A tribute as heartfelt as it is joyous and a fitting way to remember this larger-than-life performer.
An illustrated biography of a legendary strongman from Montreal.
This is a love letter of a biography about a colorful character who was an eccentric fixture in Montreal for many years: record-holding strongman Antonio Barichievich. After comical speculations about how he came to be—born to a family of giant lumberjacks, raised by bears on another planet—the cheery illustrations detail the amazing feats performed by the large, hairy, white Croatian immigrant. The blend of fanciful speculation with stories that seem improbable is clearly intentional—endnotes reveal that after Barichievich’s death, many of his crazy stories were discovered to be true. The real-life tall-tale effect, as readers move through the series of Antonio’s accomplishments (pulling trains and buses, wrestling a bear, swinging children on his braids, etc.), will surely inspire child readers’ imaginations (and will have great classroom applications). The comedic treatment never mocks Antonio but celebrates him in all his weird glory—throughout, he is depicted as having fun just by being his extraordinary self. After his death, his impact is shown by the flowers and memorials left on his favorite bench as well as by a cat (that appears throughout the book) crying for him. The text is spare and engaging, and the type is set to integrate neatly with the playful art.
A tribute as heartfelt as it is joyous and a fitting way to remember this larger-than-life performer. (comics guide for parents and teachers) (Graphic biography. 5-8)Pub Date: Oct. 11, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-943145-08-9
Page Count: 64
Publisher: TOON Books & Graphics
Review Posted Online: July 19, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2016
Embedded in this heartwarming story of doing the right thing is a deft examination of the pressures of income inequality on...
Continuing from their acclaimed Those Shoes (2007), Boelts and Jones entwine conversations on money, motives, and morality.
This second collaboration between author and illustrator is set within an urban multicultural streetscape, where brown-skinned protagonist Ruben wishes for a bike like his friend Sergio’s. He wishes, but Ruben knows too well the pressure his family feels to prioritize the essentials. While Sergio buys a pack of football cards from Sonny’s Grocery, Ruben must buy the bread his mom wants. A familiar lady drops what Ruben believes to be a $1 bill, but picking it up, to his shock, he discovers $100! Is this Ruben’s chance to get himself the bike of his dreams? In a fateful twist, Ruben loses track of the C-note and is sent into a panic. After finally finding it nestled deep in a backpack pocket, he comes to a sense of moral clarity: “I remember how it was for me when that money that was hers—then mine—was gone.” When he returns the bill to her, the lady offers Ruben her blessing, leaving him with double-dipped emotions, “happy and mixed up, full and empty.” Readers will be pleased that there’s no reward for Ruben’s choice of integrity beyond the priceless love and warmth of a family’s care and pride.
Embedded in this heartwarming story of doing the right thing is a deft examination of the pressures of income inequality on children. (Picture book. 5-8)Pub Date: Oct. 4, 2016
ISBN: 978-0-7636-6649-1
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: July 19, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2016
Another quirky take on the series theme that it’s cool to be kind.
The cool beans again step up to do a timorous fellow legume a fava…this time at the pool.
Will a rash decision to tackle the multistory super-slide lead to another embarrassing watery fail for our shy protagonist? Nope, for up the stairs right behind comes a trio of cool beans, each a different type and color, all clad in nothing but dark shades. They make an offer: “It’s not as scary if you go with friends!” As the knobby nerd explains once the thrilling ride down is done, “They all realized that I just needed some encouragement and support.” Just to make sure that both cool and uncool readers get the message, the narrator lets us know that “there are plenty of kind folks who have my back. They’re always there when I need them.” The beany bonhomie doesn’t end at the bottom of the slide, with all gliding down to the shallow end of the pool (“3 INCHES. NO DIVING”) for a splashy finale. This latest early reader starring characters from John and Oswald’s immensely popular Food Group series will be a hit with fans. Fun accessories, such as a bean who rocks pink cat-eye frames, add some pizzazz to the chromatically and somatotypically varied cast.
Another quirky take on the series theme that it’s cool to be kind. (Easy reader. 5-7)Pub Date: March 26, 2024
ISBN: 9780063329560
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Feb. 17, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2024
© Copyright 2024 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.
bookshelf
