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
This well-meant effort is a touching story of the white-savior variety, but it also raises some provocative social questions...
Adapted from the bestselling book of the same title for adults (2011), this abridged version presents the true story of a friendship between an impoverished African-American boy and a young white woman who becomes his mentor.
The boy, Maurice, narrates this relatively lengthy story of his budding friendship with Laura, a professional woman working in an unnamed big city. He first meets Laura when he asks her for spare change and she buys him dinner. Maurice explains that he doesn’t have enough to eat at home. This leads to regular weekly dinners with Laura, visits to her apartment, and a Christmas visit to Laura’s extended family. Maurice enjoys the big family’s holiday celebration, and he receives all the presents on his Christmas list. He hopes that someday he will have his own big family like Laura’s. In a sentimental conclusion, Maurice gives Laura his white teddy bear, the only Christmas present he had ever previously received. Evocative illustrations in pencil and watercolor bring the holiday celebrations to life with a wide variety of perspectives and illustration sizes. The final pages include two author’s notes and one from the real Maurice.
This well-meant effort is a touching story of the white-savior variety, but it also raises some provocative social questions without ever answering them satisfactorily. (Picture book. 7-10)Pub Date: Sept. 22, 2015
ISBN: 978-1-4814-1930-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Little Simon/Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Aug. 11, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2015
Fresh and original, this appealing account of friendship celebrates differences and community.
"The unexpected is what happens three times a day at least" when your best friend is a cave girl.
Beverly’s best friend is 10-year-old Kabungo, who lives in a cave on Main Street, right next to the post office. She calls her uncivilized friend “K,” and K calls her “Belly.” In a quirky, gently humorous, and slightly mysterious first-person account, organized into episodic chapters titled with K’s distinctive mispronunciations, Belly describes some of their unusual adventures. There’s the day she follows K into the woods and finds her visiting a Dutch-speaking man she calls Grandpa; a climb up K’s “family tree”; and a treasure hunt leading to a birthday surprise at the town dump. Belly struggles to teach K the alphabet and finds her a kitten K names Bun. Together they go to a Halloween party at the home of Miss VeDore, the 90-year-old pumpkin woman. The narrator’s voice is distinctive, and her account is peppered with her observations and opinions. Though she’s describing her friend, she reveals a lot about herself. Kabungo has few English words, but she regularly demonstrates her love for Beverly with Grateful Cavegirl Squeezes. Occasional grayscale illustrations by comic artist Pavlovic make this surreal tale seem almost real. Both girls are white, but Beverly is neatly groomed while Kabungo sports a fur tunic and uncombed hair. (Final art not seen.)
Fresh and original, this appealing account of friendship celebrates differences and community. (Fiction. 7-10)Pub Date: April 1, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-55498-804-4
Page Count: 176
Publisher: Groundwood
Review Posted Online: Feb. 1, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2016
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