The protagonist’s good cheer and determination will strike chords in like-minded readers
The community of Taloyoak, Nunavut, hosts an annual Christmas dance, and this year Simonie wants to compete.
Simonie loves to read, but he also loves to dance. When he reads a poster advertising an upcoming jigging dance contest, he asks his father for help; later, his mother offers more advice. Simonie practices his dance steps daily, but Ataata suggests that his son also add emotion to his performance: “You have to feel the movements in the music. They go together.” At school, he asks his friend Dana to partner with him, and together they practice, but though his dancing improves, Simonie still doesn’t understand how to feel the music. At the hockey arena, Simonie catches up with another friend, David, who has won competitions before and asks his advice. “I just dance the way the music feels,” says David. Aha! On the day of the contest, Anaana reminds her son, “Whatever’s in your heart, express it!” Simonie is ready to do his best. Matthews’ simple text presents a likable character in Simonie, and his determination to succeed should inspire young readers to persevere when learning any new skill. Hinch’s lively cartoon illustrations portray the Inuit characters as modern upper-elementary-age students who are also actively involved in their families’ cultural traditions.
The protagonist’s good cheer and determination will strike chords in like-minded readers . (Picture book. 5-8)Pub Date: Aug. 13, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-77227-224-6
Page Count: 30
Publisher: Inhabit Media
Review Posted Online: May 11, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2019
Sugary uplift, shrink-wrapped for the masses.
An elusive new quarry leads the How To Catch… kids on a merry chase through a natural history museum.
Taking at least a step away from the “hunters versus prey” vibe of previous entries in the popular series, the racially diverse group of young visitors dashes through various museum halls in pursuit of the eponymous dino—whose quest to “spread kindness and joy ’round the world” takes the form of a mildly tumultuous museum tour. In most of Elkerton’s overly sweet, color-saturated scenes, only portions of the Loveosaurus, who is purple and covered with pink hearts, are visible behind exhibits or lumbering off the page. But the children find small enticements left behind, from craft supplies to make cards for endangered species to pictures of smiley faces, candy heart–style personal notes (“You Rock!” “Give Hugs”), and, in the hall of medieval arms and armor, a sign urging them to “Be Honest Be Kind.” The somewhat heavy-handed lesson comes through loud and clear. “There’s a message, he wants us to think,” hints Walstead to clue in more obtuse readers…and concluding scenes of smiling people young and otherwise exchanging hugs and knuckle bumps, holding doors for a wheelchair rider, and dancing through clouds of sparkles indicate that they, at least, have gotten it. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Sugary uplift, shrink-wrapped for the masses. (Picture book. 5-7)Pub Date: Dec. 6, 2022
ISBN: 9781728268781
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Sourcebooks Wonderland
Review Posted Online: Jan. 17, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An absolute pleasure.
A small dog takes a huge leap.
True to her name, sled dog puppy Leap spends her days bounding happily through blankets of freshly fallen snow, bouncily biding her time until she, too, can suit up for a run with the team. Each dog brings a different, equally essential skill to the work of mushing, and as too-young Leap greets the pack when they return from their daily hike, she worries—what if she lacks a special talent of her own when it’s her time to race? But when the much-anticipated day arrives and Leap clips in for her rookie run, her feet tippity-tap excitedly, any trace of self-doubt eclipsed by her irrepressible enthusiasm. With their new addition in tow, the other dogs take off, buoyed as ever by a confidence borne from specialized expertise; they confront obstacles head-on, sailing easily along icy Northwoods terrain. That is until the team encounters a seemingly insurmountable hurdle, one that only their greenest member can clear. Dogsled racer Braverman’s sweet narrative builds a satisfying case for individuality as a community asset, celebrating both the value of teamwork and the discrete strengths that comprise it. Savvy readers will take pride in predicting Leap’s unique contribution, while canine lovers will delight in the revelation that the pups depicted are all real-life sled dogs working in northern Wisconsin. When’s illustrations are equal parts spellbinding and precious, deftly balancing compositional simplicity with masterful color work. The result is peerless.
An absolute pleasure. (author’s note) (Picture book. 6-9)Pub Date: Oct. 21, 2025
ISBN: 9780063238053
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: July 4, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2025
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