An inspiring example of the good that can result from one act, no matter how small.
Can one tiny hummingbird douse a woodland fire by herself?
The story opens on an idyllic African plains setting dotted with acacia trees. The hummingbird is building a nest in anticipation of eggs soon to come when a spark ignites a full-blown fire. She rushes to the river and attempts to fight the blaze, flying back and forth, holding just one drop of water in her beak on each trip. When an elephant expresses incredulity at her efforts, she replies, “I am doing what I can.” In an illustrator’s note, Brian Pinkney describes how he painted on top of his late father Jerry’s unfinished sketches to create dynamic acrylic and ink scenes. This poignant duet has produced gorgeous compositions. Jerry’s skill in capturing an animal’s essence is on full display, while Brian’s signature swirls add energy to his exciting palette. In her author’s note, Alper explains that the tale originated with the Quechua people of South America, though she first heard it from Kenyan environmentalist Wangari Maathai. The text has a melodic flow and cadence. Alper has embellished the narrative, adding a collective response to the bird’s actions. After the elephant joins the fight, a cluster of ants lift leaves containing small puddles above their heads; a chimpanzee carries a vessel of water. The drop that finally extinguishes the flames comes from the protagonist.
An inspiring example of the good that can result from one act, no matter how small. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: April 1, 2025
ISBN: 9780593309124
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Anne Schwartz/Random
Review Posted Online: Dec. 28, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2025
This warm family story is a splendid showcase for the combined talents of Medina, a Pura Belpré award winner, and Dominguez,...
Abuela is coming to stay with Mia and her parents. But how will they communicate if Mia speaks little Spanish and Abuela, little English? Could it be that a parrot named Mango is the solution?
The measured, evocative text describes how Mia’s español is not good enough to tell Abuela the things a grandmother should know. And Abuela’s English is too poquito to tell Mia all the stories a granddaughter wants to hear. Mia sets out to teach her Abuela English. A red feather Abuela has brought with her to remind her of a wild parrot that roosted in her mango trees back home gives Mia an idea. She and her mother buy a parrot they name Mango. And as Abuela and Mia teach Mango, and each other, to speak both Spanish and English, their “mouths [fill] with things to say.” The accompanying illustrations are charmingly executed in ink, gouache, and marker, “with a sprinkling of digital magic.” They depict a cheery urban neighborhood and a comfortable, small apartment. Readers from multigenerational immigrant families will recognize the all-too-familiar language barrier. They will also cheer for the warm and loving relationship between Abuela and Mia, which is evident in both text and illustrations even as the characters struggle to understand each other. A Spanish-language edition, Mango, Abuela, y yo, gracefully translated by Teresa Mlawer, publishes simultaneously.
This warm family story is a splendid showcase for the combined talents of Medina, a Pura Belpré award winner, and Dominguez, an honoree. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Aug. 25, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-7636-6900-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: April 14, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2015
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A friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share.
In this latest in the series, Little Blue Truck, driven by pal Toad, is challenged to a countryside race by Racer Red, a sleek, low-slung vehicle.
Blue agrees, and the race is on. Although the two start off “hood to hood / and wheel to wheel,” they switch positions often as they speed their way over dusty country roads. Blue’s farm friends follow along to share in the excitement and shout out encouragement; adult readers will have fun voicing the various animal sounds. Short rhyming verses on each page and several strategic page turns add drama to the narrative, but soft, mottled effects in the otherwise colorful illustrations keep the competition from becoming too intense. Racer Red crosses the finish line first, but Blue is a gracious loser, happy to have worked hard. That’s a new concept for Racer Red, who’s laser-focused on victory but takes Blue’s words (“win or lose, it’s fun to try!”) to heart—a revelation that may lead to worthwhile storytime discussions. When Blue’s farm animal friends hop into the truck for the ride home, Racer Red tags along and learns a second lesson, one about speed. “Fast is fun, / and slow is too, / as long as you’re / with friends.”
A friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: March 25, 2025
ISBN: 9780063387843
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Clarion/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Jan. 18, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2025
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