A simple introduction to a fascinating topic but with rather wishy-washy illustrations.
The supernova of 1054 C.E. is illuminated.
In 1054 C.E., a light brighter than any star was seen. The book implies that we know about this phenomenon today because it was noted and recorded in China (though this isn’t explicitly stated in the text). The light from the supernova eventually faded from sight. Centuries later, the telescope was invented, allowing astronomers to extend their vision into deep space. And what they saw was a large mass of gas and dust that they named the Crab Nebula for its resemblance to the crustacean. Turns out, the Crab Nebula consists of the remains of the supernova of 1054. Using simple language, Gladstone competently explains this phenomenon—from its sighting nearly 1,000 years ago to its rediscovery as a nebula—although inquisitive readers may be left with unanswered questions: Why don’t all stars end up as supernovas? How do elements in the exploding stars contribute to life? This is not necessarily an omission, since the wonder and awe inspired by the supernova may spur children to further explore the topic. The illustrations, however, all double-page spreads in rather unexciting colors, have a mostly unvaried, straight-on perspective that doesn’t do much to enhance the narrative. Though characters in earlier scenes are Chinese, those in later ones are diverse. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A simple introduction to a fascinating topic but with rather wishy-washy illustrations. (information on supernovas, photo) (Informational picture book. 3-8)Pub Date: March 14, 2023
ISBN: 978-1-77147-498-6
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Owlkids Books
Review Posted Online: Nov. 28, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Though told by two outsiders to the culture, this timely and well-crafted story will educate readers on the preciousness of...
An international story tackles a serious global issue with Reynolds’ characteristic visual whimsy.
Gie Gie—aka Princess Gie Gie—lives with her parents in Burkina Faso. In her kingdom under “the African sky, so wild and so close,” she can tame wild dogs with her song and make grass sway, but despite grand attempts, she can neither bring the water closer to home nor make it clean. French words such as “maintenant!” (now!) and “maman” (mother) and local color like the karite tree and shea nuts place the story in a French-speaking African country. Every morning, Gie Gie and her mother perch rings of cloth and large clay pots on their heads and walk miles to the nearest well to fetch murky, brown water. The story is inspired by model Georgie Badiel, who founded the Georgie Badiel Foundation to make clean water accessible to West Africans. The details in Reynolds’ expressive illustrations highlight the beauty of the West African landscape and of Princess Gie Gie, with her cornrowed and beaded hair, but will also help readers understand that everyone needs clean water—from the children of Burkina Faso to the children of Flint, Michigan.
Though told by two outsiders to the culture, this timely and well-crafted story will educate readers on the preciousness of potable water. (Picture book. 5-8)Pub Date: Sept. 13, 2016
ISBN: 978-0-399-17258-8
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Putnam
Review Posted Online: May 17, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2016
A disappointing follow-up.
Inventor Izzy Gizmo is back in this sequel to her eponymous debut (2017).
While busily inventing one day, Izzy receives an invitation from the Genius Guild to their annual convention. Though Izzy’s “inventions…don’t always work,” Grandpa (apparently her sole caregiver) encourages her to go. The next day they undertake a long journey “over fields, hills, and waves” and “mile after mile” to isolated Technoff Isle. There, Izzy finds she must compete against four other kids to create the most impressive machine. The colorful, detail-rich illustrations chronicle how poor Izzy is thwarted at every turn by Abi von Lavish, a Veruca Salt–esque character who takes all the supplies for herself. But when Abi abandons her project, Izzy salvages the pieces and decides to take Grandpa’s advice to create a machine that “can really be put to good use.” A frustrated Izzy’s impatience with a friend almost foils her chance at the prize, but all’s well that ends well. There’s much to like: Brown-skinned inventor girl Izzy is an appealing character, it’s great to see a nurturing brown-skinned male caregiver, the idea of an “Invention Convention” is fun, and a sustainable-energy invention is laudable. However, these elements don’t make up for rhymes that often feel forced and a lackluster story.
A disappointing follow-up. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: March 1, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-68263-164-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Peachtree
Review Posted Online: Jan. 11, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2020
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