Alice Walstead

Dec 10, 2024 | kirkusreviews.com | Alice Walstead |Andy Elkerton |Marilyn Sadler |Stephanie Laberis

Having attempted to catch the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, and the Gingerbread Man, a group of kids set their sights on a groundhog. After two score and counting How To Catch books, this latest addition suggests that there’s nothing left to capture. The verses are feeble (“But I’m chilled to my bones deep inside / I feel the wind across my backside”), while the illustrations are mundane. On one page, a child crouches in a drift eating “stick cheese” (apparently because it rhymes with “trees”).

Oct 25, 2024 | kirkusreviews.com | Freddy Wexler |Adam Wallace |Andy Elkerton |Alice Walstead

A clearly written and predictable but upbeat tale about being true to your vision and finding the spirit of Christmas. A small tree dreams big dreams but realizes them in an unexpected way. Everett can’t resist the lure of fame and bright lights, but his current “live show” in his tropical venue doesn’t give him the acclaim he wants. When he’s onstage at the Sandy Straw, he’s largely ignored by the customers, who are busy eating and chatting.

Oct 15, 2024 | kirkusreviews.com | Reese Witherspoon |Xindi Yan |Alice Walstead |Andy Elkerton

Not enough tricks to make this a treat. Another holiday title (How To Catch the Easter Bunny by Adam Wallace, illustrated by Elkerton, 2017) sticks to the popular series’ formula. Rhyming four-line verses describe seven intrepid trick-or-treaters’ efforts to capture the witch haunting their Halloween. Rhyming roadblocks with toolbox is an acceptable stretch, but too often too many words or syllables in the lines throw off the cadence.

May 7, 2024 | kirkusreviews.com | Amy Hest |Erin Stead |Alice Walstead |Andy Elkerton

A loving look at failing at fishing in the best possible way. Quiet contentment is the name of the game in this gentle tale of fish and scones. Big Bear wants to go fishing, and so does Little Bear. They dress for the occasion, but are they ready? “Almost.” They need poles (“Almost”), then snacks (“Almost”), then a big green book of stories. Ready at last, they get into their rowboat and wait, but nothing’s biting. Scones are noshed. Stories are read.

Mar 5, 2024 | kirkusreviews.com | Alice Walstead |Andy Elkerton |Adam Rubin |Daniel Salmieri

A syrupy tribute to mothers that may please fans of the series. Another creature is on the loose. The long-running series continues its successful formula with this Hallmark card of a book, which features bright illustrations and catchy rhymes.