Little Kangaroo

by Guido Van Genechten

The world is big ... Much, much bigger than Mother Kangaroo's pouch. But Little Kangaroo would rather stay with Mommy, where it's safer, warmer and easier. Mom tries to show Little Kangaroo all that life has to offer. It does no good at first, but then...

A splendid picture book about letting go in a loving way.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens, Storytime

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Guido Van Genechten is een Vlaamse schrijver en illustrator.

Guido Van Genechten in de Nederlandstalige Wikipedia


Guido Van Genechten is a Flemish writer and illustrator.

Reviews

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mother Kangaroo is exhausted carrying Little Kangaroo everywhere, because she is already big for her pouch. But Little Kangaroo doesn't understand why she should want to go somewhere else than comfy, warm, dry, quiet, safe and well known Mother's pouch. It will take a new friend to encourage Little Kangaroo to try the wide world.

I loved the illustrations of this book, colorful and bright. The loving characters tell the reader a coming to age story for little ones. I plan to buy a copy of this book as soon it is published. I have a Little Kangaroo here who could do a good use of it...

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Carla · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute book about separation anxiety using animals. Little kangaroo is getting too big to live in Mama's pouch but she is afraid to leave it. She only feels safe when she is in mama's pouch. Mama tries to get her interested in the world around her with no luck. When another young kangaroo shows up, Little kangaroo finally leaves the pouch and hops off with her new friend. My main issue with this book is that kangaroos live in Australia, but the animals they show in the book live in Africa. This could be confusing to children who have learned about where some of these animals live. The illustrations are cute and done in a way that is non-threatening. They look like stuffed animals. They are colourful and young children will like them. A nice book for a family library. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.

[Flor Méndez · Rating 5 out of 5]

El primer libro para chicos que entra en mis favoritos.

Es uno de los libros más dulces que leí. Les enseña a los chicos que tienen que dejar ir a su madre (o a su padre, en ciertos casos) para ver al mundo, siempre teniendo de base los valores que su madre o padre les enseñó. Y al final podés ver cómo la madre tiene que dejar al chico explorar al mundo, cuidándolo pero dejándolo equivocarse.

Me encantaría tener una copia física para regalársela a mi hijo en el futuro. Uno de los libros que definitivamente le leería para que pueda ver el mundo desde la perspectiva del hijo canguro, pero también desde la de la madre una vez que hayan crecido.

[Saskia Witgeers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Voor altijd het lievelingsboek van onze oudste .

[Sheena O'connell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a warm reassuring story for all children who find it hard to let go of Mummy's hand. School life breaks that intense connections which the child and their mother are very used to. Little Roo is a young and energetic kangaroo who doesn't want to leave her Mummy's pocket. Her Mam consistently reassures her that their is so much to see in the big wide world ans it is safe out-side Mummy's pocket. However convincing Mummy kangaroo is and no matter where she brings Roo to experience, little Roo decides the only place she wants to be is safe and sound tucked away in her Mummy's pocket. Until one day Mummy got tired from all the encouraging words and stopped to have a well deserved nap. However little Roo could not understand why Mummy was tired. It was explained that she had been hopping around with little Roo in her pocket for too long. Suddenly little Roo spied another little kangaroo just like her. She was having so much fun hopping around all alone without her Mummy. The two young kangaroos started to play together and Roo found out that she didn't need her Mummy all the time and that she could learn things on her own. This is an excellent story to use as part of a PHSE lesson. After a few incidents of home sickness with my year one class, I developed a lesson around this book to reassure the children that they were safe in the school environment and just like little Roo, they could learn things on their own without holding Mummy's hand. (or hiding in her pocket).

[Carolyn Injoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little Kangaroo by Guido van Genechten is a charmingly illustrated children's book for ages four and up. It's about a baby kangaroo who wants to stay in his mother's pouch because the world was too big. I gave it five stars because my favorite little boy asked me to read it again and again.

I received a complimentary copy from Clavis Books and NetGalley. That did not change my opinion for this review.

Link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Little-Kangaro...

This book is in pre-order status until June 13, 2017, so I could not leave a review on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

[Kinga (oazaksiazek) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5
Opis tej książki sprawił, że oczy mi się spociły i zapragnęłam ją przeczytać 🥹

Na początku miałam takie yyy: dlaczego mama kangurzyca nazywa swoje dziecko problemem. Potem przymknęłam na to oko, pośmiałam się a końcówka niestety nie sprawiła mi przyjemności, bo jak dla mnie nastąpiło to tak nagle i bez dobrej refleksji, morału. Zapowiadało się naprawdę super, ale ostatecznie było dobrze, choć nie na tyle, abym wracała do niej myślami.

[Priscilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mother Kangaroo has a problem — her baby does not want to leave her pouch. Despite numerous attempts (expect giraffes, butterflies, elephants and many more animals!) to coax her, the little kangaroo firmly believes that the pouch is the best place life has to offer.

Until an animal appears… Will the little kangaroo leave her mother’s pouch? What could make her see life in a new light? Take a guess.

The gorgeous illustrations are visually stimulating. It’s a wonderful book that opens up a kid’s mind on what life is really all about. Children these days are getting too obsessed with gadgets; that said, this book will be a nice and inexpensive distraction.

The Little Kangaroo is a thoroughly endearing picture book perfect for unassertive kids.

Full review: Priscilla and her Books

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all know or have known children like this, so why not buy a few to hand out as gifts?! I love this story! Sooo cute! I am planning on giving a few copies of it to friends and their children this year. The story and illustrations are wonderful!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little Kangaroo does not want to leave the comfort of her mom's pouch. Even after her mom shows her all of the fun she could have out in the world. Maybe what she needs is a friend?

This is a cute picture book, teaching children that sometimes it is time to try new things on their own.

[Christine Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kangaroo Story Time.

I love this book! Not only does the main character share my name, but it is a wonderful opportunity to teach kids about growing up.

[Bree Ann Swaner · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute story, but I super hate on the first page how the Mother calls her child a problem. Children are not problems.

“Mother Kangaroo had a problem. That problem was sitting in her pouch”

[Citra Rizcha Maya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Setiap ibu yang membaca buku ini pasti akan terharu. Mata saya berkaca-kaca dan tenggorokan saya tercekat ketika saya menyelesaikan halaman akhir. Dan, ketika membacakan buku ini pada Idea, saya seperti dilimpahkan banyak kasih sayang, jadi saya membawa anak saya di pangkuan dan mendekapnya hangat.

Sebentar lagi, Idea akan disapih, kurang dua bulan lagi. Membayangkan bayi mungil saya kini akan menjadi bocah dua tahun yang sudah mampu mengambil air minumnya sendiri membuat saya terbawa perasaan. Bagaimana jika nanti saya tak lagi menjadi pusat semestanya? Seperti halnya ibu kanguru yang pasti berat melepas kanguru kecil pada dunia luas yang menawarkan banyak keindahan pula tantangan.

Jauh di lubuk hati ibu Kanguru pembaca akan tahu, pastilah berat melepas anaknya, walau kantongnyapun berat menahan bobot si kecil yang kian berat dan melelahkannya. Lagi pula di dalam kantong ibunya, kanguru kecil mendapatkan segalanya; perasaan nyaman dan lembutnya kasih sayang, kehangatan, ketenangan, rasa aman, hal-hal familiar bagi si kanguru kecil.

Itulah kenapa, walau dunia luas menawarkan berbagai hal menarik bagi kanguru kecil, berkali-kali pula kanguru kecil akan kembali pulang pada kantong ibunya.

Sebuah cerita memikat yang sarat makna kasih sayang.

Ilustrasinya mengagumkan, menggambarkan habitat asli alami keluarga kanguru. Ada kesan hangat dalam pilihan warnanya begitu juga sentuhan lembut yang akan sampai ke hati pembaca. Singkatnya ilustrasinya indah.

Tak banyak buku yang menawarkan paket lengkap seperti ini; keindahan ide cerita, rangkaian kalimat memikat, ilustrasi yang lembut dan hangat serta pesan yang sangat mendalam. Setiap Ibu dan anak akan merasa terhubung dengan cerita ini. Guido van Genechten telah membuktikan bahwa dia adalah penulis dan ilustrator yang luar biasa.

Saya percaya cerita ini akan tetap melekat di hati para ibu dan anak yang pada saatnya nanti akan saling melepaskan, demi kemandirian si anak, demi tanggung jawab orang tua untuk mengantarkan anak pada kehidupan yang sesungguhnya.

Setiap Ibu harus membacakan kisah ini untuk anak-anaknya.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute book about separation anxiety told using animals, in this case a mom and baby Kangaroo. In the story Little kangaroo is getting too big to live in her Mama's pouch but she is afraid to leave it. She only feels safe when she is her mama's pouch, eventually she meets another young kangaroo, leaves the pouch and hops off with her new friend so it has a happy ending. The idea is good but the story is mixed up as they have monkey, elephants, parrots and other animals that don't live in Australia in the book, it's not clear if they have gone on a journey or how they fit in and it could be a bit confusing as they seem to live in Africa! Other than that is good and I enjoyed the illustrations - 4 stars from me.

[Magy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Separating from your mom can be difficult and Little Kangaroo is all too comfortable in her mother's pouch. That pouch has everything she needs. It's warm. It's safe. It has milk. And try as much as she can, Mother Kangaroo simply cannot get Little Kangaroo out.

Little Kangaroo is a great story about separation anxiety and gently letting go. A fun and helpful read for young kids.

*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Published in Belgium and Holland in 2005 this translation from the Dutch in 2017 is a very readable English version of a story about Mama Kangaroo knowing it’s time for her little Joey to leave her pouch. However, the little Joey is reluctant. On The brightly illustrated pages the young kangaroo is shown several young animals being on their own. Finally one animal makes an impression and away the young kangaroo goes.
Lovely reassuring story for Moms and young ones. Very enjoyable.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little Kangaroo has become much too big for Mother Kangaroo to carry around. But despite Mother's many attempts to oust Little Kangaroo, her pouch remains heavy. Eventually Little Kangaroo is approached by another juvenile kangaroo and is excited to go off and play.

A great one for separation anxiety.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somewhat similar to the plot of "Pouch!" although this time the kangaroo doesn't want to venture out of the pouch even though his mother shows him all the things that other animals can do. I was confused about the location that this book was supposed to be set in since it looked somewhat like Australia, but had elephants, parrots, monkeys, giraffes, and camels.

[Sally Wilsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story almost every Mom can relate to. Little Kangaroo does not want to leave her Mom's pouch because she his carted everywhere and it is safe and warm. Unfortunately she is getting to heavy for Mom to carry around anymore.. Mom takes her to see all the things and freedom she will have if she leaves the pouch. I found the answer to be one that I can relate to as it is usually how it ends up. The illustrations were very appealing and soft. I think this is a great bedtime story and for ages 2 to 5.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really love the sentiment in this book and think it is effectively expressed however I wish the author had used other Australian animals instead of animals that are native to other places, like Africa.

[Nena Heesakkers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mooi verhaal en mooi hoe de tekst in de afbeelding is gedrukt. Grappig dat moeder kangoeroe haar kleintje graag uit haar buidel heeft, maar als het dan eindelijk zover is, dan wil ze toch wel graag dat hij in de buurt blijft… :)

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little Kangaroo doesn't want to leave the warmth and safety of his mother's pouch, even though his mother is encouraging him to do so.

[Jordana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable!

[emyrose8 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh, for me, it was nothing special. My favorite part is the back endpapers.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book! Such a cute book and the illustrations are wonderful. This book is in polish and it's wonderful. The kangaroos are very cute. It's about a mom kangaroo wanting her baby to get out from her pouch and start jumping on their own. She tries her best to no avail until a fellow small kangaroo comes along and changes the baby's mind.

[Y.Poston]

cute book about childhood exploration anxiety

[Brokigablad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mooie tekeningen, fijne tekst, maar in welk land leven kangoeroes samen met olifanten, dromedarissen, apen, papegaaien en giraffen?

[Storywraps · Rating 4 out of 5]

This adorable book tells it like it is. Poor Mother Kangaroo is tired of lugging her joey around all day. Her baby daughter is growing fast and getting heavier and heavier so Mommy decides it's time for her little one to make a jump out into the real world and be more independent.

You'd think that her baby would be eager to flee the cramped quarters of her Mother's pouch and be excited to discover all the magnificent things in the world around her. Quite the contrary... baby loves the safety, warmth and security of being close and snuggling up to her mommy. The sound of her mother's tummy brings comfort and happiness to her little heart. It trumps any extraneous sounds found out in the wild.

Mother Kangaroo, try as she may to introduce her little one to the outside world with all its activity and diverse animals, cannot convince her baby to exit and engage in some new-found freedom.

Then a remarkable thing happens that completely changes her joey's mind once and for all. With great eagerness and happiness baby hops right out of her warm nest (all on her own I might add) and takes off across the plains never looking back. I wonder what occurred to cause that sudden turnaround? It must have been something very special. Can you perhaps guess what?

This coming of age story is about separation anxiety. It is...

"A splendid picture book about letting go in a loving way."

[A Reader's Heaven · Rating 3 out of 5]

(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)

The world is big ... Much, much bigger than Mother Kangaroo's pouch. But Little Kangaroo would rather stay with Mommy, where it's safer, warmer and easier. Mom tries to show Little Kangaroo all that life has to offer. It does no good at first, but then...
A splendid picture book about letting go in a loving way.

This was a nice enough book about letting go - using a kangaroo and her joey as an example.

Pretty illustrations and well written text mad the story good but nothing exceptional. However, having kangaroos in Africa was a bit weird and might be hard to explain to some children who know better...


Paul
ARH

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ARC from Netgalley for an honest review.
Little Kangaroo is very happy to stay in his mothers pouch. It's warm and he gets milk there. Momma Kangaroo is exhausted each day from carrying Baby Kangaroo in her pouch and thinks that he should see the world outside her pouch. She tries to show him how the other animal babies are out playing with their families and friends but Baby Kangaroo isn't interested, until another baby kangaroo hops by and asks him to play with him. Out Baby Kangaroo goes.