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PINKY PROMISE

Name: PINKY PROMISE
Author: Alicia J. Turner
ISBN: 978-0-692-92277-4

BREAKING THE CODE OF SILENCE

by Alicia J. Turner illustrated by Justin Richburg ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 1, 2017

A helpful resource that approachably addresses a difficult topic.

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Turner’s picture book encourages parents and children to keep an open dialogue about preventing sexual abuse.

The author shows examples of inappropriate interactions between adults and children and emphasizes that parent-child communication is vital for keeping children safe. In fact, the refrain of the text is: “You can tell me.” Turner (Hey Ugly, 2015) includes a “Dear Responsible Adult” letter explaining the ways the book can be used as a tool for parents to protect their children while broaching sensitive topics. Other interactive elements include instructions for parent and child to “interlock” pinkies symbolizing commitment and a tear-out “Pinky Promise” certificate for parent and child to sign. Resource pages include hotlines, the author’s social media accounts, and suggested hashtags. Also featured are several topically relevant poems by the author. Richburg’s illustrations show people of various ages and ethnicities. The bold, saturated hues and graphic-novel–style images provide concrete context. For example, where the text reads, “If someone asks you to keep a bad secret, you can tell me,” the accompanying illustration depicts an adult embracing a visibly uncomfortable child and a bubble encasing the words, “Remember what we talked about.” Using simple language and pictures kids can relate to, Turner tackles a challenging subject. This read will undoubtedly incite necessary discussion.

A helpful resource that approachably addresses a difficult topic.

Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2017

ISBN: 978-0-692-92277-4

Page Count: 34

Publisher: CreateSpace

Review Posted Online: Feb. 14, 2018

Review Program: Kirkus Indie

Categories:

CHILDREN'S GENERAL CHILDREN'S

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A DOG NAMED SAM

by Janice Boland & illustrated by G. Brian Karas ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 1996

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A book that will make young dog-owners smile in recognition and confirm dogless readers' worst suspicions about the mayhem caused by pets, even winsome ones. Sam, who bears passing resemblance to an affable golden retriever, is praised for fetching the family newspaper, and goes on to fetch every other newspaper on the block. In the next story, only the children love Sam's swimming; he is yelled at by lifeguards and fishermen alike when he splashes through every watering hole he can find. Finally, there is woe to the entire family when Sam is bored and lonely for one long night. Boland has an essential message, captured in both both story and illustrations of this Easy-to-Read: Kids and dogs belong together, especially when it's a fun-loving canine like Sam. An appealing tale. (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: April 1, 1996

ISBN: 0-8037-1530-7

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Dial Books

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1996

Categories:

CHILDREN'S GENERAL CHILDREN'S

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CINDERELLA

From the Once Upon a World series

by Chloe Perkins ; illustrated by Sandra Equihua ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 13, 2016

A nice but not requisite purchase.

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A retelling of the classic fairy tale in board-book format and with a Mexican setting.

Though simplified for a younger audience, the text still relates the well-known tale: mean-spirited stepmother, spoiled stepsisters, overworked Cinderella, fairy godmother, glass slipper, charming prince, and, of course, happily-ever-after. What gives this book its flavor is the artwork. Within its Mexican setting, the characters are olive-skinned and dark-haired. Cultural references abound, as when a messenger comes carrying a banner announcing a “FIESTA” in beautiful papel picado. Cinderella is the picture of beauty, with her hair up in ribbons and flowers and her typically Mexican many-layered white dress. The companion volume, Snow White, set in Japan and illustrated by Misa Saburi, follows the same format. The simplified text tells the story of the beautiful princess sent to the forest by her wicked stepmother to be “done away with,” the dwarves that take her in, and, eventually, the happily-ever-after ending. Here too, what gives the book its flavor is the artwork. The characters wear traditional clothing, and the dwarves’ house has the requisite shoji screens, tatami mats and cherry blossoms in the garden. The puzzling question is, why the board-book presentation? Though the text is simplified, it’s still beyond the board-book audience, and the illustrations deserve full-size books.

A nice but not requisite purchase. (Board book/fairy tale. 3-5)