WHAT DO BROTHAS DO ALL DAY?

Name: WHAT DO BROTHAS DO ALL DAY?
Author: Ajuan Mance
ISBN: 9781797215051

by Ajuan Mance ; illustrated by Ajuan Mance ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 14, 2023

A welcome recognition of Black men and the joyous ways they show up for their families, their communities, and each other.

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Black men living their everyday lives.

Drawing on language patterns and speech traditions commonly used within the African American community, Mance refers to Black men as brothas in this picture book that poses the question, “What do Brothas do all day?” The question is fully answered in spreads of bold illustrations that feature Black men of varying sizes, shapes, and skin tones. Simple text lets readers know that brothas spend their days engaged in a variety of activities: “Brothas drive. Brothas ride. Brothas wait for the bus.” Brothas “cook…and eat. Brothas float…and fly.” “Brothas march.” “Brothas listen.” And, of course, brothas love. Mace’s distinctive artistic style will be familiar to readers of her 1001 Black Men Sketchbook series. The illustrations, which show a deft use of collage, drawing, and other elements, capture the characters’ positive energy and camaraderie. The use of specific cultural details, such as brothas preparing black-eyed peas and visiting the barbershop, makes for a depiction that rings true. Mance’s linework brilliantly conveys dynamic physical movement as Black men take part in everything from jumping rope and skateboarding to dancing and playing basketball. Readers young and old will delight in exploring the ways that brothas live their wonderful lives.

A welcome recognition of Black men and the joyous ways they show up for their families, their communities, and each other. (Picture book. 3-8)

Pub Date: Nov. 14, 2023

ISBN: 9781797215051

Page Count: 44

Publisher: Chronicle Books

Review Posted Online: Aug. 26, 2023

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2023

Categories:

CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES

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READ ALL ABOUT IT!

by Benjamin Hall ; illustrated by Martina Motzo ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 3, 2026

Visually sweet, though hampered by disjointed storytelling.

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In this picture book from Fox News journalist Hall, a young hedgehog must find a way to protect his community when peril looms.

Hedgehog and his father both have busy days ahead. Dad’s on his way to the newspaper to report “what new news the news brings.” Hedgehog packs his backpack for an adventure, mindful of Dad’s rules: “Don’t talk to strangers” and “never ever cross the river alone.” Obeying the rules proves difficult when Hedgehog notices commotion on the other side of the river: A bear is hungrily eyeing Baby Owl, who’s fallen from her tree. With creative thinking, Hedgehog frightens off the bear and alerts Mama Owl, but the predator is still at large. So Hedgehog and Mama Owl create flyers to warn the forest residents. Though Motzo’s airy illustrations are pleasing—particularly the adorably animated Hedgehog, a tribute to Hall’s own children—the narrative feels bogged down with multiple themes as it attempts to explore the power of the written word, the importance of community, and the need to adhere to a parent’s rules. When Hedgehog apologizes for his apparent disobedience, Dad explains that Hedgehog never actually broke the rules; turns out it’s OK to cross the river in the company of an adult, and Mama Owl’s no stranger (she’s the town librarian, whom Hedgehog sees every week). The back-and-forth may leave readers confused; it also feels like a missed opportunity to discuss how to identify trustworthy adults.

Visually sweet, though hampered by disjointed storytelling. (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: March 3, 2026

ISBN: 9780063357549

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins

Review Posted Online: Dec. 26, 2025

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2026

Categories:

CHILDREN'S ANIMALS | CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES

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MAYA'S BIG QUESTION

From the Ambitious Girl series , Vol. 3

by Meena Harris ; illustrated by Marissa Valdez ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 3, 2026

Another empowering outing led by a dynamic young role model.

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The third title in the Ambitious Girl series finds young Maya wanting accomplished women to get their due.

On a school trip to Washington, D.C., brown-skinned, bubble-braided Maya is full of questions, among them “How many representatives are there?” and, while checking out the statues and monuments, “Where are all the women?” Maya’s teacher tells her that they’ve seen all the “popular” statues and monuments. Maya is as dogged (“But what about Eleanor Roosevelt? Or Mary McLeod Bethune?”) as her teacher is dismissive: “Those aren’t on my list.” (Maya’s teacher follows the same list every trip.) Back at home, Maya is newly awakened to the lack of female representation in her orbit—she notices that streets and “even her own school” are named for men. Is there anything she can do about this? Maya’s teacher’s cluelessness feels a bit implausible, more like a plot device to steer the story in the right direction, but Maya’s righteous indignation is believable, and her corresponding activism will energize readers. Valdez gets into the spirit of things with her invigorating digital art: Maya and her multiethnic classmates and neighbors are colorful dressers with smiling faces, which fosters a sense that wherever Maya goes, a warm and ebullient community is there for her.

Another empowering outing led by a dynamic young role model. (Picture book. 5-8)