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MY RED, WHITE, AND BLUE

Name: MY RED, WHITE, AND BLUE
Author: Alana Tyson
ISBN: 978-0-593-52570-8

by Alana Tyson ; illustrated by London Ladd ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 17, 2023

An effective, accessible acknowledgment that both the U.S. flag and history are deeply fraught.

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An African American child learns about the Black community’s complicated relationship with the U.S. flag.

The nameless young narrator expresses pride in the flag that waves at their home, greeting friends and strangers who pass by. For the child, the flag is part of their diverse community, a message reinforced by their teacher. The narrator’s grandpa agrees but shares that the flag is also a reminder of the nation’s history of injustice. For many, there are still problems that cause some citizens to protest the flag as a symbol of a country that has not lived up to its creed. Grandpa emphasizes that everyone has the right to protest—for instance, by kneeling during the singing of the national anthem—but notes that they can also take pride in the flag, and he reminds the child of contributions of Black Americans like Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr., who helped make this country what it is. Grandpa’s strongest message to his grandchild is that they have a choice in how they use their voice. Tyson uses age-appropriate language and examples to bring clarity to an abstract concept. The warm relationship between Grandpa and the child gives the narrative a reassuring tone. Ladd’s bold, painterly illustrations, crafted with acrylics, textured cut paper, tissue paper, and colored pencil, illuminate and expand the ideas in the text. (This book was digitally reviewed.)

An effective, accessible acknowledgment that both the U.S. flag and history are deeply fraught. (author’s note) (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: Jan. 17, 2023

ISBN: 978-0-593-52570-8

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Philomel

Review Posted Online: Nov. 15, 2022

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2022

Categories:

CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES

- BOOK REVIEW
DEVIN'S GIFT
by Alana Tyson ; illustrated by Ebony Glenn

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THE LITTLE GHOST WHO WAS A QUILT

From the Little Ghost Quilt Book series

by Riel Nason ; illustrated by Byron Eggenschwiler ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 2020

Halloween is used merely as a backdrop; better holiday titles for young readers are available.

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A ghost learns to appreciate his differences.

The little ghost protagonist of this title is unusual. He’s a quilt, not a lightweight sheet like his parents and friends. He dislikes being different despite his mom’s reassurance that his ancestors also had unconventional appearances. Halloween makes the little ghost happy, though. He decides to watch trick-or-treaters by draping over a porch chair—but lands on a porch rail instead. A mom accompanying her daughter picks him up, wraps him around her chilly daughter, and brings him home with them! The family likes his looks and comforting warmth, and the little ghost immediately feels better about himself. As soon as he’s able to, he flies out through the chimney and muses happily that this adventure happened only due to his being a quilt. This odd but gently told story conveys the importance of self-respect and acceptance of one’s uniqueness. The delivery of this positive message has something of a heavy-handed feel and is rushed besides. It also isn’t entirely logical: The protagonist could have been a different type of covering; a blanket, for instance, might have enjoyed an identical experience. The soft, pleasing illustrations’ palette of tans, grays, white, black, some touches of color, and, occasionally, white text against black backgrounds suggest isolation, such as the ghost feels about himself. Most humans, including the trick-or-treating mom and daughter, have beige skin. (This book was reviewed digitally with 11-by-16.6-inch double-page spreads viewed at 66.2% of actual size.)

Halloween is used merely as a backdrop; better holiday titles for young readers are available. (Picture book. 4-7)

Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2020

ISBN: 978-0-7352-6447-2

Page Count: 48

Publisher: Tundra Books

Review Posted Online: July 13, 2020

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2020

Categories:

CHILDREN'S HOLIDAYS & CELEBRATIONS | CHILDREN'S PARANORMAL & SUPERNATURAL | CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES

- BOOK REVIEW
THE LITTLE GHOST QUILT'S WINTER SURPRISE
by Riel Nason ; illustrated by Byron Eggenschwiler

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THE PUMPKIN THIEF

From the Leaf Thief series

by Alice Hemming ; illustrated by Nicola Slater ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 28, 2026

More fun antics to satisfy returning fans and snag new ones.

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Not even the arrival of autumn can cool down this impetuous squirrel.

Although Squirrel is skeptical about Bird’s vegetable patch (“Nothing is HAPPENING!”), Bird does produce five (count them) lovely pumpkins. Squirrel picks out a favorite: “The enormous orange one.” Bird hints that Squirrel might want to help out; Squirrel sets out to fetch some work gloves and returns to find only four pumpkins. The frequently distracted Squirrel notices more gourds disappearing and leaps to the conclusion that a thief is near. And where’s Bird?! Has Squirrel’s pal also been taken? Diligently detecting, Squirrel finds clues—peck marks, footprints, and more—and produces a sketch of the suspect. As readers will guess, each clue turns out to point to one of Squirrel and Bird’s friends. Turns out Bird was delivering pumpkins to their pals while saving the big one to give to “my very best friend,” Squirrel. But why does Squirrel haul it up a tree? “So the Pumpkin Thief can’t find it, of course!” A page of pumpkin facts provides the learning component common to all titles in this series. Once more, readers will enjoy the pleasure of prediction and repetition, Squirrel’s silly persistence, Bird’s generosity, and the vibrant color illustrations, balancing orange with green.

More fun antics to satisfy returning fans and snag new ones. (Picture book. 4-8)