As warm and nourishing as apple pie.
A child’s visit to his grandparents offers a vibrant window into a predominantly Black community in Canada.
Soon after arriving, the young boy sets out with Granddad to pick up items Nan needs to make dinner. They pause to pick berries and to fish in the lake for trout; when the child inquires about Nan’s list, Granddad tells him they’ll get to it later, but “for now we’re spendin’ time.” After a break for a sweet treat (“A little ice cream won’t spoil dinner”), they stop at the farmers market. Riding home, Granddad points out places from the past—a clearing where he chopped wood and picked flowers, the basketball court where he shot hoops with friends. Darkness has already fallen by the time they return home, greeted by the smell of Nan’s apple pie; as the youngster tells Nan, “Granddad and me, we were just spendin’ time.” Like the protagonist, readers will feel entirely at home. Bell makes masterful use of light, letting it wash over swirls of green leaves, bright florals, birds mid-flight, and the warm pastel sidings of houses. Her impressionistic images shimmer, while Gray’s text has an easy, folksy rhythm that mirrors Granddad’s own relaxed attitude; this is as much a love letter to grandparents as it is to Preston, Nova Scotia, where Gray spent time with his own grandparents.
As warm and nourishing as apple pie. (author’s note) (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: May 26, 2026
ISBN: 9780063089983
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: April 6, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2026
BOOK REVIEW
New parents of daughters will eat these up and perhaps pass on the lessons learned.
All the reasons why a daughter needs a mother.
Each spread features an adorable cartoon animal parent-child pair on the recto opposite a rhyming verse: “I’ll always support you in giving your all / in every endeavor, the big and the small, / and be there to catch you in case you should fall. / I hope you believe this is true.” A virtually identical book, Why a Daughter Needs a Dad, publishes simultaneously. Both address standing up for yourself and your values, laughing to ease troubles, being thankful, valuing friendship, persevering and dreaming big, being truthful, thinking through decisions, and being open to differences, among other topics. Though the sentiments/life lessons here and in the companion title are heartfelt and important, there are much better ways to deliver them. These books are likely to go right over children’s heads and developmental levels (especially with the rather advanced vocabulary); their parents are the more likely audience, and for them, the books provide some coaching in what kids need to hear. The two books are largely interchangeable, especially since there are so few references to mom or dad, but one spread in each book reverts to stereotype: Dad balances the two-wheeler, and mom helps with clothing and hair styles. Since the books are separate, it aids in customization for many families.
New parents of daughters will eat these up and perhaps pass on the lessons learned. (Picture book. 4-8, adult)Pub Date: May 1, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-4926-6781-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Review Posted Online: March 16, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2019
Nice enough but not worth repeat reads.
Emma deals with jitters before playing the guitar in the school talent show.
Pop musician Kevin Jonas and his wife, Danielle, put performance at the center of their picture-book debut. When Emma is intimidated by her very talented friends, the encouragement of her younger sister, Bella, and the support of her family help her to shine her own light. The story is straightforward and the moral familiar: Draw strength from your family and within to overcome your fears. Employing the performance-anxiety trope that’s been written many times over, the book plods along predictably—there’s nothing really new or surprising here. Dawson’s full-color digital illustrations center a White-presenting family along with Emma’s three friends of color: Jamila has tanned skin and wears a hijab; Wendy has dark brown skin and Afro puffs; and Luis has medium brown skin. Emma’s expressive eyes and face are the real draw of the artwork—from worry to embarrassment to joy, it’s clear what she’s feeling. A standout double-page spread depicts Emma’s talent show performance, with a rainbow swirl of music erupting from an amp and Emma rocking a glam outfit and electric guitar. Overall, the book reads pretty plainly, buoyed largely by the artwork. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Nice enough but not worth repeat reads. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: March 29, 2022
ISBN: 978-0-593-35207-6
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Razorbill/Penguin
Review Posted Online: Feb. 8, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
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