A goofy, gassy tale with an obvious but important moral.
A junk food–loving family learns the value of eating healthy and getting exercise in this picture book debut.
The Everyday family prefers being inside to exercising outdoors. Brother loves video games and chocolate; Sister eats candy and plays with her phone all day; Momma watches TV while eating ice cream; and Daddy spends the day on his computer, drinking soda. Their habits lead to embarrassing noises: Brother burps, Sister sneezes, Momma hiccups, and Daddy “toots.” One day, the whole family seems zombielike. Brother, who feels isolated, turns to the family dog for companionship, and they spend the day outside. Afterward, Brother drinks water, eats a healthy dinner, and is surprised how good he feels—and that he has no more burps. The next day, he makes a healthy breakfast for his family, says, “Let’s do something together,” and rescues his family from unhealthy routines (and gasses). Lewis’ over-the-top characterization of the Everyday family will make young readers giggle. Brother’s agency shows that even the youngest family members can help turn a family’s problems around. It’s simplistic but effectively bolsters the overt message. The simple text feels lengthy on some pages, but the vocabulary includes only a few challenging words (beverage, quirks). Włodarski’s large-headed, big-eyed, full-color cartoon figures, and their body-function sound effects, amp up the comedy.
A goofy, gassy tale with an obvious but important moral.Pub Date: March 28, 2023
ISBN: 978-1-7379498-0-0
Page Count: 33
Publisher: Citrus Press
Review Posted Online: Oct. 29, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2022
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
New parents of daughters will eat these up and perhaps pass on the lessons learned.
All the reasons why a daughter needs a mother.
Each spread features an adorable cartoon animal parent-child pair on the recto opposite a rhyming verse: “I’ll always support you in giving your all / in every endeavor, the big and the small, / and be there to catch you in case you should fall. / I hope you believe this is true.” A virtually identical book, Why a Daughter Needs a Dad, publishes simultaneously. Both address standing up for yourself and your values, laughing to ease troubles, being thankful, valuing friendship, persevering and dreaming big, being truthful, thinking through decisions, and being open to differences, among other topics. Though the sentiments/life lessons here and in the companion title are heartfelt and important, there are much better ways to deliver them. These books are likely to go right over children’s heads and developmental levels (especially with the rather advanced vocabulary); their parents are the more likely audience, and for them, the books provide some coaching in what kids need to hear. The two books are largely interchangeable, especially since there are so few references to mom or dad, but one spread in each book reverts to stereotype: Dad balances the two-wheeler, and mom helps with clothing and hair styles. Since the books are separate, it aids in customization for many families.
New parents of daughters will eat these up and perhaps pass on the lessons learned. (Picture book. 4-8, adult)Pub Date: May 1, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-4926-6781-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Review Posted Online: March 16, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2019
A tale of intergenerational bonding to be shared by grandparents and grandchildren.
In talk-show host Fallon and illustrator Ordóñez’s latest picture-book collaboration, an elderly pooch waxes rhapsodic about a life well lived.
Observing Papa sitting in his chair watching TV all day, a young pup says, “I’m starting to think…you don’t do ANYTHING.” So Papa proceeds to list his accomplishments, both big and small, mundane and profound. Some are just a result of being older and physically bigger (being tall enough to reach a high shelf and strong enough to open jars); others include winning a race and performing in a band when he was younger. Eventually, the pup realizes that while Papa may have slowed down in his old age, he’s led a full life. The most satisfying thing about Papa’s life now? Watching his grandchild take center stage: “I can say lots of thoughts / but I choose to be quiet. / I’d rather you discover things and then try it.” Fallon’s straightforward text is sweetly upbeat, though it occasionally lacks flow, forcing incongruous situations together to fit the rhyme scheme (“I cook and I mow, / and I once flew a plane. // I play newspaper puzzles because it’s good for my brain”). Featuring uncluttered, colorful backgrounds, Ordóñez’s child-friendly digital art at times takes on sepia tones, evoking the sense of looking back at old photos or memories. Though the creators tread familiar ground, the love between Papa and his little one is palpable.
A tale of intergenerational bonding to be shared by grandparents and grandchildren. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: May 13, 2025
ISBN: 9781250393975
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Review Posted Online: May 3, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
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.
