An engaging and empowering tribute to the power of books—and to a trailblazer who made them more accessible.
A glimpse at the man who helped pioneer audiobooks.
At age 5, Robert B. Irwin (1883-1951) became blind, indicated in Fortson’s illustrations by empty white irises. Sounds, especially the melody of chirping birds, had always entranced him, and though he learned to read braille, as a slow finger-reader, he dreamed of “talking books” that he could listen to without help. Eager to make books more accessible, he worked with the newly formed American Foundation for the Blind, which led to the creation of the National Library Service, a braille library that served readers across the U.S. After learning that not all blind people could read braille, Irwin set about making the “talking books” of his fantasy a reality, hiring engineers to create recordings of people reading books aloud. Lacika’s narrative highlights Irwin’s inquisitive nature and determination and speaks to the joys of reading, no matter the format. Near the end, the author reminds readers that audiobooks aren’t just for blind people—a small nod to the concept of universal design that she expands on in an appended note. Though her main text focuses on Irwin’s accomplishments, she emphasizes in her backmatter that he worked with a larger community to effect change. Fortson’s charming artwork includes embroidered elements; swirling ribbons and linework visually capture the sounds that so mesmerized Irwin. The most poignant page depicts blind readers testifying to the pleasures of being able to read on their own.
An engaging and empowering tribute to the power of books—and to a trailblazer who made them more accessible. (Picture-book biography. 4-9)Pub Date: Feb. 24, 2026
ISBN: 9781665912679
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Atheneum
Review Posted Online: Jan. 19, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2026
A supplemental rather than introductory book on the great artist.
Frida Kahlo’s strong affection for and identification with animals form the lens through which readers view her life and work in this picture-book biography.
Each two-page spread introduces one or more of her pets, comparing her characteristics to theirs and adding biographical details. Confusingly for young readers, the beginning pages reference pets she owned as an adult, yet the illustrations and events referred to come from earlier in her life. Bonito the parrot perches in a tree overlooking young Frida and her family in her childhood home and pops up again later, just before the first mention of Diego Rivera. Granizo, the fawn, another pet from her adult years, is pictured beside a young Frida and her father along with a description of “her life as a little girl.” The author’s note adds important details about Kahlo’s life and her significance as an artist, as well as recommending specific paintings that feature her beloved animals. Expressive acrylic paintings expertly evoke Kahlo’s style and color palette. While young animal lovers will identify with her attachment to her pets and may enjoy learning about the Aztec origins of her Xolo dogs and the meaning of turkeys in ancient Mexico, the book may be of most interest to those who already have an interest in Kahlo’s life.
A supplemental rather than introductory book on the great artist. (Picture book/biography. 4-8)Pub Date: Sept. 5, 2017
ISBN: 978-0-7358-4269-4
Page Count: 40
Publisher: NorthSouth
Review Posted Online: June 18, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2017
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Blandly inspirational fare made to evoke equally shrink-wrapped responses.
An NBA star pays tribute to the influence of his grandfather.
In the same vein as his Long Shot (2009), illustrated by Frank Morrison, this latest from Paul prioritizes values and character: “My granddad Papa Chilly had dreams that came true,” he writes, “so maybe if I listen and watch him, / mine will too.” So it is that the wide-eyed Black child in the simply drawn illustrations rises early to get to the playground hoops before anyone else, watches his elder working hard and respecting others, hears him cheering along with the rest of the family from the stands during games, and recalls in a prose afterword that his grandfather wasn’t one to lecture but taught by example. Paul mentions in both the text and the backmatter that Papa Chilly was the first African American to own a service station in North Carolina (his presumed dream) but not that he was killed in a robbery, which has the effect of keeping the overall tone positive and the instructional content one-dimensional. Figures in the pictures are mostly dark-skinned. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Blandly inspirational fare made to evoke equally shrink-wrapped responses. (Picture book. 6-8)Pub Date: Jan. 10, 2023
ISBN: 978-1-250-81003-8
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Review Posted Online: Sept. 27, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
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