“Golden touch” indeed: considering this illustrator’s fondness for incorporating gold into her art, both in great solid swaths and as a major element in her famously intricate borders and finely detailed clothing, it’s a wonder that she’s taken so long to get to this tale. Here, she casts Midas as an empty-headed sort, who not only suffers from a carelessly phrased wish that “everything” he touches turns to gold, but also chooses poorly between Apollo’s heavenly music and Pan’s blatting, and so ends up with a pair of big, gray ass’s ears. Crowned by a magnificent fold-out spread, the pictures are simply dazzling, with the richly dressed king, delicately drawn flora, fauna, and other figures both human and divine floating against deep, richly hued color fields. Repentant, Midas is able to wash off the golden touch at last—but, rather unkindly, Demi (Gandhi, 2001, etc.) leaves him his hairy ears. Sophisticated readers may prefer John W. Stewig’s sardonic rendition (1999), but this version captures the tale’s humor along with its point, and the illustrations really light up the room. (Folktale. 7-10)
Pub Date: May 1, 2002
ISBN: 0-689-83297-4
Page Count: 48
Publisher: McElderry
Review Posted Online: June 24, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2002
A well-meaning effort at exploring censorship that doesn’t quite hit the mark.
A districtwide book ban sparks a protest in this follow-up to The Arabic Quilt (2020).
Kanzi, an Egyptian immigrant, and her classmates are dismayed to learn that a number of diverse stories—defined as “books showing people of many identities, backgrounds, and walks of life” —have been removed from their library and classrooms (oddly, these titles appear to have been confined to a single “diverse books” section). Not finding any books that reflect her identity, Kanzi retreats into her poetry notebook. A class discussion leads Kanzi to suggest a bake sale, with proceeds going to purchase banned books for the diverse community’s Little Free Libraries. Later, as she and her grandmother Teita bake baklawa, Teita draws a connection between this protest and those she marched in during the 2011 Egyptian uprising, impressing on Kanzi the need to raise her voice. The book takes on an all-too-relevant topic—indeed, the author’s note discusses how this tale was inspired by a real-life attempt at banning The Arabic Quilt in 2021. However, it suffers from rushed pacing and didactic writing. It’s not clear why the ban is reversed so quickly or why the books were removed to begin with. The librarian’s explanation that “some books are so powerful that they intimidate people” is a misguided statement at odds with the story’s message that books centering marginalized identities are especially being targeted. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A well-meaning effort at exploring censorship that doesn’t quite hit the mark. (recipe) (Picture book. 7-10)Pub Date: Aug. 1, 2023
ISBN: 9780884489672
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Tilbury House
Review Posted Online: July 13, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
A goofy, humorous fantasy for those seeking gentle frights.
Werewolf Bram is not a very good monster.
In his first year at a magical school for villainy, Bram is thoughtful and anxious and not at all scary, sporting a cozy pullover, adorable curls of dark hair, and a quizzical expression. The other students—including enormous, fluffy, auburn-haired lion Bryan; aloof, brown-skinned elf-witch Mona; and Mal, who resembles Frankenstein’s monster—initially shun him, but Bram persists, determined to make this term a success. Young readers will enjoy spotting Hammond’s literary influences, which range from Dracula to Harry Potter and Captain Underpants. The story has a foundational earnestness that, combined with the humorous wordplay, helps moderate the fear factor. After a rocky start, Bram and his student cohort learn to reveal their insecurities and collaborate as a supportive, successful team, leading to Bram’s winning the coveted title of Villain of the Week. The lively black-and-white illustrations throughout reinforce the sweetness for more sensitive readers, with even the main teacher of wickedness, cranky Master Mardybum, not looking too terrifying, and the oddball group of friends ultimately learning to affirm one another—and themselves. The quick pace, occasional speech bubbles, creative use of varied fonts, and light mystery element will keep readers turning the pages.
A goofy, humorous fantasy for those seeking gentle frights. (drawing instructions) (Paranormal. 7-10)Pub Date: June 25, 2024
ISBN: 9781665950046
Page Count: 256
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: April 5, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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