An uplifting family story that highlights the importance of positive parent-child bonds.
Young sisters spend the day at home with their father in Balde and Sow’s debut picture book.
When Mommy leaves early for work, Diari and Fatima spend the day with Daddy. Diari chronicles their activities, often repeating the phrase “When Mommy’s away, Daddies and daughters stick together.” She particularly notes instances of Daddy’s kindness and support, as when he helps them with their counting and reading skills. When they practice their French, Fula, and Spanish vocabulary, he says, “I am so proud of you, and I love you so much!” After other fun activities, such as dancing and yoga stretches, the sisters take a nap and later help Daddy cook dinner. Mommy comes home that evening and helps Diari and Fatima get ready for bed. Diari is thrilled: “I’m happy to say: Mommy, Daddy, and daughters stick together.” Balde and Sow effectively emphasize how children thrive in supportive, loving environments. Young readers and caregivers will enjoy the wholesome depiction of close family relationships, even if their own family structure or child care routine is different than the characters’. Artist Fernandez’s full-color illustrations, which depict a Black family, have a photographic, realistic quality; some feature textured, dimensional aspects such as floating bubbles above Diari’s bubble bath and a starry sky illuminated by the moon.
An uplifting family story that highlights the importance of positive parent-child bonds.Pub Date: May 10, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-954854-52-9
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Bird Upstairs Books
Review Posted Online: March 21, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2022
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
A retro-futuristic romp, literally and figuratively screwy.
Robo-parents Diode and Lugnut present daughter Cathode with a new little brother—who requires, unfortunately, some assembly.
Arriving in pieces from some mechanistic version of Ikea, little Flange turns out to be a cute but complicated tyke who immediately falls apart…and then rockets uncontrollably about the room after an overconfident uncle tinkers with his basic design. As a squad of helpline techies and bevies of neighbors bearing sludge cake and like treats roll in, the cluttered and increasingly crowded scene deteriorates into madcap chaos—until at last Cath, with help from Roomba-like robodog Sprocket, stages an intervention by whisking the hapless new arrival off to a backyard workshop for a proper assembly and software update. “You’re such a good big sister!” warbles her frazzled mom. Wiesner’s robots display his characteristic clean lines and even hues but endearingly look like vaguely anthropomorphic piles of random jet-engine parts and old vacuum cleaners loosely connected by joints of armored cable. They roll hither and thither through neatly squared-off panels and pages in infectiously comical dismay. Even the end’s domestic tranquility lasts only until Cathode spots the little box buried in the bigger one’s packing material: “TWINS!” (This book was reviewed digitally with 9-by-22-inch double-page spreads viewed at 52% of actual size.)
A retro-futuristic romp, literally and figuratively screwy. (Picture book. 5-7)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-544-98731-9
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Clarion Books
Review Posted Online: June 2, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2020
Cuándo quieras un perro feliz, look no further.
A young Latine boy finally gets to rescue the dog of his dreams, but training can be a challenge in two languages.
Like many children, José has been dreaming of having a pet of his own, specifically un perro, a dog. Like any good owner, José promptly begins training his new canine companion but soon realizes his rescue mutt, Feliz, knows only words in English. This is a problem because in José’s home everyone speaks both Spanish and English. José and Feliz must rise to the challenge; fortunately, treats and snuggles are great motivators. The narrative uses Spanish words and phrases throughout (“perros blancos,” “¡Yo quiero este!” “¡Sientate!”), usually with English context clues for understanding. This is complex vocabulary for an early reader, and the shifting in phonics from English to Spanish will be challenging for true beginners; the book is best suited for intermediate to advanced readers in dual-language classrooms or homes. Much like Feliz, however, it is sure to find a loving (and bilingual) home. Cheerful illustrations complement the text, helping readers make sense of the narrative. While José and his mother are darker-skinned, his father and sister are lighter-skinned. (This review has been updated for accuracy.)
Cuándo quieras un perro feliz, look no further. (glossary of Spanish-English words) (Early reader. 6-8)Pub Date: April 25, 2023
ISBN: 978-0-593-52116-8
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Penguin Workshop
Review Posted Online: Jan. 11, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2023
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