A route worth taking—and a gift for classrooms everywhere.
The first in a new series shines a spotlight on a fixture of many students’ school experiences: the bus driver.
Wordless spreads introduce Mr. Jay, who starts his morning by taking public transit. With breakfast in hand, Mr. Jay inspects his own vehicle—School Bus 3—“from hood to tread.” After he establishes that all is in tip-top shape, his route begins. The bus travels across all manner of terrain, stopping at various houses to let students on. But, amid twists and turns, can Mr. Jay pick up all 18 young passengers and make it to school before the bell chimes? The ever-present clock makes the passengers nervous, but Mr. Jay is on it. Despite a few surprises—from a sickly student to a mishap with a diorama—Mr. Jay repeatedly comforts the children with a consistent “That’s okay!” Wallace’s text echoes his statements with “We’re on our way!” An unexpected reveal at the end of the workday makes clear that bus driving runs in Mr. Jay’s family. The expressive, full-color illustrations depict students who vary in skin tone. Heder’s portrayal of long-haired, pale-skinned Mr. Jay in a safety vest makes for a delightfully jovial archetype. Speech bubbles effectively give voice to the large cast of characters without detracting from the engaging rhyme scheme.
A route worth taking—and a gift for classrooms everywhere. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: July 29, 2025
ISBN: 9780823457045
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Neal Porter/Holiday House
Review Posted Online: May 30, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
New parents of daughters will eat these up and perhaps pass on the lessons learned.
All the reasons why a daughter needs a mother.
Each spread features an adorable cartoon animal parent-child pair on the recto opposite a rhyming verse: “I’ll always support you in giving your all / in every endeavor, the big and the small, / and be there to catch you in case you should fall. / I hope you believe this is true.” A virtually identical book, Why a Daughter Needs a Dad, publishes simultaneously. Both address standing up for yourself and your values, laughing to ease troubles, being thankful, valuing friendship, persevering and dreaming big, being truthful, thinking through decisions, and being open to differences, among other topics. Though the sentiments/life lessons here and in the companion title are heartfelt and important, there are much better ways to deliver them. These books are likely to go right over children’s heads and developmental levels (especially with the rather advanced vocabulary); their parents are the more likely audience, and for them, the books provide some coaching in what kids need to hear. The two books are largely interchangeable, especially since there are so few references to mom or dad, but one spread in each book reverts to stereotype: Dad balances the two-wheeler, and mom helps with clothing and hair styles. Since the books are separate, it aids in customization for many families.
New parents of daughters will eat these up and perhaps pass on the lessons learned. (Picture book. 4-8, adult)Pub Date: May 1, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-4926-6781-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Review Posted Online: March 16, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2019
A colorful conversation starter about what heroism can mean.
In this picture book from former congressman and U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard officer Kinzinger, a father shows his child that heroes are found everywhere.
Christian is excited to learn that his class will be presenting about heroes in their lives. He knows exactly who he’s going to talk about: his father, an Air Force pilot. When Christian’s friend Ella declares that she will present on their teacher, Ms. Betty Jo, Christian is confused. Heroes protect people, like his father does, but Ms. Betty Jo “didn’t protect anyone.” When Christian tells his father that no one else in his class knows a real hero, Dad takes the boy on a trip in his single-engine plane. Christian observes different workers as his father explains their heroism in verse. The text switches back to prose as they land at a military cemetery, where Dad places a flag at the tombstone of a friend. Vibrant, episodic illustrations give the story momentum, while the detailed vignettes provide a good opportunity for young readers to discuss what’s happening in situations that call for doctors, police, 911 dispatch, the National Guard, and lifeguards, among others. Brief backmatter presents facts about some of the institutions and people who inspired the illustrations. Christian and Dad are pale-skinned; other characters are diverse.
A colorful conversation starter about what heroism can mean. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: May 5, 2026
ISBN: 9781400252725
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Tommy Nelson
Review Posted Online: March 23, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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