A quick boost of confidence from a flock of friends.
A cool cat, er, chick suffers from stage fright.
Rocker Chick has all the gear: star-shaped glasses, a pink skull-and-crossbones sweater, and an edgy, purple guitar. She thrashes around her bedroom, wailing blistering solos and belting out ballads. But her audience has only ever been her stuffed animals. When given the opportunity to star at a “big wing-ding,” she can’t wait. However, as she climbs the tall, hay-bale stage during rehearsal and is thrust into the spotlight, she freezes. Luckily her chick pals use their own individual strengths to help. Zen Chick leads some calming breaths, Artsy Chick (who is wearing a head covering) does makeup, and Coding Chick controls the lights. The whole clutch pitches in to show Rocker Chick she is not going through this alone. True to its musical core, Bardhan-Quallen’s text has a lively spring, which is snappy to read aloud and helps to soften the platitude: “Rocker Chick says, ‘Thank you all— / you helped me reach my dream.’ / Her friends reply, ‘That’s why we’re here.’ ‘We’re always on your team!’ ” Kurilla’s bean-shaped chicks are as cute and thoughtfully developed as in the story’s predecessor, Chicks Rule!(2019). Sly barnyard wordplay is also included, “poultry in slow motion” being a highlight.(This book was reviewed digitally with 10.5-by-17-inch double-page spreads viewed at 47.8% of actual size.)
A quick boost of confidence from a flock of friends. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: March 2, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-4197-4570-6
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Abrams
Review Posted Online: Jan. 12, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2021
Nice enough but not worth repeat reads.
Emma deals with jitters before playing the guitar in the school talent show.
Pop musician Kevin Jonas and his wife, Danielle, put performance at the center of their picture-book debut. When Emma is intimidated by her very talented friends, the encouragement of her younger sister, Bella, and the support of her family help her to shine her own light. The story is straightforward and the moral familiar: Draw strength from your family and within to overcome your fears. Employing the performance-anxiety trope that’s been written many times over, the book plods along predictably—there’s nothing really new or surprising here. Dawson’s full-color digital illustrations center a White-presenting family along with Emma’s three friends of color: Jamila has tanned skin and wears a hijab; Wendy has dark brown skin and Afro puffs; and Luis has medium brown skin. Emma’s expressive eyes and face are the real draw of the artwork—from worry to embarrassment to joy, it’s clear what she’s feeling. A standout double-page spread depicts Emma’s talent show performance, with a rainbow swirl of music erupting from an amp and Emma rocking a glam outfit and electric guitar. Overall, the book reads pretty plainly, buoyed largely by the artwork. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Nice enough but not worth repeat reads. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: March 29, 2022
ISBN: 978-0-593-35207-6
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Razorbill/Penguin
Review Posted Online: Feb. 8, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
Relatable bedtime fare.
In this picture book from comedian Gatto, a little one embarks on a nighttime detective caper while also learning some calming techniques.
Tucked into bed, a light-skinned youngster with a mop of brown hair is almost ready to go to sleep, but something’s missing. Eyes wide, mouth agape, the child wonders, “Where’s Bearry?” The snuggly teddy is lost. Armed with a household map and magnifying glass and trailed by a pup sidekick, the tot searches high and low. “He’s not in the playroom / with my robot and blocks. / He’s not in the hamper / with all the stinky socks.” More searching comes up empty, and the increasingly distraught narrator worries, “Maybe he took a trip on the ferry? / Oh no! I’m freaking out! // WHERE’S BEARRY?!?!” Luckily, the youngster remembers to take a deep breath and count down from three. These actions help soothe the intrepid detective, and suddenly, all becomes clear. (Spoiler alert: Bearry is found.) The jaunty, singsong text trips up a bit here and there but propels the mystery forward. Flowers’ colorful art captures the wide range of emotions the youngster experiences: sadness, panic, serenity, and relief.
Relatable bedtime fare. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Sept. 3, 2024
ISBN: 9780593750193
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Penguin Workshop
Review Posted Online: June 15, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2024
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