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MOMMY GOES TO THE OFFICE

A must-have introduction to the workplace for young children.

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This debut children’s book takes a look at a mother’s workday.

Each morning, many kids go off to school while their parents go to work, and many of them may wonder what their moms and dads do all day. This book answers that question in a thorough, loving way. At the outset, Mommy has breakfast with her family, and after dressing and getting ready, she heads to the office as her kids go to school. Like many working parents, Mommy has a “big desk” as well as writing utensils and “lots of pictures” of the kids. The narration, from the daughter’s point of view, notes that Mommy misses her children as she has meetings, writes emails, talks on the telephone, and eats lunch. Finally, she wraps things up and heads home to her waiting family. Everyone is happy to see one another, and they eat dinner, play games, read bedtime stories, and plan to do it all again the next day. Mesara-Dogan’s debut is a lovely way to introduce children to the idea of a household where both parents work. It’s especially ideal for parents who are returning to the workforce and need to explain to their kids what their days will be like. Change can be tumultuous for children, but this book is sure to assuage some of their fears; it makes clear, for example, that Mommy is not leaving home for good and that there will still be plenty of time to spend together after work. The author’s prose is bright yet easy to read so that younger readers won’t lose interest. That’s not to say, however, that its subject matter isn’t advanced enough to engage older kids, as well. This book may also inspire young readers to talk about their own futures in the workplace, as the story’s narrator does. The sketched, rustic quality of the illustrations makes them a beautiful counterpoint to the realistic storyline. Although the book focuses on “Mommy,” specifically, it can effectively be used to explain the experiences of working moms and dads alike.

A must-have introduction to the workplace for young children.

Pub Date: Feb. 13, 2015

ISBN: 978-1492314172

Page Count: 38

Publisher: CreateSpace

Review Posted Online: April 21, 2015

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2015

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THE ABOLITION OF MAN

The sub-title of this book is "Reflections on Education with Special Reference to the Teaching of English in the Upper Forms of Schools." But one finds in it little about education, and less about the teaching of English. Nor is this volume a defense of the Christian faith similar to other books from the pen of C. S. Lewis. The three lectures comprising the book are rather rambling talks about life and literature and philosophy. Those who have come to expect from Lewis penetrating satire and a subtle sense of humor, used to buttress a real Christian faith, will be disappointed.

Pub Date: April 8, 1947

ISBN: 1609421477

Page Count: -

Publisher: Macmillan

Review Posted Online: Oct. 17, 2011

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1947

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UNCOMFORTABLE CONVERSATIONS WITH A BLACK MAN

This guide to Black culture for White people is accessible but rarely easy.

A former NFL player casts his gimlet eye on American race relations.

In his first book, Acho, an analyst for Fox Sports who grew up in Dallas as the son of Nigerian immigrants, addresses White readers who have sent him questions about Black history and culture. “My childhood,” he writes, “was one big study abroad in white culture—followed by studying abroad in black culture during college and then during my years in the NFL, which I spent on teams with 80-90 percent black players, each of whom had his own experience of being a person of color in America. Now, I’m fluent in both cultures: black and white.” While the author avoids condescending to readers who already acknowledge their White privilege or understand why it’s unacceptable to use the N-word, he’s also attuned to the sensitive nature of the topic. As such, he has created “a place where questions you may have been afraid to ask get answered.” Acho has a deft touch and a historian’s knack for marshaling facts. He packs a lot into his concise narrative, from an incisive historical breakdown of American racial unrest and violence to the ways of cultural appropriation: Your friend respecting and appreciating Black arts and culture? OK. Kim Kardashian showing off her braids and attributing her sense of style to Bo Derek? Not so much. Within larger chapters, the text, which originated with the author’s online video series with the same title, is neatly organized under helpful headings: “Let’s rewind,” “Let’s get uncomfortable,” “Talk it, walk it.” Acho can be funny, but that’s not his goal—nor is he pedaling gotcha zingers or pleas for headlines. The author delivers exactly what he promises in the title, tackling difficult topics with the depth of an engaged cultural thinker and the style of an experienced wordsmith. Throughout, Acho is a friendly guide, seeking to sow understanding even if it means risking just a little discord.

This guide to Black culture for White people is accessible but rarely easy.

Pub Date: Nov. 10, 2020

ISBN: 978-1-250-80046-6

Page Count: 256

Publisher: Flatiron Books

Review Posted Online: Oct. 12, 2020

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2020

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