An elegantly told, compelling glimpse of childhood.
Drawing from his own childhood in Vietnam, Tran tells the story of a boy navigating life, bolstered by his mother’s words.
The young protagonist wakes to find a letter on his nightstand: “Dear son, Mom is going to work early today.” The deceptively simple narrative consists of the contents of her missive, paired with illustrations that skillfully chart the boy’s emotional journey. Using skewed, exaggerated proportions and splotches of shadow and color, Tran depicts the boy as doll-size—a choice that underscores his vulnerability and demonstrates how large, fantastical, and even frightening the world can appear to a child. When Mom tells the boy, “Remember to speak loudly when ordering breakfast,” the accompanying image shows him gazing up at the towering, blue-hued crowd of adults bent over their bowls. The palette switches to warmer tones as the son dutifully waters the plants. Mom’s words aren’t limited to mere chores, however; she also reminds her son to appreciate life and to show consideration to others—“to find the sweetest melons by listening to their heartbeats,” “to walk quietly” to avoid disturbing the slumber of napping rickshaw drivers, and “to feed your mind. And to play.” Though the youngster cuts a solitary figure for much of the book, he’s never truly alone; as the sky darkens, he heads home, where Mom’s waiting with a hug, which brings the tale to a warm and loving close.
An elegantly told, compelling glimpse of childhood. (author’s note) (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2025
ISBN: 9781223188683
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Paw Prints Publishing/Baker & Taylor
Review Posted Online: Nov. 9, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2024
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 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
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