Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Shand retells a classic story of change and growth starring a spritelike figure with a bulb-shaped head, pink cheeks, and a leafy torso. Rosebud lives "under the ground in her tiny, dark house," and is surprised when the sun and the rain knock at her door. "I like it quiet," Rosebud says firmly, but when their pestering proves relentless, she feels compelled to open her door. When she emerges, the friendly sun and rain are waiting, as is a verdant garden of fellow flowers. In Garland's smudgy, playful art, a squiggly sprout and pink flower emerge from the bud's head, and she stands among the others, "the happiest... she had ever been." A note about germination closes things out: "It is just what the little pink Rosebud did in this story!" Ages 3-6. (Mar.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1-A little pink rosebud lives in a tiny house under the ground, where it is dark and quiet, and that is exactly how she likes it. This peaceful existence is shattered when the rain begins to tap at her door, asking to be let in, but Rosebud refuses. Soon the sun wants to come in through the window but the little flower remains firm. Eventually, the sun and the rain pair up with their pestering, and Rosebud decides she might as well let them in. She opens the door, and they lead her out to the top of the ground and tell her to poke her head through. The book ends with a glorious spread of Rosebud, now a blooming flower, in a colorful garden looking as happy as can be. This charming story of blossoming and coming into one's own will certainly appeal to young readers. Garland's illustrations are captivating and bring to life the germination process. VERDICT A perfect selection for a spring-themed storytime or to introduce a gardening unit.-Amy Nolan, St. Joseph Public Library, MI
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A small rosebud living in her cozy underground space is urged by two new friends to sprout above the earth and blossom into a beautiful flower.Feeling safe in her warm, dark home, Rosebud is disturbed by Rain's knocking and then Sun's cheery rustling at the window. These new friends insist that Rosebud allow them to enter, giving her the necessary ingredients for growth. With Rain and Sun's encouragement"Poke your head through!"little pink Rosebud finds herself in a blooming spring garden. Shand retells a story originated by the early-20th-century children's storyteller Bryant, ever so lightly desentimentalizing it while retaining the feel of the simple, repetitive dialogue of the original: "It's the Rain and the Sun.It's the Sun and the Rain.And we want to come in! We want to come in!" Opaque colors create a small, brown-toned room with door and curtained window and a surprised Rosebud sitting in a large green armchair. The smiling faces of a sun and a puffy white cloud represent Rosebud's uninvited, equally anthropomorphized visitors. A careful review of the room reveals a clock on the wall with the four stages of germination, hinting at the story's theme, which culminates aboveground in the glowing greens and pastels of springtime. A brief addendum relates the process. Though the scientific explanation is rudimentary, the fictional narrative employed will make it accessible to young listeners.A classic reboot that feels fresh. (Picture book. 3-6) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
