Patch of sky

PreS-Gr 1--"Did you know that pigs can't see the sky? Pia just found out too." When blue-haired, yellow-skinned Pia finds out her beloved companion Patches, a pink potbellied pig, can't see the sky, she tries several creative solutions to remedy the problem, all the while explaining to Patches why the sky is so wonderful: it can be soft and dreamy and help you feel calm, or gray and gloomy to match a sad mood. At last, when it seems impossible, Pia's determined problem-solving pays off, and she finds a way for Patches to see a patch of sky. Bright blue, pink, and yellow are the dominant colors; some illustrations are full page, while comics panels are employed on other pages, giving picture book readers a taste of the graphic novel format. Narrative text is in black, Pia's dialogue is in blue, and Patches's is in pink; some words are in all capital letters, which adds emphasis without seeming shouty. VERDICT This is a sweet, funny tale of a girl who wants to share her love of the sky with her best pal. Highly recommended for story times, classrooms, and one-on-one reading.--Jenny Arch

"Looking up" takes on a whole new meaning. Pia, a yellow-skinned, blue-haired girl, has a best friend--Patches, a pig from whom she's inseparable. Apart from Patches, Pia's favorite thing is the sky. Unfortunately, her father explains that the anatomy of pigs' necks is such that pigs can't look up. Pia is desolate because, she tells Patches, the sky isn't only wonderful, it also reflects emotions, and she's determined that her bestie should see it. She devises several ingenious stratagems to solve the dilemma, including rolling Patches onto his back and pushing him up a hill; sadly, each attempt ends in disappointment. However, Pia's chance glimpse at a clear rain puddle gives her one final idea--and voila! By peering down into the puddle, Patches finally beholds the sky. This endearing, lighthearted tale rests on an easy science concept, though some kids might not get it, even as depicted; adult explanations may be needed. The tale makes a fine springboard for imaginative thinking and art activities focused on helping pigs look upward. The colorful, lively, expressive illustrations, set mostly in square or rectangular panels, are appealing; readers will also appreciate the text, often set in colored type and including onomatopoeic sound words used to very dynamic effect. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Notable for bringing easy STEM concepts to interesting, inventive life for very young readers. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.