Pouch!

by David Ezra Stein, David Ezra Stein (Illustrator)

Overview

Caldecott Honor winner David Ezra Stein's delightful tale of a baby kangaroo's first hops toward independence is perfect for board book audiences. Joey wants to go exploring, but at first he isn't sure he's ready to leave Mama's safe, warm pouch. Touching on a universal childhood experience, this sweet tale celebrates trying new things.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780399257384
Publisher:	Penguin Young Readers Group
Publication date:	03/15/2012
Pages:	34
Product dimensions:	6.20(w) x 4.90(h) x 0.70(d)
Age Range:	3 Months to 2 Years

About the Author

David Ezra Stein (www.davidezra.com) received a Caldecott Honor for Interrupting Chicken, a Charlotte Zolotow Honor for Pouch! and the Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award for Leaves, which was also a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year, a Kirkus Reviews Editor's Choice and a School Library Journal Best Book. He also wrote and illustrated The Nice Book and Monster Hug! He lives in Kew Gardens, New York.

Editorial Reviews

Stein's minimal, to-the-point text and breezy mixed-media illustrations convey Joey's energy and swing of feelings.

Horn Book

Stein...once again shows his talent for creating a fresh story in a few well chosen words and illustrating it with humor and verve. starred review

Booklist

With each vivacious bounce, a baby kangaroo seeks independence-bit by bit. Ready, more or less, to venture forth from his mama's pouch, this tenacious tyke now explores the world around him. With a few hops, Joey greets each creature he meets with a forceful, "who are you?" Their one-word responses alarm him; Joey quickly cries "Pouch!" as he returns to his mother's side. When Joey meets another joey, though, he gains courage with his newfound friend. Punchy dialogue zings during the kangaroo's brief interactions, and repetition successfully accelerates the story. Succinct phrases maintain playful pacing and provide a fluid read-aloud. The bold, white hand-lettered dialogue predominately placed against the vignettes expresses the toddler's fledgling growth. Rich colors, mostly in orangey-browns, golden yellows and rustic greens, evoke an earthy atmosphere. The background surroundings seamlessly blend, maintaining focus on the central characters, and soft curves convey maternal love as Joey's mother supports his maturity. Warm and inviting, this buoyant tale is hopping good fun. (Picture book. 2-5)

Kirkus Reviews