An endearing, if slightly stiff , children’s book about bullying.
Debut author and retired educator Dudley takes on the subject of bullying through the adventures of Siggy, a spunky, one-winged mockingbird.
Ever since he was adopted by Mama Sparrow, Siggy has led a blissful life in his forest home. Or, at least, it would be—if he could escape the persistent bullying of Ickie and Vickie, a pair of mean-spirited blue jays who like to pick on other birds. When the jays corner Siggy on a strawberry-gathering expedition, he uses his own special gift for mimicking others’ voices to outwit them. Later, he learns the importance of discussing social problems with an adult. Dudley emphasizes the story’s moral in a brief discussion guide that follows the main text, offering questions and advice for children who are currently being victimized by bullies. Debut illustrator Reynolds’ snappy, comic-book style illustrations will likely draw in reluctant readers, but the story itself falls short in its refusal to grapple with real-life complexities. For example, she renders the characters in a reductive, good-or-evil fashion, and many children many not be convinced by the ease with which Siggy resolves his problems. Occasionally mawkish or stilted dialogue contributes to the lack of authenticity, and some lines seem almost expressionless: “They’re being mean to everyone today. You should watch out.” Readers may also find Siggy’s family interactions a little saccharine. That said, it’s refreshing to read a children’s book in which single-parent families, adopted children and disabilities are portrayed as normal and unremarkable, and the resources at the end of the book may help spark frank conversations about the issues Dudley raises.
An endearing, if slightly stiff , children’s book about bullying.Pub Date: June 18, 2013
ISBN: 978-1457519949
Page Count: 42
Publisher: Dog Ear Publishing
Review Posted Online: July 17, 2013
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
A nice but not requisite purchase.
A retelling of the classic fairy tale in board-book format and with a Mexican setting.
Though simplified for a younger audience, the text still relates the well-known tale: mean-spirited stepmother, spoiled stepsisters, overworked Cinderella, fairy godmother, glass slipper, charming prince, and, of course, happily-ever-after. What gives this book its flavor is the artwork. Within its Mexican setting, the characters are olive-skinned and dark-haired. Cultural references abound, as when a messenger comes carrying a banner announcing a “FIESTA” in beautiful papel picado. Cinderella is the picture of beauty, with her hair up in ribbons and flowers and her typically Mexican many-layered white dress. The companion volume, Snow White, set in Japan and illustrated by Misa Saburi, follows the same format. The simplified text tells the story of the beautiful princess sent to the forest by her wicked stepmother to be “done away with,” the dwarves that take her in, and, eventually, the happily-ever-after ending. Here too, what gives the book its flavor is the artwork. The characters wear traditional clothing, and the dwarves’ house has the requisite shoji screens, tatami mats and cherry blossoms in the garden. The puzzling question is, why the board-book presentation? Though the text is simplified, it’s still beyond the board-book audience, and the illustrations deserve full-size books.
A nice but not requisite purchase. (Board book/fairy tale. 3-5)Pub Date: Sept. 13, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-4814-7915-8
Page Count: 24
Publisher: Little Simon/Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Oct. 11, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2017
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
More gift book than storybook, this is a meaningful addition to nursery bookshelves
A young child explores the unlimited potential inherent in all humans.
“Have you ever wondered why you are here?” asks the second-person narration. There is no one like you. Maybe you’re here to make a difference with your uniqueness; maybe you will speak for those who can’t or use your gifts to shine a light into the darkness. The no-frills, unrhymed narrative encourages readers to follow their hearts and tap into their limitless potential to be anything and do anything. The precisely inked and colored artwork plays with perspective from the first double-page spread, in which the child contemplates a mountain (or maybe an iceberg) in their hands. Later, they stand on a ladder to place white spots on tall, red mushrooms. The oversized flora and fauna seem to symbolize the presumptively insurmountable, reinforcing the book’s message that anything is possible. This quiet read, with its sophisticated central question, encourages children to reach for their untapped potential while reminding them it won’t be easy—they will make messes and mistakes—but the magic within can help overcome falls and failures. It’s unlikely that members of the intended audience have begun to wonder about their life’s purpose, but this life-affirming mood piece has honorable intentions. The child, accompanied by an adorable piglet and sporting overalls and a bird-beaked cap made of leaves, presents white.
More gift book than storybook, this is a meaningful addition to nursery bookshelves . (Picture book. 2-8)Pub Date: Sept. 15, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-946873-75-0
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Compendium
Review Posted Online: May 21, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2019
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