School Library Journal Review
PreS-Doyle's latest conceit, a treatise on positive behavior, is likely to go over the heads of its intended audience. The story is simple. On the first spread are the words "Squabble less," accompanied by an illustration of two children pulling on opposite arms of a teddy bear. The facing page says, "Share more!" and shows the same children digging into a bag of treats. And so it goes, through "Sniffle less./Snuggle more!" "Grumble less./Giggle more!" and "Zone out less./Zoom around more!" to "Fearless for evermore!/Be strong!/Be Happy!" The childlike illustrations of round-headed, dot-eyed people are appealing and depict a multiethnic cast, although the primary children, presumably siblings, are Caucasian. The mixed-media artwork fills the pages with motion and color in mostly full-bleed spreads that make good use of the often white backgrounds. The layout works well, and the pictures do a good job of portraying the emotions and actions in the minimalistic text. Unfortunately, it is the very simplicity of the text that causes the problem. The concepts and word choices are quite sophisticated, and are unlikely to speak to the target audience without a lot of explanation. A pleasant enough addition for those looking to discuss behavior, but expect lots of questions.-Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
With contents as authoritative as its title, this picture book pairs positive behaviors with less desirable ones. "Squabble less," writes Doyle, as a pair of children, presumably siblings, fight over a stuffed bear. "Share more!" appears opposite, as the same couple splits a bag of candy (even the bear looks pleased). Other basic pairings follow ("Sniffle less./ Snuggle more!/ Grumble less./ Giggle more!"), as Uff portrays the siblings and a wider cast of children in alternately cheery and antagonistic scenes. If the book doesn't have much use for kids' more selfish inclinations, it provides a roadmap to a less fraught home life-for kids willing to follow its advice. Ages 3-6. (June) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
