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JUST ENOUGH AND NOT TOO MUCH

Name: JUST ENOUGH AND NOT TOO MUCH
Author: Kaethe Zemach
ISBN: 0-439-37724-2

by Kaethe Zemach & illustrated by Kaethe Zemach ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 1, 2003

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Simon the Fiddler goes on a bender in Zemach’s folksy parable. In the beginning, he has everything he needs, including “a bed to sleep in, food to eat, clothes to wear . . . and good friends.” But when he decides he must have more, he spins out of control, filling his home with an ever-expanding collection of chairs, hats, and toy animals. Thankfully, Simon eventually learns to apply a little self-control; he even comes up with a clever—and generous—way to purge the excess. Zemach’s uncluttered writing and engaging watercolors, presented as full-bleed spreads, framed vignettes, and more, get the message across. She delivers an important lesson here, from which young readers and not a few adults will benefit. (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2003

ISBN: 0-439-37724-2

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Levine/Scholastic

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2003

Categories:

CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES

- BOOK REVIEW
MS. MCCAW LEARNS TO DRAW
by Kaethe Zemach & illustrated by Kaethe Zemach

- BOOK REVIEW
EATING UP GLADYS
by Margot Zemach & illustrated by Kaethe Zemach

- BOOK REVIEW
THE QUESTION SONG
by Kaethe Zemach & illustrated by Kaethe Zemach

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THE ARTIVIST

by Nikkolas Smith ; illustrated by Nikkolas Smith ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 5, 2023

A powerful read-aloud to share and discuss.

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In this autobiographical picture book by acclaimed “artivist” Smith, a young artist learns to use his talent for social commentary.

A Black child who loves to paint and help the community sees problems in the world that make him want to act. Aware of issues that need to be addressed—an unhoused person and someone being prevented from voting are pictured—he decides to combine his identities as an artist and as an activist, to “take ACTION with my ART,” and be an “ARTIVIST.” His art shows what is broken and what might heal it. When his painting on a city wall catches the attention of news outlets, its impact multiplies. In the second half of the story, the text describes what an artivist does while the visuals show various activist-related art, from murals to protest signs, that inspire empathy and spark change. The intimate, first-person narration draws readers right into the story, and the protagonist’s heartfelt concern for justice keeps readers engaged through the hopeful ending message. Smith’s vibrant art, full of expressive strokes and effective use of color, light, and dark, complements the text beautifully; while his words are broad and general, the images depict specific issues facing contemporary society. This expression of active love, solidarity, and compassion will resonate with and inspire readers of all ages. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A powerful read-aloud to share and discuss. (author’s note) (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: Sept. 5, 2023

ISBN: 9780593619650

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Kokila

Review Posted Online: June 21, 2023

Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2023

Categories:

CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES

- BOOK REVIEW
THE HISTORY OF WE
by Nikkolas Smith ; illustrated by Nikkolas Smith

- BOOK REVIEW
THAT FLAG
by Tameka Fryer Brown ; illustrated by Nikkolas Smith

- BOOK REVIEW
I AM RUBY BRIDGES
by Ruby Bridges ; illustrated by Nikkolas Smith

- PERSPECTIVES
Dispatch From the ALA Annual Meeting in Chicago

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THE LITTLE PUPPY

From the My Little Animal Friend series

by Nicola Killen ; illustrated by Nicola Killen ‧ RELEASE DATE: Dec. 3, 2024

Gives new meaning to the notion that every dog—or pup—has its day.

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A young girl learns that plans that go awry need not spoil the day.

Ollie has ambitious intentions for dog sitting Milo, her grandmother’s puppy, but those plans are spoiled when he chews up her drawing, a gift intended for Grandma when she returns from visiting friends. The girl scolds the little dog and then takes some time to herself, leaving him behind and walking farther and farther away from home in order to cool off. But as the illustrations show, Milo is never far behind, surreptitiously trailing her all the way through the woods. Ollie reflects on the part she played in the drawing’s destruction, since she knew better than to leave it unguarded on the floor, and she regrets getting mad at the dog. When she finally stops and wishes for company, the loyal pup is right nearby. They spend their day frolicking in the woods, playing fetch, splashing in mud puddles, and hunting for treasure as pirates. When they return home, she still has time to draw another picture or two. Accessible text with relatable, appealing characters helps the message of adaptability go down smoothly. The charming artwork features various shades of gray as well as pink and red spot color, often in heart shapes. Ollie, who has skin the white of the page, wears a dog costume throughout the story. Her experience demonstrates that things can work out just fine, even when they weren’t what you had in mind.

Gives new meaning to the notion that every dog—or pup—has its day. (Picture book. 4-7)