bookshelf

MY DAD USED TO BE SO COOL

Name: MY DAD USED TO BE SO COOL
Author: Keith Negley
ISBN: 978-1-909263-94-9

by Keith Negley ; illustrated by Keith Negley ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 12, 2016

Yes, he sure is.

bookshelf

A child suspects that his pops was once pretty cool and wonders what changed.

Negley’s follow-up to Tough Guys (Have Feelings Too) (2015) is all about the subtext. In his poster-style apartment scenes, evidence of coolness abounds, from drum kits and an electric guitar to the skateboard with the painted skull—not to mention the parental forearms festooned with wild tattoos. But while the young narrator visualizes rock concerts, orange mohawks, and fast motorcycles, what he sees is dad, hair now black and conservatively cut, folding laundry, vacuuming, and taking his son out (in a compact station wagon) for a romp in the park and a walk on the beach. He’s so serious now. “Something must have happened,” the lad puzzles, “for him to give it all up.” Perceptive readers will figure out what—or more accurately, who—“happened.” And as a further addition to the unspoken narrative, aside from one picture on the wall, there is no sign of a second parent. Dad and lad are both sunburnt pink, but there is some variation in the skin tone of passersby in the park. At day’s end the boy admits “OK, so maybe he’s still a tiny bit cool.” But then, rocking out on the way home, dad flashes heavy-metal–style horns out the window: “Yeah—nope, he’s not.”

Yes, he sure is. (Picture book. 6-9)

Pub Date: July 12, 2016

ISBN: 978-1-909263-94-9

Page Count: 48

Publisher: Flying Eye Books

Review Posted Online: May 17, 2016

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2016

Categories:

CHILDREN'S FAMILY

- BOOK REVIEW
ART IS LIFE
by Tami Lewis Brown ; illustrated by Keith Negley

- BOOK REVIEW
THE BOY AND THE WILD BLUE GIRL
by Keith Negley ; illustrated by Keith Negley

- BOOK REVIEW
MARY WEARS WHAT SHE WANTS
by Keith Negley ; illustrated by Keith Negley

bookshelf

JOSÉ AND EL PERRO

by Susan Rose & Silvia López ; illustrated by Gloria Félix ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 25, 2023

Cuándo quieras un perro feliz, look no further.

bookshelf

A young Latine boy finally gets to rescue the dog of his dreams, but training can be a challenge in two languages.

Like many children, José has been dreaming of having a pet of his own, specifically un perro, a dog. Like any good owner, José promptly begins training his new canine companion but soon realizes his rescue mutt, Feliz, knows only words in English. This is a problem because in José’s home everyone speaks both Spanish and English. José and Feliz must rise to the challenge; fortunately, treats and snuggles are great motivators. The narrative uses Spanish words and phrases throughout (“perros blancos,” “¡Yo quiero este!” “¡Sientate!”), usually with English context clues for understanding. This is complex vocabulary for an early reader, and the shifting in phonics from English to Spanish will be challenging for true beginners; the book is best suited for intermediate to advanced readers in dual-language classrooms or homes. Much like Feliz, however, it is sure to find a loving (and bilingual) home. Cheerful illustrations complement the text, helping readers make sense of the narrative. While José and his mother are darker-skinned, his father and sister are lighter-skinned. (This review has been updated for accuracy.)

Cuándo quieras un perro feliz, look no further. (glossary of Spanish-English words) (Early reader. 6-8)

Pub Date: April 25, 2023

ISBN: 978-0-593-52116-8

Page Count: 48

Publisher: Penguin Workshop

Review Posted Online: Jan. 11, 2023

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2023

Categories:

CHILDREN'S ANIMALS | CHILDREN'S FAMILY

- BOOK REVIEW
JOSÉ AND FELIZ PLAY FÚTBOL
by Susan Rose & Silvia López ; illustrated by Gloria Félix

bookshelf

DOG DAYS

From the Carver Chronicles series , Vol. 1

by Karen English ; illustrated by Laura Freeman ‧ RELEASE DATE: Dec. 17, 2013

This outing lacks the sophistication of such category standards as Clementine; here’s hoping English amps things up for...

bookshelf

A gentle voice and familiar pitfalls characterize this tale of a boy navigating the risky road to responsibility.

Gavin is new to his neighborhood and Carver Elementary. He likes his new friend, Richard, and has a typically contentious relationship with his older sister, Danielle. When Gavin’s desire to impress Richard sets off a disastrous chain of events, the boy struggles to evade responsibility for his actions. “After all, it isn’t his fault that Danielle’s snow globe got broken. Sure, he shouldn’t have been in her room—but then, she shouldn’t be keeping candy in her room to tempt him. Anybody would be tempted. Anybody!” opines Gavin once he learns the punishment for his crime. While Gavin has a charming Everyboy quality, and his aversion to Aunt Myrtle’s yapping little dog rings true, little about Gavin distinguishes him from other trouble-prone protagonists. He is, regrettably, forgettable. Coretta Scott King Honor winner English (Francie, 1999) is a teacher whose storytelling usually benefits from her day job. Unfortunately, the pizzazz of classroom chaos is largely absent from this series opener.

This outing lacks the sophistication of such category standards as Clementine; here’s hoping English amps things up for subsequent volumes. (Fiction. 6-9)