Just the thing to get uncertain youngsters jazzed for a first day—at school or anywhere.
Barnes and Brantley-Newton team up for a follow-up to The King of Kindergarten (2019).
From the very first page, it’s clear that young MJ Malone is ready to face the world—and school. Once Mom bestows her with a glittery tiara and dubs her the queen of kindergarten, MJ is determined to fulfill her duties—brighten up every room she enters, treat others with kindness, and offer a helping hand. Barnes infuses each page with humor and a sense of grace as the immensely likable MJ makes the most of her first day. Barnes’ prose is entertaining and heartwarming, while Brantley-Newton’s vivid and playful artwork will be easily recognizable for anyone who’s seen her work (Grandma’s Purse, 2018; Becoming Vanessa, 2021). The illustrator adds verve to the bold young heroine’s character—from the colorful barrettes to the textured appearance of her adorable denim jumper, the girl has style and substance. MJ Malone embodies the can-do spirit every parent hopes to spark in their own children, though even shy kindergarteners will gladly find a friend in her. MJ and her family are Black; her classroom is diverse. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Just the thing to get uncertain youngsters jazzed for a first day—at school or anywhere. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: May 24, 2022
ISBN: 978-0-593-11142-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Review Posted Online: April 26, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2022
Despite the cuteness factor, this one falls short.
Stella is on the hunt for a missing tooth.
Stella, a Black child with Afro puffs whom readers may remember from Stella Keeps the Sun Up (2022), and Roger, a stuffed blue hippo, are on their way to a museum to meet Stella’s pal Owen and see Sue, a T. rex skeleton. But when Stella arrives, Owen (who is tan-skinned) is running away from the museum; as he leaves, he yells out that he lost his tooth. Not understanding the concept of losing baby teeth, Stella and Roger are puzzled. After a brief hunt for the missing tooth, a girl tells Stella to look for the tooth fairy, because that’s who took her own brother’s tooth. The duo search for the tooth fairy, seek out intel from Sue, and listen to a Black museum worker tell them about how dinosaurs often lost teeth. Finally, they find Owen, who fills them in on the truth, and they learn that losing baby teeth means they “will officially be grown-ups.” This is a sweet book with a curious, imaginative, and helpful protagonist. However, the pacing is meandering. Several pages are dedicated to Stella telling readers about Owen before he finally appears. The illustrations are whimsical but a bit flat. Readers will enjoy spotting the tooth fairy who appears on a few pages even though they may question why she never actually makes it into the story. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Despite the cuteness factor, this one falls short. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: March 7, 2023
ISBN: 978-1-5344-8787-1
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Denene Millner Books/Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Feb. 24, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
A cozy, comforting read.
Noodle the pug sets his sights on getting to the top of the snuggliest pile of couch blankets.
Nowhere seems comfy enough for Noodle, not even his perfectly fluffed bed. He finally spies the ideal spot: Comfy Mountain. Noodle tries to get his little pug legs up onto the couch to reach the mound of blankets, but he can’t get to the summit. Finally, he reaches the top thanks to a helping hand from his light-skinned human, Jonathan. This is Graziano’s second picture book starring Noodle, his real-life pug who gained a huge social media following for videos reminding viewers of the importance of self-care (if Noodle slumped over after Graziano held him up, it was a “no-bones day,” devoted to rest and relaxation). Noodle’s perspective is sweet and charming, and readers will relate to the peace that comes from settling in to the perfect cuddle nook. Tavis’ soft illustrations depict a wide-eyed, rotund little pup who’s impossible not to love. The shimmering golden light that falls on Comfy Mountain is pitch-perfect, as is Noodle’s perspective over his human’s domain. There’s a sweet little dust ball of a spider that hangs out on multiple pages and plenty of other charming touches. The message—that we all need a little help from a pal once in a while—is a familiar but sound one, and what better way to convey it than through a story of (hu)man’s best friend? (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A cozy, comforting read. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Nov. 7, 2023
ISBN: 9781665941679
Page Count: 32
Publisher: McElderry
Review Posted Online: July 25, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
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