Extremely Cute Animals Operating Heavy Machinery

February 15, 2016
The antibullying story—with its familiar arc of persecution, retribution, and rapprochement—goes high concept. Readers will have to wait until the middle of the book for the title’s payoff: that’s when the extremely cute animals, led by a tutu-wearing bunny named Karen, get “extremely mad” about being the victims of three sandbox bullies and construct “the grandest sand castle plus amusement park anyone had ever seen,” enclosed by a big gate to keep the bullies out. The irony reaches its apex in a wordless close-up of Karen confidently fusing two beams together, a welding mask accessorizing her trademark tutu. Gordon (Smitten) delivers a tale that, while familiar at its core, should make for a rousing read-aloud: expect giggles when Karen orders her adorable crew to “Move your butts!” And yes, Gordon’s pastel-colored, gummy-bear-esque animals are indeed extremely cute—including the villains, especially once they see how their former victims are “extremely good at including everyone.” It’s cheeky evidence of the power of killing them with kindness—and cuteness. Ages 4–8.

March 15, 2016
Tutu, torches, and tenacity don't add up to a simple, ordinary story. Readers meet tutu-clad Karen, an "extremely cute animal" building a sand castle, when bully Skyler appears, claiming, "This is MY sandbox and I say: NO STUPID SAND CASTLES!" He proceeds to stomp, smash, and flatten the castle and walks away laughing, leaving Karen in tears. Karen's friends--mostly nameless, also identified as extremely cute, and many sporting cliched bows and dresses--announce that they'll help Karen build a bigger sand castle. Skyler then brings his friends, Mike and Trent, to destroy the now-improved structure. This happens a third time, to be followed by a red spread showcasing infuriated friends above the message: "Being...extremely cute...doesn't mean...you can't get...EXTREMELY MAD!" At this point, Karen brings on the titular heavy machinery, including a bulldozer, heavy-lift helicopter, forklift, and welding torches. The result? Circus tents, roller coasters, water slides, a Ferris wheel, bumper boats, carousels, and more entertainment. Gordon generously uses bright colors, and characters' emotions are expressive. A favorite wordless spread features Karen, in her tutu, wearing a welding mask and operating a blowtorch atop a beamed structure. Unfortunately, though, far too much of the heavy work is done by Joshua, the only other named "cute animal," while those in feminine garb watch adoringly. While readers may appreciate the messages of overcoming bullying and granting forgiveness, the story is hampered by cringe-inducing stereotypes. (Picture book. 4-8)

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June 1, 2016

PreS-Gr 1-Bullies are no match for the crafty creativity of extremely cute animals. Faced with repeated destruction of their playground sand castles, Karen and company stand up to mean Skyler and his friends with their "snowboards, pogo sticks, and a bad attitude!" The sweet critters prevail, bringing in a bulldozer, a heavy-lift helicopter, and just a few steel beams. Amazingly in a single day, the "grandest sand castle plus amusement park" arises on the spot for all who love to ride and race, with roller coasters, water slides, Ferris wheels, bumper cars and boats, carousels, bungee jumping, and a climbing wall. The newly contrite former bullies are eventually welcomed into the updated play area, perfect for those who love to stomp and smash. Pages of brightly painted images on pastel backgrounds emphasize free-form cartoon animals in their idyllic neighborhood. VERDICT A recommended storytime purchase for all libraries, this child's playground fantasy features a message of inclusiveness and empowerment, showing that even extremely cute creatures can stand up for themselves.-Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 15, 2016
Grades K-2 Being extremely cute doesn't mean you can't get EXTREMELY MAD! Karen and her extremely cute animal friends are building sand castles in the park when a trio of bullies, bearing snowboards, pogo sticks, and a bad attitude, knock them down once, twice, three times. Is it too much to handle? Not for these excessively adorable critters. Move your butts! We have a job to do, says Karen. With bulldozer, crane, and heavy-lift helicopter, they build a superstructure of I beams into the grandest sand castle plus amusement park anyone had ever seen, and thanks to a no-bullies policy, the bad-attitude oafs aren't allowed. Fortunately, Karen understands that bullying is a behavior, not an identity, and she lets the bigger critters in once they appear appropriately contrite. Bright pastel hues and smooth, broad shapes give the digital art a springtime feel, and you can almost hear the big-eyed, candy-colored toylike characters chirp and cheer as they work and play together. The combination of cute animals and construction equipment will delight a wide range of readers.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)