by Barbara Ann Porte & illustrated by Yossi Abolafia ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 1994
Harry is eagerly planning for his party: reminding friends that he wants a cowboy hat; passing their horror stories on to Dad (Dorcas did enjoy someone else's party—where the clown was such a draw that her own, planned for the same day, had to be canceled—but she got no presents); hearing Aunt Rose's tales of birthdays long ago. Including features from both the parties described plus some new ones, Harry and Dad negotiate a celebration that's not over-elaborate but still fun; and the birthday boy's enthusiasm is such that even getting seven cowboy hats is OK. Readers of earlier books about Harry will welcome this amiable sixth; again, Abolafia's cheerful cartoons reflect the spirit of disarmingly true-to-life people, with a real gift for working through problems creatively. (Young reader/Picture book. 5-9)
Pub Date: April 1, 1994
ISBN: 0-688-12142-X
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 1994
Share your opinion of this book
More by Barbara Ann Porte
BOOK REVIEW
by Barbara Ann Porte & illustrated by Rosemary Feit Covey
BOOK REVIEW
by Barbara Ann Porte & illustrated by Annie Cannon
BOOK REVIEW
by Barbara Ann Porte & illustrated by Nancy Carpenter
by Carolyn B. Otto ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 5, 2017
A good-enough introduction to a contested festivity but one that’s not in step with the community it’s for.
An overview of the modern African-American holiday.
This book arrives at a time when black people in the United States have had intraracial—some serious, some snarky—conversations about Kwanzaa’s relevance nowadays, from its patchwork inspiration that flattens the cultural diversity of the African continent to a single festive story to, relatedly, the earnest blacker-than-thou pretentiousness surrounding it. Both the author and consultant Keith A. Mayes take great pains—and in painfully simplistic language—to provide a context that attempts to refute the internal arguments as much as it informs its intended audience. In fact, Mayes says in the endnotes that young people are Kwanzaa’s “largest audience and most important constituents” and further extends an invitation to all races and ages to join the winter celebration. However, his “young people represent the future” counterpoint—and the book itself—really responds to an echo of an argument, as black communities have moved the conversation out to listen to African communities who critique the holiday’s loose “African-ness” and deep American-ness and moved on to commemorate holidays that have a more historical base in black people’s experiences in the United States, such as Juneteenth. In this context, the explications of Kwanzaa’s principles and symbols and the smattering of accompanying activities feel out of touch.
A good-enough introduction to a contested festivity but one that’s not in step with the community it’s for. (resources, bibliography, glossary, afterword) (Nonfiction. 5-8)Pub Date: Sept. 5, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-4263-2849-7
Page Count: 40
Publisher: National Geographic Kids
Review Posted Online: Oct. 27, 2017
Share your opinion of this book
by Caryn Yacowitz ; illustrated by David Slonim ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 26, 2014
Fun, in an odd sort of way.
The old folk song is given a Hanukkah spin in a parody that blends Jewish tradition with art appreciation.
The kerchiefed grandma swallows a tiny dreidel placed atop her cream-cheesed bagel by the family cat, setting off the familiar chain of events. She swallows the oil, the latkes, 10 barrels of applesauce, a 20-ton brisket, a “mine full of gelt, before it could melt,” the menorah and candles until she is finally full. A large burp makes her feel better. The silliness, cadence and rhythm of the verse all work with the original tune; it can be a tongue twister at times but will keep kids engaged. “I know an old lady who swallowed a menorah— / A mountainous menorah, while we danced the hora.” Acrylic-based drawings using charcoal, pen and pencil place this bubbe in various scenes taken from classical paintings, providing an educational twist. She appears in comical versions of Munch’s The Scream and Vermeer’s The Milkmaid. The applesauce in a red-and-white can spoofs Andy Warhol’s Campbell Soup Cans, and the menorah is set against the background of van Gogh’s The Starry Night. Adults will see the humor but might wonder about the artist’s point in his note stating that “a new look at famous works of art seemed like the perfect way to help people of all backgrounds enjoy this fresh take on an ancient holiday.”
Fun, in an odd sort of way. (Picture book. 5-8)Pub Date: Aug. 26, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-439-91530-4
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Levine/Scholastic
Review Posted Online: Aug. 11, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2014
Share your opinion of this book
More by Caryn Yacowitz
BOOK REVIEW
by Caryn Yacowitz ; illustrated by Kevin Hawkes
BOOK REVIEW
by Caryn Yacowitz ; illustrated by Julie Downing
BOOK REVIEW
by Caryn Yacowitz & illustrated by Joe Cepeda
© Copyright 2024 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Hey there, book lover.
We’re glad you found a book that interests you!
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Don’t fret. We’ll find you.