Perhaps best enjoyed by grandmothers.
A little girl’s visit with her grandmother is filled with dancing from the moment the door opens at her New York City apartment.
A former prima ballerina, Grand Jeté passes her love of ballet to her granddaughter as they arabesque to make lunch and plié before eating. Then they do their hair and makeup, topping it off with their special holiday outfits. Together they visit Grand Jeté’s friends backstage at Lincoln Center. Finally, they take their seats and the curtain rises on The Nutcracker. Throughout the performance, Grand Jeté fondly remembers when she used to dance the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy. When the curtain closes, the duo waltzes away, Grand Jeté telling the little girl that she too could be a ballerina one day. Written by a former prima ballerina, this seasonal book puts the emphasis on the grandmother. Although the little girl narrates the story, it is Grand Jeté who experiences the emotional arc. The brief text moves the story along, only occasionally stumbling during transitions. The detailed illustrations, featuring the New York City Ballet’s Nutcracker costumes and sets, are joyous and bubbly. Although there is a handful of diverse characters in the background, nearly all humans present White, including the main characters. Families preparing to see The Nutcracker for the first time may appreciate the very brief summary of the ballet included within the story. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Perhaps best enjoyed by grandmothers. (glossary, author’s note) (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Oct. 19, 2021
ISBN: 978-0-06-239202-2
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Aug. 17, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A syrupy tribute to mothers that may please fans of the series.
Another creature is on the loose.
The long-running series continues its successful formula with this Hallmark card of a book, which features bright illustrations and catchy rhymes. This time, the mythical creature the racially diverse children set out to catch is an absent mom who does it all (lists of descriptors include the words banker, caregiver, nurse, doctor, driver, chef, housekeeper, teacher, entertainer, playmate, laundry service, problem solver, handywoman, cleaner, and alarm clock) but doesn’t seem to have a job outside the home and is inexplicably a dinosaur. As the children prepare gifts and a meal for her, the text becomes an ode to the skills the Mamasaurus possesses (“Day or night she’s always there. / She meets every wish and need”) and values she instills (“Sometimes life can mean hard work,” “kindness matters,” and “what counts is doing your best”). This well-intentioned selection veers into cliche generously sprinkled with saccharine but manages to redeem itself with its appreciation for mothers and all that they may do. Endpapers include a “to” and “from” page framed in a heart, as well as a page where young gift givers or recipients can draw a picture of their Mamasaurus.
A syrupy tribute to mothers that may please fans of the series. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: March 5, 2024
ISBN: 9781728274300
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Sourcebooks Wonderland
Review Posted Online: Dec. 6, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2024
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
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