Overall, an elegant, ambitious effort.
Graphic art using bold shapes and colorful silhouettes makes an admirable attempt to illustrate a kiss and show the many places throughout the United States that kisses can come from and travel to in this ephemeral title.
Gibson’s prose dances along the pages, encouraging readers to imagine the smells, sounds, textures and trajectories of kisses: “At any given moment, someone, somewhere, is blowing a kiss. / And somewhere, someone is catching it.” Van Lieshout does her best to create spreads that provide a visual context for the rather abstract concepts introduced in the text. Although a blown kiss is invisible, readers see airborne dandelion fluff in various sizes and colors float across each page, zigzagging through New York City traffic or, oddly, swirling by two affectionate deer in a wintry scene. Only some children but most adults will recognize the landmarks portrayed, including Times Square, Washington, D.C., St. Louis and New Orleans. A map at the end of the book helpfully shows the cities featured. This title can be used as a springboard for discussion about visualizing things that are quite real but unseen. While younger readers may balk at thinking of a kiss as something that can be hidden in a pocket or tucked in a book, most can relate to kisses that “SMACK! like bubblegum” or “whisper like butterflies.”
Overall, an elegant, ambitious effort. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Dec. 31, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-312-37647-5
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Review Posted Online: Sept. 17, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2013
A darling book for all children but especially those with autism.
A young bat who does things a little differently from her classmates figures out a way to thrive.
At school, Bitsy Bat hangs from a chair by her toes instead of sitting, uses her feet rather than her fingers to paint, and brings an ant for her snack. Between the “too-bright light,” the “too-loud words,” and a chorus of “Wrong!” from Winnie the rabbit, Bitsy melts down. But with some support from her parents and teacher, Bitsy has a great idea—some accommodations help her feel comfortable enough to learn, and a classroom activity helps her and her classmates see how she, and each of them, is special. The story is highly relatable to any young reader just getting used to school but is specifically targeted at autistic children. Though the word itself doesn’t appear in the main story, backmatter offers more information about autism, framed in a positive, supportive way. The adorable, lively illustrations bring the point home well. Bitsy is depicted right-side-up at home with her family, though the world around them is upside-down. At school, she is upside-down but much happier than when she was trying to be right-side-up like the other kids. With a lot to see on every page, children won’t get bored with repeat reads, and they’ll even learn a lesson along the way. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A darling book for all children but especially those with autism. (author’s note) (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: June 6, 2023
ISBN: 9781665905053
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Paula Wiseman/Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: April 11, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A moving and meaningful way to talk about a situation many families will face.
Every few years a new picture book takes on the subject of dementia and memory loss; this is that title for 2018.
Not since Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge, by Mem Fox and illustrated by Julie Vivas (1984), has the topic been handled with such gentle compassion, using the metaphor of memory-filled balloons to explore it. Explaining a confounding disease to young children is difficult, and the notion of the titular balloons is initially confusing. As the story—and the disease as it manifests in the narrator’s grandfather—progresses, the idea of storing memories in balloons is increasingly effective. Children understand the ephemeral nature of balloons. Gray-toned line drawings quietly convey James and Grandpa’s loving relationship even as Grandpa is beginning to forget the details of his life. The brightly colored balloons stand out against the white background in stark contrast to Grandpa’s fading memory. Placing the memory vignettes in full-page tinted balloons helps clarify their position in the story and makes this abstract metaphor more concrete for young readers. Both Grandpa and Dad have curly hair and dark skin, and Mom is white. Biracial James and Grandpa’s shared heritage and stories of their loving family shine. What is clear is that their memories matter—to them and ultimately to readers.
A moving and meaningful way to talk about a situation many families will face. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Aug. 28, 2018
ISBN: 978-1-4814-8915-7
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: June 10, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2018
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