A beautifully illustrated children’s guide to the intricacies of AI that celebrates the wonders of being human.
Lopez and Ulloa’s colorful primer teaches kids how to safely integrate AI into their internet experience while continuously emphasizing the importance of thinking for yourself.
Through the adventures of an unnamed narrator, young readers explore the wondrous things that artificial intelligence can do—as well as the uniquely human things that it cannot. Each page uses specialized terminology to tackle the different ways in which humanness is ultimately superior to AI (only humans have “The Feelings Detector” and “The Right-and-Wrong Radar”). Each topic is presented via bullet points or in short paragraphs; the bite-sized chunks of information are accompanied by Hassam’s colorful illustrations of kids and assorted robots (representing AI). Occasional exercises, such thinking of “three things in your house that use computer brains,” add an interactive element. The authors also instruct readers on remaining safe and smart when encountering AI: “If a computer brain says something silly…or tells you to do something that doesn’t feel right, STOP and THINK!” Every few pages, the text offers an additional tip from the “Safety Hero,” such as a reminder that computers “are built to grab [your] attention and never let go.” Lopez and Ulloa have crafted a practical, thought-provoking manual for kids on a topic that is likely at the forefront of parents’ minds. They make their points in a fun and engaging way by using child-friendly vocabulary and breaking up subjects into small pieces—helping adults ease into a discussion for which, due to the newness of the technology, there is little to no guidance. The illustrations, with their short, choppy lines and plenty of shading that gives all of the diverse cast a joyful and dynamic sense of movement, complement the narrative. This combination—of a visually sumptuous feast and highly pertinent subject matter—is a superb pairing that teaches kids skills in a relatively new field through engaging instructions and compelling images.
A beautifully illustrated children’s guide to the intricacies of AI that celebrates the wonders of being human.Pub Date: Aug. 26, 2025
ISBN: 9798293306459
Page Count: 41
Publisher: Self
Review Posted Online: yesterday
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
A friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share.
In this latest in the series, Little Blue Truck, driven by pal Toad, is challenged to a countryside race by Racer Red, a sleek, low-slung vehicle.
Blue agrees, and the race is on. Although the two start off “hood to hood / and wheel to wheel,” they switch positions often as they speed their way over dusty country roads. Blue’s farm friends follow along to share in the excitement and shout out encouragement; adult readers will have fun voicing the various animal sounds. Short rhyming verses on each page and several strategic page turns add drama to the narrative, but soft, mottled effects in the otherwise colorful illustrations keep the competition from becoming too intense. Racer Red crosses the finish line first, but Blue is a gracious loser, happy to have worked hard. That’s a new concept for Racer Red, who’s laser-focused on victory but takes Blue’s words (“win or lose, it’s fun to try!”) to heart—a revelation that may lead to worthwhile storytime discussions. When Blue’s farm animal friends hop into the truck for the ride home, Racer Red tags along and learns a second lesson, one about speed. “Fast is fun, / and slow is too, / as long as you’re / with friends.”
A friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: March 25, 2025
ISBN: 9780063387843
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Clarion/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Jan. 18, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A satisfyingly cozy winter holiday tale.
The protagonist of The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt (2020) enjoys a “boo-tiful” holiday.
The titular spirit—comprised of a patterned quilt rather than a plain white sheet like his peers—loves drifting outside in the cold. His heavier fabrics may slow him down the rest of the year, but in winter they keep him warm enough to enjoy the outdoors while his friends remain inside. One December evening, while visiting the human neighborhood, he notices people singing and putting up twinkling lights (amid the Christmas decorations, one window features a menorah). The little ghost quilt is happy for himself but sad that his pals aren’t witnessing all this, too. The sight of a holiday tree inspires him: He’ll bring a tree to his friends! A branch that blows off during a snowstorm will do nicely. For ornaments, he uses odds and ends from the attic of his house. And when his friends arrive at his home that night, everyone decorates the tree together. The moon, peeping through the window and reflecting off a mirror from the attic, provides the glorious pièce de résistance: The make-believe tree glows brilliantly. This quietly lovely holiday tale underscores the true meaning of the holidays: friendship and togetherness. The illustrations rely on a muted palette with spots of vivid colors; like a quilt, they’re soft and delicate. Human characters vary in skin tone.
A satisfyingly cozy winter holiday tale. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Aug. 26, 2025
ISBN: 9781774885376
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Tundra Books
Review Posted Online: April 4, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
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