Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1--A series of vignettes of animals reading together features bats reading upside down, a pile of puppies at story time, and kittens licking pages (better not be a library book!) The animals are very cute, with bulbous heads and teensy black dots for eyes. The bats are so adorably fat, readers will want to poke them. Key phrases are emphasized with bright colors and arranged so the font dances off the page. For instance, the word "hanging" dangles down from the roof of the bats' cave, and the kitten's purr undulates across the page as if it's vibrating. A charming story time--or anytime--book. VERDICT Cuteness overload plus enjoyable text equals a must-purchase picture book.
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
The latest in Paul and Walker's series sees a cuddly coterie of animals embracing the joy of reading. How would bats read their favorite stories? Why, hanging upside down of course. And how would a kitten show some appreciation for a beloved read-aloud? By licking the pages: "yum-yummy story, purr-purr-purr-purrrrrrrrrrrrr." In addition to showcasing adorable animals immersing themselves in literature, Paul and Walker highlight many places to read and acquire books, such as the library (staffed by a bespectacled mole) or a bookstore (with the books spread out on the branches of a tree). Beaver Kit snuggles up in a "stick-and-mud" nook, chewing a few of the pages, while several young badgers gather under a tree. The owls attend a monthly book club, and Dog holds a storytime as a passel of puppies gather around to listen. Paul's singsongy text uses many identical rhymes ("Bunny would hug her book and hop-hop / in a book-happy dance, hip-hippity-hop"), but one stanza breaks the flow: "If animals loved books, / Fox Mama would read all Kit's books, / but then he'd yelp, / 'Read them again!'" Still, the tale brims with enthusiasm, and Walker's soft, gentle colors match the roly-poly animals as they happily profess their love of reading. It all concludes with Fox Kit tucked up in bed, making this a lovely bedtime choice. A cozy ode for bibliophiles everywhere.(Picture book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
