February 1, 2020
Poor Archer can't find his pet turtle! Endpapers show toys, books, and other odds and ends, hinting at the protagonist's disorganized ways. A title-page illustration then depicts these same items strewn on the floor like a path that leads to an open terrarium. The titular turtle is seen in the act of crawling out of the tank, which may leave readers wondering why there's no lid. A child appears on the dedication page, looking for something, and the turtle isn't visible. The text begins on the next spread with the statement that "Archer lost things," so apparently having his pet turtle, Kevin, go missing isn't an uncommon occurrence in his life. Luckily, his patient, tidy mom is there to encourage him and help him find his beloved pet. As he searches indoors and out for Kevin, Archer follows his mother's sage advice that there's "a place for everything, and everything in its place." He finds various and sundry lost items, then tries to think like Kevin in order to create an inviting space for the turtle to return to. Hughes' illustrations change perspective and shift from full-room vistas to spot illustrations to support visual interest and entice readers with an I-spy sort of experience as they join Archer in his search for Kevin. Both Archer and his mom have light beige skin and brown hair. Here's a book that will find its way into readers' hearts. (Picture book. 3-6)
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March 1, 2020
PreS-Gr 2-Faced with the mess in her son's room, Archer's mom always says, "A place for everything and everything in its place." Archer finally internalizes this lesson when his turtle, Kevin, goes missing. As Archer searches for his lost pet, he is distracted by toys and other items. He also realizes that every activity is more fun when Kevin is there with him. Archer's wise mom makes a few suggestions that help the boy find his turtle, and his mess gets organized. Eventually Archer comes to understand his priorities. Hughes's charming pen-and-ink illustrations offer recognizable details that young readers will love, from Kevin's clean, inviting environment to Archer's cluttered bedroom. The drawings are particularly effective when she uses broken lines to show Archer's wanderings. Keep an eye on the kitten, who always knows where Kevin is! VERDICT A little responsibility never hurt anyone. Pair with last year's Truman by Jean Reidy for the other side of the story.-Lisa Lehmuller, Paul Cuffee Maritime Charter School, Providence
Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
July 1, 2020
Given the state of Archer's room, it comes as no surprise that he has lost track of his pet turtle, Kevin. Kevin is just one in a list of things that he has declared missing, including a drawing pad and pens, a toy truck, and a baseball bat. Kevin makes a break for it right on the title page, and though persistent viewers (along with the cat) will be able to find him always hiding close by, he stays just out of sight of frustrated Archer, whether in Archer's bedroom, in the kitchen, or out in the yard. To complicate matters, Archer keeps finding his other lost objects and getting distracted by them: "'My baseball bat! I love my baseball bat!' said Archer. 'It's my favorite!'" Detailed cartoon art with soft colors and gentle lines creates a broader sense of a warm home life. Finally heeding the advice of his pragmatic and remarkably unfazed mother, Archer does some tidying and considers what might make Kevin want to come out on his own. Food, water, a clean tank, and patience ultimately coax the friendly reptile out of hiding. "'Kevin!' cried Archer. 'You're my absolute favorite thing of all!'" Kevin joins a number of other loyal but independent pet turtles venturing beyond their tanks lately, and readers who enjoy this story may also want to make the acquaintance of Reidy and Cummins's Truman (rev. 9/19) and Heder's Alfie.
(Copyright 2020 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)
July 1, 2020
Given the state of Archer's room, it comes as no surprise that he has lost track of his pet turtle, Kevin. Kevin is just one in a list of things that he has declared missing, including a drawing pad and pens, a toy truck, and a baseball bat. Kevin makes a break for it right on the title page, and though persistent viewers (along with the cat) will be able to find him always hiding close by, he stays just out of sight of frustrated Archer, whether in Archer's bedroom, in the kitchen, or out in the yard. To complicate matters, Archer keeps finding his other lost objects and getting distracted by them: "�??My baseball bat! I love my baseball bat!' said Archer. �??It's my favorite!'" Detailed cartoon art with soft colors and gentle lines creates a broader sense of a warm home life. Finally heeding the advice of his pragmatic and remarkably unfazed mother, Archer does some tidying and considers what might make Kevin want to come out on his own. Food, water, a clean tank, and patience ultimately coax the friendly reptile out of hiding. "�??Kevin!' cried Archer. �??You're my absolute favorite thing of all!'" Kevin joins a number of other loyal but independent pet turtles venturing beyond their tanks lately, and readers who enjoy this story may also want to make the acquaintance of Reidy and Cummins's Truman (rev. 9/19) and Heder's Alfie. Julie Roach
(Copyright 2020 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)