A well-intentioned reminder that everyone can make a difference hampered by problematic framing.
A boy and his dog lend a hand—and a paw—after a storm.
When Adam and his dog, Up, see Madam Mayor on TV discussing the aftermath of a recent storm, they are stirred to act—after all, the mayor did say, “Now, it’s time to get to work. Up and at ’em!” Hearing their names, Up and Adam rise to the challenge. They pick up toys with Mr. Janitor, help a pizzeria employee sweep the sidewalk, and more. Adam smiles at everyone he meets, receiving smiles in return. Kang's cartoon-style illustrations readily convey Adam’s exuberance. Finally, as Adam hands out homemade cookies on the boardwalk, the mayor commends him for bringing the townspeople closer. At bedtime, Adam sees his reflection and happily realizes that “a pair of smiles can make a difference.” An author’s note explains that Adam is based on Zapata’s son, who has Down syndrome (though Down syndrome is unnamed in the text), and her love for her son shines through. Unfortunately, in light of the author’s explanation, the emphasis on Adam’s “amazing smile” as he cheers up the town risks evoking the tired trope of people with intellectual disabilities serving to inspire nondisabled people, as does the author’s note itself (“He reminds us to practice patience, share the gift of a smile, and take time to have fun”). Adam is light-skinned and dark-haired; background characters are racially diverse. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A well-intentioned reminder that everyone can make a difference hampered by problematic framing. (resources) (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: May 3, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-5253-0441-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Kids Can
Review Posted Online: April 26, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Too cute to be spooky indeed but most certainly sweet.
A ghost longs to be scary, but none of the creepy personas she tries on fit.
Misty, a feline ghost with big green eyes and long whiskers, wants to be the frightening presence that her haunted house calls for, but sadly, she’s “too cute to be spooky.” She dons toilet paper to resemble a mummy, attempts to fly on a broom like a witch, and howls at the moon like a werewolf. Nothing works. She heads to a Halloween party dressed reluctantly as herself. When she arrives, her friends’ joyful screams reassure her that she’s great just as she is. Sadler’s message, though a familiar one, is delivered effectively in a charming, ghostly package. Misty truly is too precious to be frightening. Laberis depicts an endearingly spooky, all-animal cast—a frog witch, for instance, and a crocodilian mummy. Misty’s sidekick, a cheery little bat who lends support throughout, might be even more adorable than she is. Though Misty’s haunted house is filled with cobwebs and surrounded by jagged, leafless trees, the charming characters keep things from ever getting too frightening. The images will encourage lingering looks. Clearly, there’s plenty that makes Misty special just as she is—a takeaway that adults sharing the book with their little ones should be sure to drive home.
Too cute to be spooky indeed but most certainly sweet. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Aug. 13, 2024
ISBN: 9780593702901
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: May 17, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Nothing new here but a nonetheless congenial matriculant in publishing’s autumnal rite of back-to-school offerings.
The Crayons head back to class in this latest series entry.
Daywalt’s expository text lays out the basics as various Crayons wave goodbye to the beach, choose a first-day outfit, greet old friends, and make new ones. As in previous outings, the perennially droll illustrations and hand-lettered Crayon-speak drive the humor. The ever wrapperless Peach, opining, “What am I going to wear?” surveys three options: top hat and tails, a chef’s toque and apron, and a Santa suit. New friends Chunky Toddler Crayon (who’s missing a bite-sized bit of their blue point) and Husky Toddler Crayon speculate excitedly on their common last name: “I wonder if we’re related!” White Crayon, all but disappearing against the page’s copious white space, sits cross-legged reading a copy of H.G. Wells’ The Invisible Man. And Yellow and Orange, notable for their previous existential argument about the color of the sun, find agreement in science class: Jupiter, clearly, is yellow AND orange. Everybody’s excited about art class—“Even if they make a mess. Actually…ESPECIALLY if they make a mess!” Here, a spread of crayoned doodles of butterflies, hearts, and stars is followed by one with fulsome scribbles. Fans of previous outings will spot cameos from Glow in the Dark and yellow-caped Esteban (the Crayon formerly known as Pea Green). (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Nothing new here but a nonetheless congenial matriculant in publishing’s autumnal rite of back-to-school offerings. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: May 16, 2023
ISBN: 9780593621110
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Philomel
Review Posted Online: Feb. 24, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
SEEN & HEARD
SEEN & HEARD
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