Next book

33 USES FOR A DAD

Like moms, dads need credit for all the “jobs” they do in the family. Ziefert presents these as a numbered list of the titles dads can hold. They are the chefs—presiding over the backyard barbecue—the designer of Halloween costumes, the map reader, and so on. They love and support their children by holding their hands, teaching them to swim, and being their biggest cheerleader. They are the taxi drivers, the alarm clocks, and the ATMs that keep families running smoothly. Haley’s watercolor illustrations add warmth and humor to the list. The dad whose job is “Horsie” is decked out in a too-small-for-his-head cowboy hat, while the ATM-dad has a long line of kids waiting in front of him for their turn. Dads of all sizes, shapes, and colors are represented, though some are stereotypical: the dad who’s a dancing partner looks like he just stepped out of a bad Arthur Murray commercial, while the campfire-builder is a scruffy, plaid-wearing woodsman, but that character is also the “storyteller.” Altogether, a fun way to show children that dads do many things in families and to tell dads they’re appreciated. (Picture book. 2-8)

Pub Date: June 1, 2004

ISBN: 1-59354-028-0

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Blue Apple

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2004

Categories:
Next book

THERE'S A ROCK CONCERT IN MY BEDROOM

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

Next book

HOW TO CATCH A MAMASAURUS

From the How To Catch… series

A syrupy tribute to mothers that may please fans of the series.

Another creature is on the loose.

The long-running series continues its successful formula with this Hallmark card of a book, which features bright illustrations and catchy rhymes. This time, the mythical creature the racially diverse children set out to catch is an absent mom who does it all (lists of descriptors include the words banker, caregiver, nurse, doctor, driver, chef, housekeeper, teacher, entertainer, playmate, laundry service, problem solver, handywoman, cleaner, and alarm clock) but doesn’t seem to have a job outside the home and is inexplicably a dinosaur. As the children prepare gifts and a meal for her, the text becomes an ode to the skills the Mamasaurus possesses (“Day or night she’s always there. / She meets every wish and need”) and values she instills (“Sometimes life can mean hard work,” “kindness matters,” and “what counts is doing your best”). This well-intentioned selection veers into cliche generously sprinkled with saccharine but manages to redeem itself with its appreciation for mothers and all that they may do. Endpapers include a “to” and “from” page framed in a heart, as well as a page where young gift givers or recipients can draw a picture of their Mamasaurus.

A syrupy tribute to mothers that may please fans of the series. (Picture book. 3-6)

Pub Date: March 5, 2024

ISBN: 9781728274300

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Sourcebooks Wonderland

Review Posted Online: Dec. 6, 2023

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2024

Close Quickview