Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
A picnic-day theft begets a chaotic game of seek-and-find--and cause for collaboration--in this wordless picture book from Tjong-Khing. Swooping down upon an animalian picnic, an eagle makes off with a blanket holding the group's belongings, including a cloche-enclosed layer cake. A crane-like bird soon attacks the eagle, sending the objects earthward and propelling the picnickers on a search. But each chase comes with its own interactions, many involving characters outside of the original crew. A squirrel kicks a soccer ball to its owners, two young frogs, who successfully aim it at an ape intent on another character's hat. Pleasingly fragmented and comically cohesive, spreads rendered in fine lines follow the antics, making for a set of brain-teasing mini-quests that invite readers to consider who arrived first, what belonged to whom, and how they'll all arrive at the titular conceit. Ages 4--7. (Aug.)
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Review by Horn Book Review
An entourage of well-dressed animals sets out for a festive picnic in this wordless Dutch import. Just as they begin cake-baking and merry-making, an eagle swoops down (on the title page) and snags their picnic blanket and, with it, the animals' signature possessions -- the pig's parasol, the frog pair's soccer ball, the poodle's purse, and so on -- casting doubt on the titular promise of "cake for everyone." When the eagle drops everything off a cliff, high jinks ensue. As the animals hunt down their belongings, readers enjoy Tjong-Khing's Where's Waldo-like visual puzzle. But what's the viewer's best strategy? Track one animal at a time or immerse oneself in the simultaneous chases that unfold over multiple page-turns? There are no wrong answers, and indeed many opportunities for re-reading. Soft pastel-colored scenes with fine black outlines invite repeat readings and reward careful viewers with a myriad of hidden surprises. In the end, there is, indeed, cake for everyone -- even the trouble-making snake and gorilla. Shelley IsaacsonNovember/December 2024 p.76 (c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A picnic goes awry in this wordless Dutch romp. A group of animal friends, dressed smartly for the occasion, gather near the edge of a craggy cliff near a forest. It's almost time for cake! But suddenly, a large eagle swoops down and grabs their blanket--along with all their personal belongings. A soccer ball, a frilly hat, a toy sword, a small stuffed rabbit, and more are stolen as the eagle flies off. Luckily, another bird sees their plight and gets the eagle to drop the blanket. But alas, the objects go flying, landing in various spots along the cliff, water, and mountainside beyond. The book works best if readers choose one item to follow during the rescue that ensues (they should turn back to focus on the other objects), because the grand picture is too vast to absorb all the details at once. Some unexpected villains enter (such as a gorilla who very much wants the frilly hat), but some new friends are made, too. Twists and turns abound, and sharp-eyed readers will delight in poring over all the possibilities and filling in the blanks. Even without words, the approach will appeal especially to more narrative-minded fans. A delicious tale that will reward attentive readers. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
