by Allison Ofanansky ; illustrated by Valentina Belloni ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 1, 2021
A well-told Bible story of a strong, determined, persistent woman that will resonate with modern young readers.
An orphaned Jewish girl becomes the renowned Queen Esther.
Esther is living a quiet life in the care of her cousin Mordecai when the king orders “all pretty young women” to report to the palace to be considered as a new queen. For three years she manages to avoid submitting to the edict. Eventually forced to comply, and with a warning from Mordecai to keep her religion a secret, she finds herself among a crowd of women vying to be the king’s choice. She remains true to herself, surreptitiously keeping Shabbat and wearing her old clothes. The king chooses her, perhaps in part for her strength of character, which she continues to display as queen. The king’s adviser, Haman, the villain of the story, intends to attack all the Jews, and it is Esther’s courageous plan that saves her people. Of course a celebration follows, still enjoyed today as Purim. Esther narrates her own tale, speaking directly to readers in a conversational tone, vividly describing her emotions and reactions as events unfold. Throughout her tale she alludes to similarities with “Cinderella,” but she emphasizes that her story “is not a fairy tale.” Belloni’s brightly hued, highly detailed animation-inflected illustrations creatively depict biblical-era Middle Eastern setting and dress. All characters are appropriately light-brown–skinned with dark hair.
A well-told Bible story of a strong, determined, persistent woman that will resonate with modern young readers. (author’s note) (Picture book/religion. 7-10)Pub Date: Feb. 1, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-68115-561-6
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Apples & Honey Press
Review Posted Online: Dec. 14, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2021
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by Dan Bar-el & illustrated by David Huyck ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 2012
A good choice for readers new to the format and those looking for a quick hit of Halloween silliness.
The title refers to Halloween, when the trio of stories within supposedly occurred. This graphic-novel look at seemingly disparate happenings is likely to have readers giggling more than shivering.
Bar-el builds light suspense as he warns readers about the slightly scary spoofs on classic horror stories found in the pages that follow. The first tale, “Broom with a View,” shows a bratty girl’s comeuppance after she bumps into a real witch and is taken on a wild ride with the good-hearted green gal, learning in the process that kindness can be cool. The second story, “10,000 Tentacles Under the Tub,” depicts the over-the-top antics of two boys in costume as Aqua-Ranger and Aqua-Ninja who, after an evening of rambunctious and disrespectful behavior, find themselves in a battle for their lives when cunning mermaids beckon them into the horrific depths beneath their very own bathtub. The final yarn features a quartet of full-of-themselves girls who enjoy terrorizing fellow trick-or-treaters. Then they meet another foursome of equally frightening girls, who turn out to be vampires eager to drink their blood. Huyck illustrates the rapidly paced action in classic comic-book style, making sure to skillfully depict every shock, scare and look of relief.
A good choice for readers new to the format and those looking for a quick hit of Halloween silliness. (Graphic novel. 7-9)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2012
ISBN: 978-1-55453-751-8
Page Count: 80
Publisher: Kids Can
Review Posted Online: July 17, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2012
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by Catherine Rondina & illustrated by Jacqui Oakley ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 2012
This book will be useful as a starting point for teachers, librarians and students who want to search out some interesting...
Lights, bonfires, fireworks and candles: All are used throughout the world to celebrate a great range of holidays.
As the book moves through the year, a child introduces himself or herself and then provides information on such celebrations as Chinese New Year; St. Joseph’s Day in Valencia, Spain, when Las Fallas is celebrated with the burning of large puppets; Nowruz, a pre-Islamic New Year festival in Iran when people jump over bonfires to bring good luck in the coming year; and Inti Raymi, the Peruvian sun festival. The spread for July brings together Independence Day celebrations from several countries, including Canada, the United States, Argentina, the Bahamas, France and Belgium. Although light is mentioned in some of these short descriptions, it’s not necessarily a focal point. The information provided about the holidays is accurate but limited, and there are no sources, maps or related activities. The acrylic and ink illustrations are garishly intense, and although digital techniques are also used, they have an unattractively retro look. The red circles on many people’s cheeks are a very artificial device.
This book will be useful as a starting point for teachers, librarians and students who want to search out some interesting festivals to compare and contrast, but it’s not as enlightening as it could be. (glossary) (Nonfiction. 8-10)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2012
ISBN: 978-1-55453-594-1
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Kids Can
Review Posted Online: July 17, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2012
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by Catherine Rondina & illustrated by Kevin Sylvester
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