Cavekid Birthday

February 1, 2019
Breisacher and Garrigue explore the timeless fun of gift exchange.Neighbors Caveboy and Cavegirl are best friends who do everything together. The pair shares interests in pet racing, stone tossing, painting on walls--a joy shared by all children since the very beginning of time--as well as their birthday. As it approaches, Cavegirl becomes frantic to make the perfect gift, but a mishap involving her pet bear sends her to Caveman's Collectibles to pick out the perfect present. Since money has yet to be invented, Cavegirl trades her tools for a box. Caveboy also considers the perfect gift before trading his precious rocks for...a box. The two best friends make the best of their gifts, but eventually it's back to Caveman's Collectibles for another trade. In exchange for their things, they do some gnarly interior decorating for Caveman--money may not have been invented yet, but paint, ladders, and balloons are readily available! The scratchy line-and-color illustrations share an aesthetic with The Flintstones, with the uniformly pale-skinned characters sporting hide clothing and bone accessories. The message will resonate with generations of readers--the simplicity of a box combined with imagination crosses time and gender. However, the protagonists' binary names are not inclusive of gender fluidity. The faux primitive grammar ("Me like....Trade good") gives character to the dialogue but may also confuse emerging readers.Book sweet. (Picture book. 5-8)

COPYRIGHT(2019) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

June 14, 2019

PreS-Gr 1-Ever since they were born, Cavegirl and Caveboy have been friends. They play together, even after their individual interests diverge; the former likes being creative, while the latter enjoys collecting and building with rocks. Along comes their shared birthday, and each wants to get a gift for the other. But in order to get something, they have to give up a possession. Cavegirl trades her beloved tools for a rock box, and Caveboy trades his prized rocks for a toolbox. Their generous actions are nearly spoiled, but being creative kids, they still have fun with their presents. Sadly, it just isn't enough. So the two decide to make one more trade with the salesman. Some may take issue with this turn of events as it undermines the sentimentality and the very nature of the good deed. However, the kids work together to accomplish their goal, and that in itself is a worthy message about friendship. Breisacher's debut picture book is written in comical "cave-speak," and with Garrigue's hirsute comic strip style, it is a unified prehistoric package. VERDICT With its message of friendship and cohesive style, this debut is a good one to consider for those with larger budgets.-Rachel Forbes, Oakville Public Library, Ont.

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.