Praise for CHEETAH CAN’T LOSE: “A high-volume victory for compassion. ” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Praise for I’M A SHARK: “Warm up your performance skills for the exclamatory narrative, and watch your audience become a school of kid-sized great whites before your very eyes.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
Praise for I’M A SHARK: “There will be no need to fear for Shark’s enduring popularity; here he proves he’s one refreshing delight.” — Kirkus Reviews
Praise for I’M A SHARK: “The oversize but spare drawings of a boastful young shark declaring his bravery guarantee giggles.” — School Library Journal
Praise for OH, DADDY!: “The gentle humor evident in the contrasts between text and pictures, as well as the scenes of the father doing things outrageously wrong, will keep kids entertained.” — School Library Journal (starred review)
Praise for OH, DADDY!: “Busy parents will want to try this formula of patience plus humor.” — Publishers Weekly
Praise for UNICORN THINKS HE’S PRETTY GREAT: “[A] hilarious friendship story...with lots of giggle-worthy details. An ideal choice for fans of silliness.” — School Library Journal
Praise for UNICORN THINKS HE’S PRETTY GREAT: “Shea’s cleverly written tale makes this a standout...This tale of discovered friendship will delight unicorn fans and perhaps create new fans for goats.” — Booklist (starred review)
Praise for DINOSAUR VS. MOMMY: “Shea’s buoyant, emotive artwork and sharp comic timing make Dinosaur’s [sixth] story feel as fresh and funny as his first one.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Praise for BALLET CAT: THE TOTALLY SECRET SECRET: “This early reader has simple, vivacious cartoon artwork...Shea’s signature style and bright bold colors add to the fun...will have broad appeal.” — School Library Journal (starred review)
Praise for BALLET CAT: DANCE! DANCE! UNDERPANTS!: “Another fun addition to the series that readers will love.” — School Library Journal
Praise for DINOSAUR VS. SCHOOL “. . .Shea’s concept of “winning” at school clearly has to do with self-confidence, determination and, sometimes, teamwork-a winning idea indeed.” — Kirkus Reviews
Praise for DINOSAUR VS. THE POTTY: “Shea’s bold collages are in-your-face charming as his energetic hero, whose exuberance and stubborn avoidance of the potty will elicit both empathy and laughter.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
09/01/2017
PreS-Gr 2—Circle and Square's close friendship of many years hits a snag when a new student joins their class; neither is ready for the addition or the change in their relationship. Cheery, orange, "bold and exciting" Triangle creates a wedge between the two pals. It's difficult for either to avoid his magnetic energy and new ideas—a craving for pizza or a bit of reading about the shape of boat sails, mountains, and the Egyptian pyramids. Within a short period of time, "everything seemed to become triangular." Strategic placement of eyes or glasses with squiggly lines on cartooneish faces within simple geometric shapes highlight a range of emotions for each personality as jealousies arise to a crisis point. While art emphasizes the geometric differences between the friends and their shapes, text adds humor through wordplay: "Everything became pointless"; "Square tried a different angle"; and their "friendship took on a shape of its own." VERDICT A cautionary tale for young readers, this book gives new insight into developing relationships while bringing new acquaintances into a friendship circle. A solid general purchase for all libraries.—Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX
2017-07-17
When can a Triangle cause real trouble?When it comes between Circle and Square, true best friends "since they were a dot and a speck." Each shape is anthropomorphized: stick-figure hands and feet, different types of eyes, stereotypical spectacles for the squarish "bookworm," yellow-striped headband for Circle, who "knew how to rock and roll," and cool blue forelock for the "bold and exciting Triangle." Colors in retro-style digital illustrations look a little toned down from bright crayon colors but still pop. The basic shapes are echoed and sometimes combined in other illustration elements. Adults may want to point these out or ask young children to search for them (the four triangles in a grilled-cheese sandwich, a party hat), but this book also focuses on what happens when a new, third person changes the relationship of an established pair. The text and illustrations attempt to make these emotional changes (and the reactions to them) tangible, but they sometimes fail by using visual and verbal puns that will not be fully understood by child readers. When Square and Circle pull too hard on Triangle's sides, the shape becomes "pointless" and Triangle's body disappears, leaving only his facial features, for instance. To solve the problem, Square repairs to the library and the lab, Circle trains hard, and they both work together to bring back their friend, forming "quite a trio." This sophisticated picture book works too hard at its important theme, but it may appeal to children of a mathematical bent. (Picture book. 5-7)
