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WE FORGOT BROCK!

Name: WE FORGOT BROCK!
Author: Carter Goodrich
ISBN: 978-1-4424-8090-2

by Carter Goodrich ; illustrated by Carter Goodrich ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 25, 2015

Forget Brock.

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Phillip and Brock are best friends. They spend all their time goofing around together. The only problem is his parents can see Phillip but not Brock.

This tale of a boy and his imaginary friend is told in one or two sentences per page, along with watercolor illustrations that depict a cheery, 1950s-feeling home. Phillip’s parents play along with their son’s imaginary friend, Brock. One evening when the family returns from the fair, disaster strikes. In a two-page spread, despair consumes Phillip’s face as he sobs, “WE FORGOT BROCK!” Back at the fair, however, Brock meets Anne, who introduces him to Princess Sparkle Dust and offers to take him home with them. Though Anne and Princess Sparkle Dust try to cheer him up, Brock misses Phillip. Eventually the pair is reunited, and when Brock introduces Phillip to his new friends, they all become best friends, though his parents can still see only the two children. Goodrich plays with perspective, sometimes including his imaginary characters, done in monochromatic lines as if by a child, in an illustration and sometimes not, for funny counterpoint. Though the illustrations are sweet, the story feels slight, and it adds little new or exciting to the imaginary-friend shelf. In addition, the stereotypical renderings of Brock as a sword-wielding, black-and-white pirate and Princess Sparkle Dust as a big-haired, purple princess are unfortunate.

Forget Brock. (Picture book. 4-6)

Pub Date: Aug. 25, 2015

ISBN: 978-1-4424-8090-2

Page Count: 48

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Review Posted Online: June 5, 2015

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2015

Categories:

CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES

- BOOK REVIEW
NOBODY HUGS A CACTUS
by Carter Goodrich ; illustrated by Carter Goodrich

- BOOK REVIEW
MISTER BUD WEARS THE CONE
by Carter Goodrich ; illustrated by Carter Goodrich

- BOOK REVIEW
ZORRO GETS AN OUTFIT
by Carter Goodrich & illustrated by Carter Goodrich

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SAM'S SUPER SEATS

by Keah Brown ; illustrated by Sharee Miller ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 23, 2022

A spirited celebration of self-confidence and self-care.

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A child with cerebral palsy describes how resting helps them to have fun.

Every morning, as Daddy combs Sam’s hair, Sam, a Black child sporting glasses, lists qualities they like about themselves. Today, Sam likes their dance skills, their eyes, and their fingers, which are slightly crooked on their right hand. But cerebral palsy makes Sam’s legs tired if they overdo things. And Sam has a busy day ahead: Mommy is taking them and their best friends, Sydney and Sarah, shopping for back-to-school clothes! Fortunately, Sam has a team of “super seats,” which she creatively anthropomorphizes, so she can rest up and join the fun. Misty, a couch named for ballerina Misty Copeland, is a partner for pirouetting and playing I Spy. And Laney, the back seat of Mommy’s car, tells hilarious jokes. At the mall, Sam and their supportive friends don clothes that make them feel strong and confident, and Sam “walk[s] the runway, limping with pride,” in adaptive clothing. As the day winds down, Sam declares that “being me is the best, and sometimes I need a little rest.” Brown offers a warmhearted, necessary affirmation of disability and self-love through a multifaceted, endearingly imaginative narrator. Miller’s bright cartoon illustrations radiate joy and affection; Sam’s grin is infectious. Sydney has light skin and curly brown hair; Sarah is Asian. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A spirited celebration of self-confidence and self-care. (Picture book. 4-6)

Pub Date: Aug. 23, 2022

ISBN: 978-0-593-32389-2

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Kokila

Review Posted Online: May 10, 2022

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2022

Categories:

CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES

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THE QUEEN OF KINDERGARTEN

by Derrick Barnes ; illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 24, 2022

Just the thing to get uncertain youngsters jazzed for a first day—at school or anywhere.

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Barnes and Brantley-Newton team up for a follow-up to The King of Kindergarten (2019).

From the very first page, it’s clear that young MJ Malone is ready to face the world—and school. Once Mom bestows her with a glittery tiara and dubs her the queen of kindergarten, MJ is determined to fulfill her duties—brighten up every room she enters, treat others with kindness, and offer a helping hand. Barnes infuses each page with humor and a sense of grace as the immensely likable MJ makes the most of her first day. Barnes’ prose is entertaining and heartwarming, while Brantley-Newton’s vivid and playful artwork will be easily recognizable for anyone who’s seen her work (Grandma’s Purse, 2018; Becoming Vanessa, 2021). The illustrator adds verve to the bold young heroine’s character—from the colorful barrettes to the textured appearance of her adorable denim jumper, the girl has style and substance. MJ Malone embodies the can-do spirit every parent hopes to spark in their own children, though even shy kindergarteners will gladly find a friend in her. MJ and her family are Black; her classroom is diverse. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Just the thing to get uncertain youngsters jazzed for a first day—at school or anywhere. (Picture book. 4-6)