05/01/2017
Kuefler (Beyond the Pond) returns with a smart, funny examination of power and control, set in the milieu of slides and swing sets. One day at the playground, a boy named Jonah appoints himself “king of this land.” He classmates quickly acquiesce, but asserting rule isn’t as easy as keeping it: a girl named Lennox asserts herself queen and claims the swings as her territory, and their classmates get caught in the ensuing power struggle. The careful detailing and muted palette of Kuefler’s previous book are just as appealing in this story, and his use of royal trappings bring understated humor to the conflict—Jonah and Lennox both wear crowns and other regalia, and small flags mark out their holdings on the seesaw and climbing dome as they attempt to out-conquer each other. Meanwhile, their classmates’ growing displeasure can be read loud and clear on their faces, portending not a revolution but a lack of subjects as they take their play elsewhere. It’s a sly reminder that being in charge isn’t always as fun as it looks. Ages 4–8. Agent: Elena Giovinazzo, Pippin Properties. (Apr.)
Children struggling with tyrants (or the impulse to dictate) will find both laughter and comfort in Kuefler’s playground, full of recognizable experiences, faces, and feelings. Winning satire for the jungle-gym set.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"This readable title is sure to speak to bossy and not so bossy kids alike. A great choice for the beginning of the school year." — School Library Journal
“A playful lesson in camaraderie and social etiquette.” — Booklist
Praise for BEYOND THE POND: “A witty, auspicious debut…[with] echoes of Jon Klassen and Wes Anderson.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Praise for BEYOND THE POND: “[A] tale of transformation and wonder…reminiscent of Sendak’s Max and his Wild Things.” — School Library Journal
Praise for BEYOND THE POND: “This lovely picture book is a tribute to imagination and the wonder in everyday spaces…will resonate with young readers — Booklist
A playful lesson in camaraderie and social etiquette.
A playful lesson in camaraderie and social etiquette.
05/01/2017
PreS-Gr 3—Jonah declares himself king of the playground. King Jonah and the other kids on the playground play peacefully, except for Lennox, who wants to rule the playground, too. She claims the side of the playground with swings as her queendom. All the other kids like the swings, so they agree. However, King Jonah is unhappy with Queen Lennox, the usurper. They divide the playground in two and with pencil, crayon, and paper draw out plans to expand their influence. Jonah and Lennox separately conquer the teeter-totter and the merry-go-round, all the while shouting demands of their vassals. Soon, there is nothing left to conquer and no friends left in the playground. After everyone goes away, being rulers of the playground loses its appeal. Jonah and Lennox make a new plan together: apologize to their friends and promise never to rule the playground again. Soon, the playground fills up with friends. Visually appealing mixed-media and digital illustrations contain a racially inclusive cast of supporting characters. The two rulers of the playground wear historical royal garb, and the addition of birds and one expressive puppy brings extra whimsy to the images. In darker tones set against a white background, the artwork plays the main role, as the text is much smaller and spare enough for storytime. VERDICT This readable title is sure to speak to bossy and not so bossy kids alike. A great choice for the beginning of the school year.—Mindy Hiatt, Salt Lake County Library Services
★ 2017-01-17
Two children vie for playground domination.Donning crowns and formal 18th-century dress, Jonah (pale-skinned with regal black curls) and Lennox (dark-skinned with powerful puffball chignons) plant flags, draw strategic maps, haughtily bark commands, and plot to overthrow each other. The kids in the kingdom acquiesce half-heartedly, occasionally rolling their eyes at the rulers while continuing to frolic. Following these children's expressive postures, gestures, faces, and bright oval eyes and interpreting their individual reactions to the teeny tyrants is an increasingly enjoyable game. Each double-page spread stretches the elaborate playground panorama (ladders, platforms, slides, steps, tunnels, bridges) before readers' eyes, properly showing the emotional expanse it occupies in a child's world. Playgrounds thrum with egos, tears, fury, joy, alliances, betrayals, reconciliations, mutiny, plotting, sieges, companionship, revelry—and rulers. When the kids have had it with Jonah and Lennox's battles and migrate to a patch of trees, the two deflated monarchs relinquish their thrones and happily unite to forge a peaceable playground. Children struggling with tyrants (or the impulse to dictate) will find both laughter and comfort in Kuefler's playground, full of recognizable experiences, faces, and feelings. Winning satire for the jungle-gym set. (Picture book. 3-8)