Ryan T. Higgins

In the fourth Penelope Rex book, everyone's favorite orange T.Rex gets a pet...Mittens, the saber-toothed tiger! Mittens has a definite Hobbes vibe, and Penelope loves being tackled to the ground at her front door just as much as Calvin does. After Mittens destroys Penelope's beloved pony-patterned backback and she yells at Mittens, they spend some time apart; Penelope realizes she does still want Mittens, and the Rex family learns to be better pet owners (exercise, training, outings, and baby gates).… (meer)

Mother Bruce, that grouchy ursine picture book hero who unwillingly adopted a flock of goslings and then a horde of mice, makes his early-reader debut here, as Nibs—one of his most exuberant murine charges—decides to make him happy. Bruce proceeds to be treated to the eponymous "big fun day"—breakfast in bed, a hike and picnic, a boat ride, and a fancy dinner—none of which goes particularly well, or makes him particularly happy. Fortunately for all, what Bruce likes best of all is being grumpy, making the day a success after all...

Published in 2019, Bruce's Big Fun Day is the first of author/illustrator Ryan T. Higgins' two early readers devoted to his titular hero's (mis)adventures. It is followed by Ballet Bruce, which I happened to read first, and which, like this title, is part of Disney-Hyperion's World of Reading collection. As always with the Mother Bruce books, whether picture book or early reader, I enjoyed the humor here, and found the artwork engaging. I liked the fact that Bruce is such a lovable character, despite the fact that he never deviates from his grouchiness. The simple language and repetitive story structure here—a series of events which go wrong—will be helpful in promoting the purpose of the book: namely, reading acquisition. Recommended to Mother Bruce fans, especially those who are learning to read.… (meer)

Autumn has come, and everyone's favorite grouchy bear is attempting to prepare a feast for his murine charges. Unfortunately, said charges are determined to consume and/or wreck every dish: sticking their feet in the stew, munching the apples and pumpkins, using the peas to shoot at Bruce and the gravy as a slide. When dinnertime comes, there's nothing to eat, but the mice are nevertheless thankful for that nothing, as they've had a fun day...

Thanks for Nothing! is the second "Little Bruce" book I have read, following upon author/illustrator Ryan T. Higgins' Spring Stinks, and much like that title, I found it somewhat wanting, when it comes to the story. The artwork was as humorous as ever, as was the story idea, but the execution just felt flat. Although a fan of the full-sized picture books about these characters, I'm beginning to conclude that the smaller, square picture books in the "Little Bruce" line are just not for me. That being said, I do think young fans of Mother Bruce and his charges might still enjoy them, so it is to them that I would recommend this one.… (meer)