A kids’ story that offers a warm reminder of what it means to be openhearted.
A young boy learns to face his fears in Annunziata’s uplifting debut illustrated children’s book.
For as long as he can remember, Caleb has wanted to climb a tall mountain near his house, but fear has kept from attempting it. In fact, he’s so scared of what could go wrong during a climb that he lives in a constant state of worry and anxiety—until one fateful day, when he decides to take his first step on the path up the mountain. Caleb feels an initial rush of excitement, but instead of his fear going away, it becomes even stronger. While resting under a tree, he meets a wise, talking dove that teaches him how to slow down and enjoy the journey. It soon becomes clear to the boy that he was rushing things because he was still afraid. Taking the dove’s advice, he slowly begins to notice the wondrous beauty that surrounds him and ultimately sees the world in a new way. Soon, he feels ready to take on more adventures. This children’s story presents a surprisingly profound message with beautiful, full-color illustrations and a gentle tone. The dove represents the boy’s guardian angel, and the dialogue reflects this deeper sentiment: “I have always been with you, Caleb. My guidance has been ever present for you and forever will be.” An accompanying image then depicts an angel following Caleb, instead of a bird. (The angel and Caleb both appear to be light-skinned in the uncredited illustrations.) This notion of a spiritual being guiding one’s every move appears throughout the narrative, which also effectively emphasizes the importance of learning to be present in the moment. Caleb’s personal transformation from a scared little boy to a brave one will be relatable to readers of all ages.
A kids’ story that offers a warm reminder of what it means to be openhearted.Pub Date: Sept. 6, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-982234-00-3
Page Count: 40
Publisher: BalboaPress
Review Posted Online: March 2, 2020
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
An uncomplicated opener, with some funny bits and a clear but not heavy agenda.
Hank Zipzer, poster boy for dyslexic middle graders everywhere, stars in a new prequel series highlighting second-grade trials and triumphs.
Hank’s hopes of playing Aqua Fly, a comic-book character, in the upcoming class play founder when, despite plenty of coaching and preparation, he freezes up during tryouts. He is not particularly comforted when his sympathetic teacher adds a nonspeaking role as a bookmark to the play just for him. Following the pattern laid down in his previous appearances as an older child, he gets plenty of help and support from understanding friends (including Ashley Wong, a new apartment-house neighbor). He even manages to turn lemons into lemonade with a quick bit of improv when Nick “the Tick” McKelty, the sneering classmate who took his preferred role, blanks on his lines during the performance. As the aforementioned bully not only chokes in the clutch and gets a demeaning nickname, but is fat, boastful and eats like a pig, the authors’ sensitivity is rather one-sided. Still, Hank has a winning way of bouncing back from adversity, and like the frequent black-and-white line-and-wash drawings, the typeface is designed with easy legibility in mind.
An uncomplicated opener, with some funny bits and a clear but not heavy agenda. (Fiction. 7-9)Pub Date: Feb. 14, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-448-48239-2
Page Count: 128
Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap
Review Posted Online: Dec. 10, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2014
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When Bibi, her first and favorite babysitter, moves away, it takes all of August for 8-year-old Eleanor to get beyond her sense of loss and get used to a new caretaker. Her parents grieve, too; her mother even takes some time off work. But, as is inevitable in a two-income family, eventually a new sitter appears. Natalie is sensible and understanding. They find new activities to do together, including setting up a lemonade stand outside Eleanor’s Brooklyn apartment building, waiting for Val, the mail carrier, and taking pictures of flowers with Natalie’s camera. Gradually Eleanor adjusts, September comes, her new teacher writes a welcoming letter, her best friend returns from summer vacation and third grade starts smoothly. Best of all, Val brings a loving letter from Bibi in Florida. While the story is relatively lengthy, each chapter is a self-contained episode, written simply and presented in short lines, accessible to those still struggling with the printed word. Cordell’s gray-scale line drawings reflect the action and help break up the text on almost every page. This first novel is a promising debut. Eleanor’s concerns, not only about her babysitter, but also about playmates, friends and a new school year will be familiar to readers, who will look forward to hearing more about her life. (Fiction. 7-9)
Pub Date: March 1, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-8109-8424-0
Page Count: 128
Publisher: Amulet/Abrams
Review Posted Online: Feb. 10, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2011
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