Special.
Fatima’s first camping trip in America reminds her of life in India.
After a rough week at school, feeling different from all the White American children (she and her older sister appear to be the only students of color at their school) and doing poorly on a quiz, Fatima is eager to head off to the woods with her family. Her father says camping is “a great American pastime.” A spider outside their tent at night terrifies both her and her aapa, but it also reminds them of their mother’s bravery, catching lizards in India and throwing them out the window. In the morning, they are eager to cook their bacon (it’s beef and therefore halal), but Fatima and Papa can’t get a fire going. It’s Mama to the rescue again: In her small town, she had to build fires in a wood-burning stove. Fatima remembers visiting her nani’s house as she watches and learns. As the Khazi family packs up for home, Fatima is sad to leave the forest behind and go back to a life filled with busy parents and an unwelcoming school. But she returns with stories to share and more adventures to look forward to. All secondary characters at school and the campground are White until a final spread shows a multiracial group holding a “Brown People Camping” banner (the author founded the movement), Fatima and her family smiling next to it. This unique take on the family camping story feels refreshing and new, with its layered inclusion of big feelings that children grapple with, from immigration and fitting in to mixed emotions about siblings. Lewis’ bright illustrations are heavily influenced by her animation background. (This book was reviewed digitally with 11-by-18-inch double-page spreads viewed at 67.5% of actual size.)
Special. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: March 30, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-984816-95-5
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Kokila
Review Posted Online: Dec. 24, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2021
Halloween is used merely as a backdrop; better holiday titles for young readers are available.
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
BOOK REVIEW
More fun antics to satisfy returning fans and snag new ones.
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)Pub Date: July 28, 2026
ISBN: 9781464268076
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Review Posted Online: Aug. 11, 2026
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