the baby's head emerging from between Mum's standing legs, the baby boy dangling upside down on the page with his umbilical cord reaching up, and finally the mother, naked and on her knees cradling the baby in her arms. There is an inner glow to these colored-pencil illustrations, a softness and purity that allows for total acceptance of this unadorned experience. There is a feeling of intimacy, as if readers are more than bystanders to this most incredible and natural occurrence. The howling wind is used as a literary element, wild as Mum progresses through her labor, dying down at night, and calm, as it is inside. This is a book to be shared, discussed, and simply enjoyed. It is steeped in love.

Booklist (March 15, 2000):

Kane/Miller publishing has become known for a handful of children's books on parts of the body (breasts) and their functions, all treated with unusual directness. This book is also surprisingly direct, but it is much more sophisticated than previous offerings, both in the text and, especially, in the art. The subject is childbirth, certainly not a neglected topic in children's literature, but Overend and Vivas focus on homebirth, making it a family affair and showing just what happens. The narrator, Jack, is the youngest of three children whose parents await the birth of a new baby. The midwife arrives; Mum's sister comes; and the family gathers round Mum to watch the miracle happen. Jack duly reports Mum's yells, but the text is surprisingly subdued. It's Vivas' warm, gauzy illustrations that convey the emotion and the details. Suffused with bright highlights, they manage to be strong and frank without being too scary or vivid. They clearly show Mum's labors and the birth: Mum, experiencing contractions as she bends over a chair; standing naked and hugging Dad as the baby's head crowns, the children looking on, anxious and wondering. Then there's Mum, baby at breast, umbilical cord still attached and the placenta in a bowl nearby; and the newly born baby, eyes open to the world. The last spread shows the family sleeping, all together--close and peaceful--having shared something none of them is likely to forget.

Kirkus Reviews (March 1, 2000):

The tender palette and gentle shapes from illustrator Vivas mesh beautifully with the understated text of this intimately focused picture book. Young Jack is all set to welcome his new sibling as the household organizes for his mom to give birth at home. His dad, his older sisters, his aunt, and the midwife all busy themselves building the fire, bringing soup, and so on, while his mother walks through her labor pains, shows him the tiny clothes for the baby, and explains that if she yells, it is because it makes her labor easier, and it is okay. Jack hopes for a little brother and watches the midwife get ready. When the baby is born, we see that it is indeed a little brother. Hello, baby says Jack. Everyone has been involved in this event and everyone tucks into their sleeping bags beside the fire. Jack, who wants to be between Mum and Dad, where the baby is, cuddles in beside his father and is warmed. The beautiful pictures show Jacks mom blossoming and naked as she delivers, but the images are as reassuring and as honest as possible. The joys of home birth are made completely clear even to small children. An absolute treasure.

Hornbook Guide to Children (Saturday, July 1, 2000):

While this Australian import describes a home birth, its focus on warmth and safety should comfort any child expecting a new sibling. Art and text convey emotion and action, and details in both concentrate on young Jack's point of view as he tells how he and his sisters, dad, and aunt are there as the midwife helps Mum deliver a healthy baby boy.

WHAT EDDIE CAN DO

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School Library Journal (Thursday, July 1, 2004):

Imaginative Eddie can't be bothered to learn how to tie his shoes; he's too busy deep-sea diving, exploring caves, and galloping across the plains, all with his shoelaces flopping around his feet. However, when he and his friend Clara encounter a make-believe foe that only a good tight knot will conquer, he rises to the occasion and learns how it's done. Gebhard's fanciful illustrations show each of the boy's imagined scenarios, along with a few details that tie the scene to day-to-day life. For example, the child flies through outer space in a cardboard box with a colander perched on his head and tames tigers with a hula hoop. The author includes step-by-step visual instructions on how to tie shoes that may require adult assistance in order to make sense to young readers. An upbeat look at conquering one of childhood's milestones.

Booklist (March 1, 2004):

For kids who need a little practical motivation for learning to tie, this upbeat picture book provides the fun of an absurd reason as well as step-by-step, illustrated instructions. For children ready to venture beyond Velcro.

Hornbook Guide to Children (Thursday, July 1, 2004):

Eddie is too busy to learn how to tie his shoes so, unlaced, he's off on pretend adventures until he realizes that only a knot will save his friend from a double-tailed monster. Fortunately, Eddie's mom is on hand with a quick tying lesson. The book is adept at integrating its fictional and non-fictional elements: each panoramic fantasy spread contains evidence of Eddie's reality.

WHAT'S INSIDE?

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School Library Journal (Monday, May 1, 2000):

This simple and unassuming lift-the-flap book is divided into three chapters that show the insides of things that open, things that "it's best not to look inside," and something "we can't open"-a mother's pregnant tummy. Readers can see the clothes inside the suitcase, wires inside the TV ("Oh My! It's Complicated!"), and three different stages of an unborn baby's growth. Small in size, with hand-printed lettering, the book is childlike and accessible. Not only are certain basic concepts explored (open/close, inside/outside, can/can't), but young readers will also understand why an expectant mother's belly gets bigger. The illustrated objects are outlined in thick, brown watercolor. Colors are muted and murky, adding to the author's low-key approach. This multiuse title will give toddlers the power to explore and play on their own level.

Parenting (Dec/Jan, 2001):

Many interesting things are explored in this innovative lift-the-flap book illustrated with deft watercolor…It’s fun for all and especially instructive for siblings-to-be.

Hornbook Guide to Children (Saturday, July 1, 2000):

Sturdy flaps and a humorous, child-centered text offer a simple but effective look inside some common objects. A suitcase and present contain pleasing-enough insides, while "it's best not to look inside" a teddy bear or TV. While "we can't open up" Mommy's pregnant tummy, text and art provide a glimpse at the baby within. Ashbé takes this natural curiosity about inner workings and logically extends it to include the new-sibling-on-the-way issue.

WHEN MUM WAS LITTLE

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Kirkus Reviews (Sunday, August 15, 2004):

"…Should leave them feeling groovy…"

School Library Journal (March 1, 2005):

In the olden days, around 1969, kids got roller skates on their birthdays instead of computer games. The schools closed for half a day so that everyone could rush to the nearest TV to see three men walk on the moon. If you got Chinese takeout, you had to reheat it on the stovetop (no microwaves). A penny bought a lot of candy. The Australian child narrating this psychedelically colored pastiche of her Mum's recollections plays verbal leapfrog from fairly universal topics to very individual ones-like a snail circus at the kitchen table, or great grandma going surfing. The wacky, outrageously busy illustrations are brilliantly rendered, but the murky or uninspired text can't keep pace. It lacks focus, and the author struggles with grammatical tangles such as ambiguous pronouns.

WHILE WE WERE OUT

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*Publishers Weekly (Monday, February 3, 2003):

Much like Stanley's Party (reviewed above) and Bruce Ingman's wickedly funny When Martha's Away (1995), this beguiling book from a South Korean author-artist chronicles the secret life of animals, in this case, a sparely but fetchingly penciled white rabbit. She slips into an apartment while the family is "gone to Grandma's house." In streamlined white, gray and taupe, Lee's illustrations underscore the low-key verbal comedy (for "She's hungry. What looks good?" the rabbit stands in awe in front of a bountiful refrigerator). As she munches snacks on the sofa, watches a video, then "hops onto the dressing table, picks up this, smells that, a touch of lipstick... `beautiful,' she thinks," strategic doses of color highlight the climactic moments (e.g., hot-pink lipstick offsets the bunny's lush, mascara-laden lashes; later, she dresses in a red gown that "the youngest in the family wore... to her first birthday party"). Wry surprises abound, such as in-line skates that prove too difficult-that is, until the rabbit fashions ski poles from chopsticks; a spread bathed in color shows the rabbit racing through the study. Most unexpected of all is the ending. ("She's had a wonderful adventure, and the family will never know. Or will they?" reads as a caption beneath four window pane-style close-ups, each showing tiny rabbit "calling cards" left in various rooms of the apartment.) Readers may then spot a formerly unnoticed trail of evidence on previous pages, and appreciate the amusing dash of reality amid all the anthropomorphic fun.

School Library Journal (Sunday, June 1, 2003):

While a family is visiting Grandma, their pet rabbit finds her way into the apartment through an unlocked terrace door. Left to explore, she enjoys all the comforts of human life, including a well-stocked fridge, popcorn and a video, dressing up, a good book, toys to play with, and finally a snooze in a warm bed. The uninvited guest wakes in time to retreat to the terrace, closing the door, innocently hoping her little visit will remain undetected-but what about the unmistakable evidence she has "dropped" behind? Lee has written a sweet, endearing story with just the right ending that will leave little listeners giggling. Illustrations in soft, washed-out grays alternate with others in full color. A mildly adventurous allegory with a bit of funny realism in the end.

*Booklist (April 15, 2003):

A white rabbit who lives on the patio notices that his family has gone to Grandma's, leaving the house empty. Now the house is hers. Simple line-and-wash pictures alternating with radiant full-page paintings follow the rabbit as she indulges in a multitude of obviously long-held wishes. She eats at the table and watches a movie on TV. She even tries to read a book (without much success). There are two particularly wonderful pictures--one in black and white, the other in color--in which the rabbit first delicately applies lipstick and then puts on a costume of traditional Korean dress belonging to the daughter. But the piece de resistance is a double-page spread showing what the rabbit does with the chopsticks and roller skates she has commandeered--she races through the house, tucked in the skate, pushing herself with the sticks. By the time the family returns, the rabbit is back on the patio. There's no sign of her visit--or is there? Sharp-eyed children will spot pellets of rabbit waste that occasionally turn up in the pictures and appear at the book's conclusion. This Korean import is amusing, yes, but there is also a delicacy and intelligence that pervades the tale. A definite cut above.

The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (March 2003):

After the human family departs for an overnight, the house bunny decides to take this opportunity to explore the intricate details of human habitation and play house human for a bit…Cuddly, determined preschoolers will bond with the cuddly, determined rabbit.

Hornbook Guide to Children (Tuesday, July 1, 2003):

This import is a quirky but grounded fantasy about a pet rabbit who, while the family is away, enjoys the pleasures of an empty apartment. Pencil line and wash vignettes and a brief, self-possessed text follow her progress from room to room. Full-page watercolor illustrations play up the fantasy of her adventure. On the last page, four small close-ups zoom in on what she left behind--rabbit pellets. A funny and reality-restoring ending.

Curled Up Kids (June 19, 2006):

One clever rabbit, who can usually be found on the apartment balcony, sneaks inside when the family is at grandma’s. From room to room, the rabbit keeps busy, eating at the table, watching a movie on the couch, even rollerblading across the room - with chopsticks! After wearing herself out, she hops into bed and falls asleep until morning. She does manage to get herself back outside before the family comes home. However, she does not realize what she has left behind.

This book is based on a true story. A 2003 BCCB Blue Ribbon Picture Book Award winner, it was originally published in Korea under the title What On Earth Happened During That Time?

Most of the illustrations are in shades of gray, with a shaded, toned-down look. The rabbit looks like a stuffed animal come to life, and she can do very human things. She can apply lipstick with her paws, cross her legs while fishing, and rub the sleep out of her eyes at dawn. There are a few full-colored pages as well, the most eye-catching being the page where the rabbit is playing dress-up in a costume belonging to the youngest child in the family.

For some children, the ending will be a complete surprise - a funny, complete surprise. Other children will notice the extra something the rabbit leaves behind on almost every page and giggle. Rabbit owners will think this family got away pretty lucky!

KidsBookshelf.com:

Everyone has gone to grandma's house, but oh no, who forgot to lock the patio door? Just one little push and the fluffy white rabbit is inside. And since they won't be back until morning the little rabbit decides to do some exploring. She eats dinner at the table, watches a movie, gets all dressed up, looks through the books, and plays with the toys. All the excitement makes the little rabbit very tired, so she lays down to sleep. When the sun rises she hops back out onto the balcony, thinking that the family will never know, but will they? An adorable book about what our pets might do when we're away!

Looking Glass Review.com (October 2006):

One never knows what might happen when ones goes away from home for a few days. One family gets a small furry visitor, a rabbit. This rabbit carefully slides open a door and comes into the house. There are so many things to do. Where should she start?

Well, the rabbit is hungry so the first thing she does is to go into the kitchen, get some food out of the fridge, and eat a meal while sitting at the table. Next she watches a movie as she munches on a bag of snacks. After this the little rabbit sets about exploring the house. There is make-up to try on, clothes to wear, toys to play with, books to puzzle over, and she even manages to use the roller skates that she finds in a closet. What a clever rabbit she is. But will she be able to keep her little adventure a secret from the family?

Delightfully soft illustrations in muted colors perfectly capture the atmosphere of quiet and secrecy as the little white rabbit moves around the empty house. Readers might even find themselves whispering as they read the minimal text. It is hard not to smile or laugh when one sees that the rabbit’s visit to the house was not as discreet as she might like to think.

Kimchi Mamas (January 8, 2007):

Here's the latest addition to our library of Korean kids' books: While We Were Out is the story of a little bunny exploring the house while the family is gone.  She tries on a han bok, and explores each of the rooms of the house in her own bunny way.

The book was originally written by Korean author and illustration Ho Baek Lee, and has been translated into English.
I thought that the ending was reminiscent of the kind of humor that I heard at Halmoni's house.  Is this a Korean sense of humor or just a kid's sense of humor?  What do you think?
In the end ... (spoiler alert)
In the end, the little bunny thinks that family will never know that she was in the house.  The last page shows little bunny droppings all over the house. 

WHO’S HIDING?

978-1-933605-24-1

ProperNoun.net (December 29, 2006):

I always pay attention when Kane/Miller books pass by my desk. Who didn’t love Guji Guji or I Love? And Who’s Hiding? did not disappoint.

This simple picture book is a great opportunity for a parent or caregiver to work with a young child. Guess who is who on each spread that features the same eighteen colorful, cartoony animals in the same places. It’s a memory game and a thinking game. Find the animal that is hiding (blending into the colored background) or pick out the one who is angry or sleeping. Some of the answers aren’t as obvious—I had to look closely to see whose eyes were closed. A challenging test of memory and observation perfect for your preschoolers.
My only gripe is from the spread that asks “Who has horns?” The answer key lists the reindeer among the answers. Perhaps that’s technically true, but I grew up in rural Minnesota, where I was assured from a very young age that there is a vast difference between “horns” and “antlers.” But I think that’s a nitpicky gripe, if I ever heard one. Does anyone else make a distinction between horns and antlers? I doubt it.
Also along with the book was a postcard that had cut-out finger puppets of some of the animals from the book. We couldn’t resist cutting them out and displaying them here at the office, so you are once again subjected to my very amateur photography…..
BIG A little a (January 23, 2007):

It's not often that I review toddler books here. My youngest child is now six, so I'm just not in the market for toddler books anymore. But, I was fortunate enough to receive this beauty--Who's Hiding?--from Kane/Miller this week. Just look at this cover. How could you not pick it up and review it immediately? (I'm a sucker for symmetry.)

On the surface of things, Who's Hiding, by Saturu Onishi, is a simple book. 18 animals are lined up in rows of 6 across each double-page spread. They appear always in the same order: dog, tiger, hippo, zebra, bear, reindeer/kangaroo, lion, rabbit, giraffe, monkey, bull/rhino, pig, sheep, hen, elephant, cat. The animals, as you see, are colorful iconic representations and very appealing to a young child.

Once we meet each of the animals (I can just imagine reading their names over and over again to a small child), the fun begins. The first question is "who's hiding?" Then the child must find the "missing" animal--in this case the reindeer with only antlers and facial features visible. Onishi also asks "who's crying?," "who's angry?," "who has horns?," "who's backwards?," and "who's sleeping?" The final page features only eyes on blacked-out pages and asks "Who's who?" You know you have a smart toddler if they begin rattling out the names in order.

Who's Hiding is aimed at the 0-3 audience and is sure to provide hours of read-along fun. Enjoy!
Book Buds Kidlit (January 2007):

I love activity books that don't feel like activities. I prefer to trick my kids into doing something mind-bending and skill-building. Nothing kills initiative than turning learning into a chore, right?

So I love this little book of animal figures, 18 on a page, created with just a few colored shapes and black lines in perfect symmetry. First, you're introduced to the whole crew: Dog, Tiger, Hippo, Zebra, etc. On succeeding pages, you're asked to spot who's hiding on, say, a yellow page where Giraffe disappears from view (because he's yellow, right?) Then one animal might be crying, or sleeping, or turned around, all the way through the book.

You can teach them colors, shapes and animal names, and anything else that springs to mind on the simple pages.  I'm hoping it gets my kids to notice more, to "read" illustrations and observe differences. Who knows? Maybe they'll even start noticing the mess on their bedroom floor.

Women Day by Day (February 12, 2007):

The second in a delightful group of international books for children, Who’s Hiding can be called “interactive,” I suppose. It’s kind of a combination of a matching game and a memory game. Each page displays three rows of five whimsical animals – bear, hippo, giraffe, tiger, etc. The reader is supposed to pay attention to the arrangement of the animals, their color, their facial expressions and other details.

It’s kind of fun, but very repetitive. I believe the youngest children, say preschoolers, would get bored by half through the book. School kids – maybe to first grade might enjoy the challenge, though the challenge could have been a bit more challenging.
I enjoyed the quality of the book – cover, binding, paper, colors. The stylized representation of animals are cute and bright. I didn’t have an opportunity to try it out on my grandkids, but I found myself turning pages too quickly as I read Who’s Hiding. There’s almost no text, and perhaps there are too many animals on a page. I’d pass on this one. It doesn’t give any information about the author or the author’s country. In fact, we don’t even get to know if the writer is a man or a woman. We don’t get a clue about country of origin, so there’s no basis for conversation about other cultures or diversity. There is no real way to connect to Who’s Hiding - I can’t see kids returning to it over and over.
YA & Kids Book Central (February 2007):

In this book, jazzy bright animals are lined up on each spread, with a question heading at the top. In “Who’s hiding?”, we see the critters displayed on a brilliant yellow background; the brilliant yellow reindeer’s antlers and features are all we can see. In “Who’s crying?”, it takes some browsing before savvy kids point to the rabbit (who appears to be “blue” in more than one sense). Other categories include “Who’s angry?”, “Who has horns?”, “Who’s backwards?”, “Who’s sleeping?” (all interspersed with different colored “Who’s hiding?” spreads) and the biggest puzzle of all: “Who’s who?”, which is eyes only on a black background. (Luckily, there’s an answer key for each spread – extremely helpful for the “Who’s who?” question!)

This book is a clever and simple winner. Young children will get a kick out of the games on each page, plus they’ll learn the animals’ names, colors, names for emotions/situations, and enjoy the simple illustrations.


WHY?

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Publishers Weekly (August 22, 2005):

Although the title (first published in Slovenia) may seem to indicate more philosophical subject matter, this paper-over-board book is actually a "Did you know" look at the animal kingdom--albeit one kicked up several notches by pleasingly corny jokes and elegantly naïf visual stylings. Prap profiles 14 animals (such as a zebra, whale and kangaroo) by posing a "Why?" question pertaining to each ("Why do lions have manes?" "Why do hyenas laugh?"). She then offers four unscientific answers, some of which sound like she isn't trying too hard ("Because" is one of the responses to the question about kangaroo pouches), but most of which display a fine understanding of a child's mind (one answer posits that elephants have trunks "to store snot"). The true scientific answer appears in a short paragraph on each spread's right margin ("Manes help to make lions look bigger, stronger and scarier. Manes also protect the lions' necks during fights") and so on. Set inside frames that stretch across the center of the spreads, Prap's animals offer readers a sidelong view and an animated expression (except for the crocodile, who is shedding tears). Her reliance on simple, bold shapes and strong black outlines will remind children of their own artwork, while her mottled textures, reminiscent of woodblock printing, add a dash of roughhewn sophistication.

Bookbird (January 2006):

Designed to delight playfully and instruct simply, Why? cautions curious readers in an introductory note to this book of questions that ‘some of the answers to the questions are silly, some are sensible and some are scientific (marked by an asterisk)’. Read creatively, says the author, ‘feel free to make up some questions, some answers and some animals of your own. They can be silly or serious…whichever you like.’

Large, stylized pictures of animals are rendered in earth tones and surrounded by questions and answers in a variety of interesting fonts. Young children may recognize some of the questions and even the answer as their own: Why do kangaroos have pouches? To hide their bellybuttons. Why do hyenas laugh? Because they’re childish. Why do hippos yawn? So the doctor can check their tonsils. Readers are put right on very two-page spread however, with a pithy but concise scientific answer to each question. Only 35 words are used to explain why camels have humps. (To store fat for times when food is scarce, in case you’re’ curious.)
Education Oasis (February 5, 2006):

Why? is a series of questions about animals. For example, "Why do kangaroos have pouches?" "Why do rhinos have horns on their noses?" and "Why are zebras striped?" Along with the "serious" answer (as indicated by the asterisk), there are a few "silly" ones too. Why do elephants have trunks? To trumpet their goodbyes. We took the book into a first-grade classroom and read it aloud. It was, as predicted, wildly popular. Highly recommended.
Foreword (March/April 2006):

Although there are no explanations here of why the chicken crossed the road, this charming book of silly riddles pairs giggles with real information about hyenas’ laughter, crocodiles’ tears, and a dozen other features of the animal kingdom. In addition to the traditional speculations about zebras and pajamas, the reader learns that zebra stripes, like human fingerprints, are unique, and can therefore be used to identify individual animals. Whales don’t exactly spout water: they merely exhale very moist air. Also, camel humps are a clever adaptation to desert life, storing the fat that enables these animals to survive when food and water are scarce—or maybe they’re the result of youngsters’ ignoring adult exhortations to sit up straight! Perhaps the surest second-grade crowd pleaser, though, lies in one of the reasons for elephants’ long trunks—they are handy when tissues are not. The author’s punch lines are satisfyingly goofy, and provide a relaxing warm-up for the simple, clear, informative, “serious” answer to each query. Each topic is laid out in a two-page spread dominated by an engagingly blocky, child-like illustration. Interestingly, every animal, from giraffe to snake to elephant, has identically innocent, perfectly circular eyes. While the layout is visually appealing, the haphazard order of the text on the page is somewhat confusing—sometimes the introductory question appears at the top, other times at the bottom, and the answers are scattered throughout. Appropriately, though, the jokes are printed in a variety of whimsical fonts, and the straight text appears in a consistent spot and a reassuringly serious typeface. Prap has illustrated and co-authored several previous children’s volumes, including Animals Speak, I Like Colors, and I Like Black and White. This book was originally published in Slovenia, where Prap is a well-known author and illustrator and is the 2006 nominee for the Hans Christian Andersen Medal. Why? exhibits clarity and humor that reflect well on the translator’s ability to convey the essence of Prap’s work.

Why? is a book for both the smart-aleck and the knowledge-seeker—which co-exist, of course, in every child.
SurLaLune Storytime (March 2006):

Lila Prap's "Why?" is a scientifically sound question and answer book disguised as a silly riddle book. Each two page spread features an animal, a question, and several possible answers. "Why do kangaroos have pouches?" One ludicrous answer is "To hide their bellybuttons." The correct answer is marked with a star, always found on the far right of the page. The rest of the ridiculous answers follow kid logic and some adult logic, especially those adults driven quite mad by a little one's unending "Why?" questions. While the illustrations and short text are well-suited to preschoolers, older children will also fully enjoy the book's information and humor. A nice introductory book to the mysteries of the animal kingdom for ages 4+.

Curled Up Kids.com (August 2006):

Every parent, at some point during the toddler-to-preschool transition, learns to dread that one-word question to which no answer seems to appease their curious child: Why? Granted, it is an important, necessary developmental tool for children wanting to learn as much as they can about their world, and about, well, why things are as they are.

Still, hearing that question 500 times a day can drive any rational adult to the brink of surrender - sometimes we just can't think of a single 'nother reasonable answer (my own father would resort at the last to an impatient "Because the sky is blue!", the indication that I'd be better off leaving him alone for a while). That's where Slovenian author/illustrator Lila Prap comes to the rescue.

Why? takes a child's inquiring mind on a silly but educational tour of the animal world. Why do hyenas laugh, for instance? Because it tickles them to walk barefoot on the grass. Hey, wait a minute! It's really just a human-sounding giggling call they make when they're excited or being attacked - and by the way, didja know they also like to eat other animals' leftovers, like bones, hooves and fur?

That is Prap's approach to each animal's unique "Why?" question - a few silly answers give parent and child the chance to laugh together before the real because answer; and she throws in extra fun factoids. A hippo can eat up to 100 pounds of grass in a single night! Rhinos can't sweat! An elephant's trunk is nimble enough to pick up a single piece of straw!

The mostly grinning animals (the crocodile is crying) are thickly outlined in black. Prap's chunky, texturized style will have parents scrambling to find prints by the artist with which to redecorate playroom walls - illustrations from Why? were featured in "A Trip Around the World" exhibition organized by The Art Institute of Chicago - and thoroughly engage preschool kids. And, perhaps most importantly, Why? gives a mom or dad's overtaxed brain a much-needed breather.

Bookmoot (August 16, 2006);

Kane Miller Book Publishers brings us challenging and imaginative titles from around the world. I adore this book from Slovenia. Humor and facts work together in this animal book. Silly and factual answers to questions are the framework.