An ideal introduction to a classic kid lit work.
In this comics adaptation of Warner’s beloved novel, siblings make a home in an abandoned train car.
The orphaned Alden children—responsible elders Henry and Jessie and cute, curious Violet and Benny—are worried about their future. They know little about their grandfather (their one living relative), and they’re afraid of meddling grown-ups splitting them up. Deciding to set out on their own, they discover an old red boxcar in the woods and move in, bathing in a stream, eating wild blueberries, and befriending a dog whom Benny dubs Watch. Resilient and resourceful, they seek odd jobs in town, helping an old woman with her vegetable patch, picking cherries, and mowing lawns. But when Violet falls ill, the need to seek medical care from reliable adults in town may disrupt their hardscrabble, happy life. Depicting clothing reminiscent of the 1920s, this refreshingly low-tech tale sees the Alden siblings eking out a spare but satisfying existence through a combination of wits and willpower. That simplicity, aptly, extends to both text and illustrations; Hashimoto imbues the children’s speech with politeness and confidence that evoke the prose in the 1942 edition of Warner’s original book. Abeille’s cheerful artwork distinguishes keenly between town, farm, and forest settings, enlivening familiar corners of this time-tested tale. Characters appear white.
An ideal introduction to a classic kid lit work. (Graphic fiction. 6-10)Pub Date: Aug. 25, 2026
ISBN: 9798217117345
Page Count: 176
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: May 4, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2026
A strong second outing for Dillard and J.D.
Breakout kid barber J.D. embraces a summer of opportunity.
Readers met J.D. Jones just as he took his hometown of Meridian, Mississippi, by storm, winning himself community acclaim and a chair at the revered Hart and Sons barbershop in series opener J.D. and the Great Barber Battle(2021). What’s next for the haircut prodigy? School’s just getting out, and there’s so much life happening outside—if only one can escape home learning with the grandparents. J.D.’s sister, Vanessa, brings along multitalented mutual friend Jessyka to share an ambitious challenge: “Let’s start a YouTube channel!” Can they get millions of views and wow the whole world? They are already amazing at haircuts and hairstyles—all they need is to learn how to make a great YouTube video. The story models strategies for scripting short videos reflecting the templates of viral YouTube hair tutorials, inviting readers to not only see the journey of the characters, but maybe also practice these skills at home. This book is bound to educate all about some of the most storied and cherished traditions within the Black community. Bringing in Vanessa is a great touch to extend the series across gender, and hopefully she’ll get a chance to lead her own adventures. This book blends skill-building, entrepreneurship, and strong family values to give young Black children visions of what’s possible when they follow their passions and embrace their community.
A strong second outing for Dillard and J.D. (Fiction. 6-9)Pub Date: Aug. 3, 2021
ISBN: 978-0-593-11155-0
Page Count: 128
Publisher: Kokila
Review Posted Online: July 13, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A welcome, well-researched reflection of cultural pride in the early-reader landscape.
The fourth installment in Delacre’s early-reader series centers on the rich musical traditions of Puerto Rico, once again featuring sibling tree frogs Rafi and Rosi Coquí.
Readers learn along with Rafi and Rosi as they explore bomba, plena, and salsa in three chapters. A glossary at the beginning sets readers up well to understand the Spanish vocabulary, including accurate phoneticization for non-Spanish speakers. The stories focus on Rafi and Rosi’s relationship within a musical context. For example, in one chapter Rafi finds out that he attracts a larger audience playing his homemade güiro with Rosi’s help even though he initially excluded her: “Big brothers only.” Even when he makes mistakes, as the older brother, Rafi consoles Rosi when she is embarrassed or angry at him. In each instance, their shared joy for music and dance ultimately shines through any upsets—a valuable reflection of unity. Informational backmatter and author’s sources are extensive. Undoubtedly these will help teachers, librarians, and parents to develop Puerto Rican cultural programs, curriculum, or home activities to extend young readers’ learning. The inclusion of instructions to make one’s own homemade güiro is a thoughtful addition. The Spanish translation, also by Delacre and published simultaneously, will require a more advanced reader than the English one to recognize and comprehend contractions (“pa’bajo-pa-pa’rriba”) and relatively sophisticated vocabulary.
A welcome, well-researched reflection of cultural pride in the early-reader landscape. (Early reader. 7-9)Pub Date: Sept. 17, 2019
ISBN: 978-0-89239-429-6
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Children's Book Press
Review Posted Online: July 27, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2019
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