An entertaining Halloween story that teaches children the values of responsible spending and creative problem-solving.
A young girl and her grandmother rely on ingenuity to make the perfect Halloween costume in Write’s illustrated children’s book.
Ruth, a young Black girl, and her family are excited for Halloween. As they carve pumpkins on their front porch with Grandma they talk about their Halloween plans, including costume shopping—this year, Ruth is going to be a princess. Pumpkins finished, the family leaves Grandma to make pumpkin pie and heads to the costume shop. As they walk, Ruth’s parents tell the kids they are limited to costumes that are within their “costume allowance,” and that anything more expensive will have to be paid for out of each child’s chore money. When they arrive at the costume shop, a clerk leads Ruth and her mom to a special section with a display of princess costumes including tiaras and shoes. Ruth finds the perfect costume, but Mom and Dad note that the price is more expensive than what Ruth’s costume allowance will allow—with the special shoes and a tiara, even Ruth’s chore money won’t cover the expense (“When you set a limit, you should stick to it”). Dejected, Ruth returns home to Grandma to tell her the news. Some creative problem solving and ingenuity from Grandma save the day as Ruth and Grandma set to work making the perfect princess costume out of an old dress. Write’s story is as educational as it is engaging, teaching young readers the value of budgeting and financial responsibility while also imparting the time-honored wisdom to “make do with what you have.” The characters are optimistic and empathetic as depicted throughout the narrative and the full-color illustrations that enhance the reading experience. Special vocabulary words are highlighted, inviting young readers to explore new concepts with their adults and teachers. Kids will enjoy reading about Ruth’s determination and adults will appreciate the enriching lesson about financial responsibility.
An entertaining Halloween story that teaches children the values of responsible spending and creative problem-solving.Pub Date: Sept. 10, 2024
ISBN: 9798990332683
Page Count: 44
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: March 18, 2026
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
BOOK REVIEW
A tale of intergenerational bonding to be shared by grandparents and grandchildren.
In talk-show host Fallon and illustrator Ordóñez’s latest picture-book collaboration, an elderly pooch waxes rhapsodic about a life well lived.
Observing Papa sitting in his chair watching TV all day, a young pup says, “I’m starting to think…you don’t do ANYTHING.” So Papa proceeds to list his accomplishments, both big and small, mundane and profound. Some are just a result of being older and physically bigger (being tall enough to reach a high shelf and strong enough to open jars); others include winning a race and performing in a band when he was younger. Eventually, the pup realizes that while Papa may have slowed down in his old age, he’s led a full life. The most satisfying thing about Papa’s life now? Watching his grandchild take center stage: “I can say lots of thoughts / but I choose to be quiet. / I’d rather you discover things and then try it.” Fallon’s straightforward text is sweetly upbeat, though it occasionally lacks flow, forcing incongruous situations together to fit the rhyme scheme (“I cook and I mow, / and I once flew a plane. // I play newspaper puzzles because it’s good for my brain”). Featuring uncluttered, colorful backgrounds, Ordóñez’s child-friendly digital art at times takes on sepia tones, evoking the sense of looking back at old photos or memories. Though the creators tread familiar ground, the love between Papa and his little one is palpable.
A tale of intergenerational bonding to be shared by grandparents and grandchildren. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: May 13, 2025
ISBN: 9781250393975
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Review Posted Online: May 3, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
This outing lacks the sophistication of such category standards as Clementine; here’s hoping English amps things up for...
A gentle voice and familiar pitfalls characterize this tale of a boy navigating the risky road to responsibility.
Gavin is new to his neighborhood and Carver Elementary. He likes his new friend, Richard, and has a typically contentious relationship with his older sister, Danielle. When Gavin’s desire to impress Richard sets off a disastrous chain of events, the boy struggles to evade responsibility for his actions. “After all, it isn’t his fault that Danielle’s snow globe got broken. Sure, he shouldn’t have been in her room—but then, she shouldn’t be keeping candy in her room to tempt him. Anybody would be tempted. Anybody!” opines Gavin once he learns the punishment for his crime. While Gavin has a charming Everyboy quality, and his aversion to Aunt Myrtle’s yapping little dog rings true, little about Gavin distinguishes him from other trouble-prone protagonists. He is, regrettably, forgettable. Coretta Scott King Honor winner English (Francie, 1999) is a teacher whose storytelling usually benefits from her day job. Unfortunately, the pizzazz of classroom chaos is largely absent from this series opener.
This outing lacks the sophistication of such category standards as Clementine; here’s hoping English amps things up for subsequent volumes. (Fiction. 6-9)Pub Date: Dec. 17, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-547-97044-8
Page Count: 128
Publisher: Clarion Books
Review Posted Online: Oct. 1, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2013
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
