Young book lovers will recognize a kindred spirit in this lively tale.
A girl faces a classic dilemma—discovering a quiet place to read—in this debut picture book.
For red-haired, pale-skinned Loulou Brown, a rainy day is the perfect time to read. Unfortunately, a house full of siblings means her location options are limited. Jake is building a fort next to the window seat; Dylan is baking in the kitchen; Lilah is planning to play dress-up in the bedroom; and Thomas is practicing drums in the garage. Even the bathroom faucet drips. A trip to the library gives Loulou space, but the silence makes her wonder what’s happening at home, so she checks out the perfect books for each sibling—and for her own inspiration. While there’s no mention of how Loulou gets to and from the library, kids who adore books are sure to find her appealing. Her joy in choosing volumes for her siblings— and building relationships with them after being annoyed by their presence—offers a valuable lesson about sharing not only reading, but family time as well. Short, simple sentences make the story easily accessible to newly independent readers. Bernard’s invented books with clever titles for each sibling—Jake gets Ideas for Little Architects—are right on target and are deftly featured in the humorous, soft-edged illustrations. Brayer (Licky the Lizard, 2018, etc.) uses a bright palette, despite the dreary day, which helps bring the exuberant Loulou to life.
Young book lovers will recognize a kindred spirit in this lively tale.Pub Date: Nov. 5, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-64111-473-8
Page Count: 28
Publisher: Palmetto Publishing Group
Review Posted Online: Jan. 16, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2020
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
BOOK REVIEW
More gift book than storybook, this is a meaningful addition to nursery bookshelves
A young child explores the unlimited potential inherent in all humans.
“Have you ever wondered why you are here?” asks the second-person narration. There is no one like you. Maybe you’re here to make a difference with your uniqueness; maybe you will speak for those who can’t or use your gifts to shine a light into the darkness. The no-frills, unrhymed narrative encourages readers to follow their hearts and tap into their limitless potential to be anything and do anything. The precisely inked and colored artwork plays with perspective from the first double-page spread, in which the child contemplates a mountain (or maybe an iceberg) in their hands. Later, they stand on a ladder to place white spots on tall, red mushrooms. The oversized flora and fauna seem to symbolize the presumptively insurmountable, reinforcing the book’s message that anything is possible. This quiet read, with its sophisticated central question, encourages children to reach for their untapped potential while reminding them it won’t be easy—they will make messes and mistakes—but the magic within can help overcome falls and failures. It’s unlikely that members of the intended audience have begun to wonder about their life’s purpose, but this life-affirming mood piece has honorable intentions. The child, accompanied by an adorable piglet and sporting overalls and a bird-beaked cap made of leaves, presents white.
More gift book than storybook, this is a meaningful addition to nursery bookshelves . (Picture book. 2-8)Pub Date: Sept. 15, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-946873-75-0
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Compendium
Review Posted Online: May 21, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2019
An invitation to wonder, imagine and look at everything (humans included) in a new way.
A young boy sees things a little differently than others.
Noah can see patterns in the dust when it sparkles in the sunlight. And if he puts his nose to the ground, he can smell the “green tang of the ants in the grass.” His most favorite thing of all, however, is to read. Noah has endless curiosity about how and why things work. Books open the door to those answers. But there is one question the books do not explain. When the wind comes whistling by, where does it go? Noah decides to find out. In a chase that has a slight element of danger—wind, after all, is unpredictable—Noah runs down streets, across bridges, near a highway, until the wind lifts him off his feet. Cowman’s gusty wisps show each stream of air turning a different jewel tone, swirling all around. The ribbons gently bring Noah home, setting him down under the same thinking tree where he began. Did it really happen? Worthington’s sensitive exploration leaves readers with their own set of questions and perhaps gratitude for all types of perspective. An author’s note mentions children on the autism spectrum but widens to include all who feel a little different.
An invitation to wonder, imagine and look at everything (humans included) in a new way. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: April 14, 2015
ISBN: 978-1-60554-356-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Redleaf Lane
Review Posted Online: Feb. 2, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2015
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