An uplifting book about how to show kindness through abundant giving.
Kiko wakes up in the morning eager to discover what delicious food the garden has to offer, beginning the narrative by asking readers who helps them wake up. This immediately invites readers into the story on a personal level. Kiko and older sister Annie begin giving away their harvest, and throughout all of Kiko’s sharing, readers will find diversity among those in Kiko’s life. Through the inclusion of children of color, a same-sex brown-skinned neighbor couple, a hungry white woman who appears homeless, an elderly white woman with a disability, and a white man who struggles with sadness and anger, readers will be exposed to a variety of accurately represented people. Kiko and Annie present Asian and their parents, white, suggesting interracial adoption. Kiko’s gentle adventures encourage children to think of others’ needs and feelings. Kiko ends this story of giving generously by asking readers to think about how they might “grow kind.” Lyles’ colorful, collagelike illustrations are as inviting and charming as Kiko’s narration. The final pages include a “Note to Parents and Other Caregivers” section that provides education and guidance regarding encouraging empathy in young children and how to use this book to do so.
This positive, diverse book about kindness can be used in a variety of teaching and learning spaces. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: March 3, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-4338-3050-1
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Magination/American Psychological Association
Review Posted Online: Jan. 12, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2020
Categories: CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES
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BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Bear finds a wonderful toy.
Bear clearly loves the toy bunny that he has found sitting up against a tree in the forest, but he wants to help it return to its home. With a wagon full of fliers and the bunny secure in Bear’s backpack, he festoons the trees with posters and checks out a bulletin board filled with lost and found objects (some of which will bring a chuckle to adult readers). Alas, he returns home still worried about bunny. The following day, they happily play together and ride Bear’s tricycle. Into the cozy little picture steps Moose, who immediately recognizes his bunny, named Floppy. Bear has a tear in his eye as he watches Moose and Floppy hug. But Moose, wearing a tie, is clearly grown and knows that it is time to share and that Bear will take very good care of his Floppy. Yoon’s story is sweet without being sentimental. She uses digitized artwork in saturated colors to create a lovely little world for her animals. They are outlined in strong black lines and stand out against the yellows, blues, greens and oranges of the background. She also uses space to great effect, allowing readers to feel the emotional tug of the story.
A winning tale about finding new friends. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: April 1, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-8027-3559-1
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Review Posted Online: Feb. 19, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2014
Categories: CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES
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A clueless duckling tries to make a new friend.
He is confused by this peculiar-looking duck, who has a long tail, doesn’t waddle and likes to be alone. No matter how explicitly the creature denies he is a duck and announces that he is a cat, the duckling refuses to acknowledge the facts. When this creature expresses complete lack of interest in playing puddle stomp, the little ducking goes off and plays on his own. But the cat is not without remorse for rejecting an offered friendship. Of course it all ends happily, with the two new friends enjoying each other’s company. Bramsen employs brief sentences and the simplest of rhymes to tell this slight tale. The two heroes are meticulously drawn with endearing, expressive faces and body language, and their feathers and fur appear textured and touchable. Even the detailed tree bark and grass seem three-dimensional. There are single- and double-page spreads, panels surrounded by white space and circular and oval frames, all in a variety of eye-pleasing juxtapositions. While the initial appeal is solidly visual, young readers will get the gentle message that friendship is not something to take for granted but is to be embraced with open arms—or paws and webbed feet.
A sweet, tender and charming experience to read aloud or together. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-375-86990-7
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: Nov. 14, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2012
Categories: CHILDREN'S ANIMALS | CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES
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