A tableau of realistic advice on the importance of a positive attitude.
Children have so many things to remember about how to live their lives.
A diverse group of children are reminded by an omniscient voice to not forget their responsibilities. “Don’t forget / to make your bed, / and wear socks / that fit your feet.” They are told to consider others. “Don’t forget / to smile, / and to lend a hand / when you can.” But they are also told to enjoy: “Don’t forget to try new things, / to smell the flowers, // watch the ocean, / and listen to the music / of the trees.” The narration also encourages them to express emotion by crying, hugging, hoping, imagining, and dreaming. Most of all, they are told to remember that “somebody loves you,” that they are not alone in this long life, and that “you belong.” Lovely artwork depicts scenes of children relaxing, creating both alone and with others, frolicking, working, and playing, indoors and outdoors. The line “Don’t forget to wonder” accompanies an image of a brown-skinned child lying in a bubble bath, contemplating. A reminder to be brave and to share is paired with an illustration of a group of tan-skinned kids climbing a tree and sharing a snack. Kids will easily relate to the numerous illustrated examples, the wise words offered, and the overall uplifting message. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A tableau of realistic advice on the importance of a positive attitude. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Aug. 1, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-68464-436-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Kane Miller
Review Posted Online: June 7, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Noisy fun, with a strong beat and a narrative pattern that even younger audiences will have no trouble catching.
Dan the cabbie puts pedal to the metal to pick up a rock band and get it to a gig.
Written as a cumulative rhyme, the narrative barrels along just like the classic yellow cab in Culotta’s high-energy cartoon illustrations. Sporting a hip handlebar mustache and goatee and endowed with a personality as big as his seat-filling body, Dan motors through town and country settings like there’s no tomorrow. He picks up Maureen with her tambourine (“Shake-a shake, crash! Shake-a shake, crash!”), Tyrone with his saxophone (“Squeeba-dee dee, squeeba-dee doo!”), and a trio of other musicians in succession. A chorus between each stop invites readers to “Climb inside while you still can / with Dan, Beep! Beep! / the Taxi Man.” At ride’s end the cheery chauffeur pulls up in front of the sold-out Rockin Joint, lets the band out—and then joins the motley lot onstage as lead singer.
Noisy fun, with a strong beat and a narrative pattern that even younger audiences will have no trouble catching. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: June 1, 2012
ISBN: 978-1-61067-072-2
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Kane Miller
Review Posted Online: April 24, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2012
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A family book to learn with and share for those inclined to this religious lifestyle.
“Hakaras Hatov,” the Jewish daily ritual of thanking God for everyday life, is explicated in simplistic verse in this personalized drawing workbook.
Beginning with the Modeh Ani, or morning prayer, a little girl, upon awakening in her bed, thanks Hashem (God) for ”making me, me!” As her day continues, she is grateful for her family, the mitzvos (good deeds) she is able to do, food she eats, her home and possessions, the natural world surrounding her, her health and, at night, once again for her warm bed. Each thank you is accompanied by a brightly hued watercolor illustration on the left side featuring an observant Jewish family in proper attire, complete with long skirts for girls and yarmulkes for boys. The right side provides a bordered blank page for children to draw their own corresponding thank-you picture as suggested—“Where do you live? Draw a picture of your house on this page.” Created for an Orthodox audience, this preschool-oriented introduction to daily prayer and gratitude is carefully designed and stands out by presenting a girl for its protagonist. Yet it pales compared to the award-winning, artfully rendered duo by Sarah Gershman, The Bedtime Sh’ma (2007) and Modeh Ani (2010).
A family book to learn with and share for those inclined to this religious lifestyle. (Picture books/religion. 4-6)Pub Date: Dec. 12, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-929628-63-6
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Hachai
Review Posted Online: Feb. 5, 2012
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