Girls who love sparkles could do far worse than to spend time with these appealing performers.
The Stardust Girls return for a second circus-friendship tale.
The introductory title, Step into the Spotlight! (2014), centered on newcomer Marlo and her acceptance by circus girls Allie, Bella and Carly and their circle of friends. This title switches focus to Mexican-American Allie, short for Alejandra, a trapeze artist with dreams of television fame. These aspirations are stoked by the appearance of a TV producer and cameraman on the Stardust Circus train, there to shoot footage for a behind-the-scenes special. Allie’s machinations to draw their attention threaten her friendships and even her life, when she switches leotards in order to stand out among her blue-costumed family during a show. Once again, Alexander sets recognizable early-elementary dilemmas against an alluring backdrop for a story that feels both familiar and exotic at the same time. Allie’s delusions of greatness are completely on target for an 8-year-old; while readers will see that she has no chance at TV stardom, they will also empathize with her intense desires. Le Feyer’s grayscale illustrations (two to three to a double-page spread) break up the text for new chapter-book readers while also developing characters, working with the text to create a convincingly multiethnic circus community.
Girls who love sparkles could do far worse than to spend time with these appealing performers. (Fiction. 6-9)Pub Date: April 28, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-545-75755-3
Page Count: 96
Publisher: Branches/Scholastic
Review Posted Online: Feb. 2, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2015
Amusing but a little off tempo.
It’s important to hit all the right notes.
A tan-skinned musical composer with puffy black hair is busy at work on his next musical masterpiece when Half Note, a music symbol denoting two beats, feels unappreciated. Half Note is jealous of the more commonly used Quarter Note (one beat) and Eighth Note. Although the other musical symbols attempt to calm and comfort Half Note, she decides to run away. The next day, Composer needs Half Note and panics when he realizes that she’s gone. The other notes and musical symbols try to find her, but it’s only when they try to play her favorite song, “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” without her—with terrible results—that she comes running back. The story’s humor—which is largely based on “dad joke” puns—is completely dependent on readers’ musical knowledge. The artwork, a mix of acrylic and colored pencil, attempts to add some allegrezza to the piece, and while it’s not unsuccessful, it’s facing an uphill battle. Music teachers and musically minded caregivers may find some value in this story, but it will likely be too specialized for general readers. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Amusing but a little off tempo. (glossary) (Picture book. 6-8)Pub Date: March 14, 2023
ISBN: 978-1-64567-631-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Page Street
Review Posted Online: Dec. 23, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
This lighthearted adventure features much-needed Hmong representation and an equally satisfying plot.
Twin Hmong American siblings lean on each other during a camping trip in this series opener.
Mosquito bites, scary bears, and an outhouse are just some of the fears keeping Astrid hidden away in a closet while her family prepares for their upcoming campout. Her supportive twin brother, Apollo, reassures her that whatever happens, they will get through it together. This early chapter book highlights the strength of sibling bonds and shows Astrid overcoming adversity in an approachable way. Her timidity and anxiety gradually decrease as she discovers the reality of camping is a lot less scary than her imagination. While the short chapters and simple sentence structure support a newly independent reader, some page layouts are disjointed, with illustrations that do not match the corresponding text. Despite this minor flaw, the cute, cartoon images showcase a gentle-feeling outdoors and the warm family connection that defines this trip. Hmong cultural elements such as names and cuisine are organically incorporated into the storyline. It’s an accessible and authentic introduction to an ethnic group rarely featured in children’s literature or mainstream popular culture. Facts about the Hmong, popular Hmong foods, a glossary, and a discussion guide are included in the backmatter.
This lighthearted adventure features much-needed Hmong representation and an equally satisfying plot. (Fiction. 6-9)Pub Date: Aug. 1, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-5158-6131-7
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Picture Window Books
Review Posted Online: June 15, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2020
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