An inspiring call to action for all who care about our interconnected planet.
In this tribute to Native resilience, Indigenous author-and-illustrator team Lindstrom and Goade invite readers to stand up for environmental justice.
“Water is the first medicine,” a young, unnamed protagonist reflects as she wades into a river with her grandmother. “We come from water.” Stunning illustrations, rich in symbolism from the creators’ respective Ojibwe and Tlingit/Haida lineages, bring the dark-haired, brown-skinned child’s narrative to life as she recounts an Anishinaabe prophecy: One day, a “black snake” will terrorize her community and threaten water, animals, and land. “Now the black snake is here,” the narrator proclaims, connecting the legend to the present-day threat of oil pipelines being built on Native lands. Though its image is fearsome, younger audiences aren’t likely to be frightened due to Goade’s vibrant, uplifting focus on collective power. Awash in brilliant colors and atmospheric studies of light, the girl emphasizes the importance of protecting “those who cannot fight for themselves” and understanding that on Earth, “we are all related.” Themes of ancestry, community responsibility, and shared inheritance run throughout. Where the brave protagonist is depicted alongside her community, the illustrations feature people of all ages, skin tones, and clothing styles. Lindstrom’s powerful message includes non-Native and Native readers alike: “We are stewards of the Earth. We are water protectors.”
An inspiring call to action for all who care about our interconnected planet. (author’s note, glossary, illustrator’s note, Water Protector pledge) (Picture book. 5-12)Pub Date: March 17, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-250-20355-7
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Review Posted Online: Dec. 7, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2020
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
PERSPECTIVES
PERSPECTIVES
A pleasing introduction to the worlds of science and animal behavior that captures the wonder and mystery of dogs.
Why do dogs do the things they do?
Presented in a Q&A format and illustrated primarily with stock photographs, this colorful selection presents a fact-filled overview of the beloved species by answering such child-friendly questions as, “Why are puppies born with closed eyes?” “Do dogs have feelings?” “How do dogs communicate?” “Do dogs sweat?” “Why do dogs smell butts?” “How do dogs help people?” “How can I help?” (Spaying, neutering, and adoption are also briefly mentioned.) Text boxes provide straightforward and satisfying answers to each question posed while sidebars include interesting, associated detail in thought bubbles accompanied by Oliver’s small paintings or more stock photos. The appealing, accessible, websitelike design makes this a good choice for classroom or personal research. While the information itself is widely available, the presentation here is solid and effective; the tone is humorous and full of enthusiasm; the accessible design and language will appeal to reluctant readers; the Q&A format may lead children to inquire further; and the plethora of photographs will delight anyone who is canine curious. Includes a comparison of different breeds, how to behave around dogs, and how to make a dog toy, as well as a helpful glossary. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A pleasing introduction to the worlds of science and animal behavior that captures the wonder and mystery of dogs. (Informational picture book. 5-10)Pub Date: June 30, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-4788-7380-8
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Reycraft Books
Review Posted Online: May 4, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2021
A refreshing dive past some of our world’s marine wonders.
Denizens of the deep crowd oversized pages in this populous gallery of ocean life.
The finny and tentacled sea creatures drifting or arrowing through Zommer’s teeming watercolor seascapes are generally recognizable, and they are livened rather than distorted by the artist’s tendency to place human eyes on the same side of many faces, Picasso-like. Headers such as “Ink-teresting” or “In for the krill” likewise add a playful tone to the pithy comments on anatomical features or behavioral quirks that accompany the figures (which include, though rarely, a white human diver). The topical spreads begin with an overview of ocean families (“Some are hairy, some have scales, some have fins and some are boneless and brainless!”), go on to introduce select animals in no particular order from sea horses and dragonets to penguins and pufferfish, then close with cautionary remarks on chemical pollution and floating plastic. The author invites readers as they go to find both answers to such questions as “Why does a crab run sideways?” and also a small sardine hidden in some, but not all, of the pictures. For the latter he provides a visual key at the end, followed by a basic glossary.
A refreshing dive past some of our world’s marine wonders. (index) (Informational picture book. 6-9)Pub Date: June 5, 2018
ISBN: 978-0-500-65119-3
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Thames & Hudson
Review Posted Online: April 24, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2018
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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