School Library Journal Review
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. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
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. (May) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.