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IN THE GROVES

Heartwarming.

Each summer, a Mexican American girl visits her family.

Clara’s family all lives in California, and whenever she visits, Abuelo takes her everywhere…except the one place she longs to go, the orange groves. Everyone’s taken a turn at helping Abuelo tend the groves, which have been part of the family since Clara’s great-grandfather came over from Mexico. Everyone except Clara. “The dusty groves are no place for our visitor,” Abuelo says, but Clara doesn’t want to be seen as a mere guest. When Clara sneaks into Abuelo’s pickup truck and goes to the groves with him, he’s surprised but not upset. He tells her the groves aren’t special; he works there to give his family a better life. But Clara wants to join in: She sings to the oranges, with Abuelo’s encouragement, and prepares to defend the land against gophers and other pests. Together, they eat tacos, and she listens to his stories, including his difficult experiences of emigrating from Mexico. They sing and dance in the grove, and just as she knew it would be, it’s a special afternoon of bonding. That night, Clara finally takes her turn describing her time in the orange groves. Full-page spreads depict a large, lively, loving family with a range of mostly brown skin tones. Characters are expressive, and Cruz Floren creatively portrays Clara’s elaborate flights of fancy as she helps Abuelo. More muted hues are used for Abuelo’s flashbacks.

Heartwarming. (author’s note, glossary) (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: Sept. 10, 2024

ISBN: 9780593662618

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Penguin Workshop

Review Posted Online: May 31, 2024

Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2024

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THERE'S A ROCK CONCERT IN MY BEDROOM

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

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I GOT YOU

Brotherly love and Black joy abound in this brilliantly told tribute to the ties that bind.

When Mom and Dad bring baby Rasheed home for the first time, it’s love at first sight for big brother Anthony.

As the boys grow, Anthony teaches his little sibling how to build a tower with blocks (and how to knock it down with a loud “WHOP!!!”), how to ride a bike, and even how to fly (through a well-timed leap from the swings). When thunder and lightning wake them both one night, Anthony assuages Rasheed’s fears with the book’s titular refrain: “I got you.” But one day Anthony goes for a bike ride with his friends, leaving Rasheed alone and hurt. That night, Anthony explains that while he may spend time with his peers, his bond with Rasheed is unbreakable. And as the book comes to a close, with Mom and Dad introducing the boys to their new little sibling, Anthony leaves Rasheed with perhaps the greatest lesson of all: how to be a supportive big brother himself. Narrated by Rasheed, Barnes’ text is elegant in its simplicity, loving yet never saccharine, and always emotionally honest. Using varied perspectives, Knight-Justice’s richly hued, collagelike digital illustrations combine a patchwork of textures and patterns, immersing readers in this affectionate Black family’s world. Greens and blues dominate the pages, bringing to life an idyllic suburban setting.

Brotherly love and Black joy abound in this brilliantly told tribute to the ties that bind. (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: July 15, 2025

ISBN: 9780593111451

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books

Review Posted Online: May 3, 2025

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2025

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