A starter biography of a beloved cinematic figure that underscores the value of hard work and embracing one’s individuality.
The story of how globally lauded actor, director, and martial artist Jackie Chan made a name for himself.
Kung fu requires discipline and focus. Young Jackie, this story reveals, had little of either. Instead, he liked making jokes in class and displayed streaks of disobedience. As a boy, Jackie was enrolled in the China Drama Academy, “where poor, unwanted, or unruly children trained for Chinese opera.” The injury-prone curriculum, rigid social hierarchy, and threat of “the sting of Master’s stick” made for a grueling experience. Inspired at first by Chinese opera and, as he grew up, by Hong Kong cinema and Hollywood films, Chan worked hard to forge a career in acting and eventually gained international fame. This picture-book biography stays within the scope of Chan’s schooling and early career moves. From being a nameless stuntman to initially being typecast by the film industry to ultimately, confidently developing his own style, Chan’s action-star trajectory will inspire young readers. Onomatopoeic sound effects will appeal to younger children, while a closing author’s note provides welcome context and additional nuance for older readers. Chau’s watercolor illustrations are lively and fluid, incorporating cultural details and martial arts motifs that enrich the setting. As the stage and screen begin to take precedence in Chan’s life, the artwork incorporates dynamic angles and perspectives, echoing the twists and turns of both his acting stunts and life path. All characters are Chinese or White. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A starter biography of a beloved cinematic figure that underscores the value of hard work and embracing one’s individuality. (glossary of Chinese characters, bibliography) (Picture-book biography. 4-8)Pub Date: March 29, 2022
ISBN: 978-0-593-12192-4
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Crown
Review Posted Online: Jan. 24, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Colorful, upbeat, and just for Swifties.
What is being a Swiftie all about? Finding joy in the things you love!
For Taylor Swift and her fans, love comes from baking tasty desserts, snuggling with pets, enjoying fireworks with friends, and attending concerts. Vibrant illustrations that evoke bright pop music are scattered with references to Taylor’s life, such as a red sports jersey (a nod to her high-profile relationship with a certain Kansas City Chiefs tight end) or a stack of friendship bracelets (which devotees know are commonly made by hand and traded at Swift’s concerts). Without this prior knowledge of Swift lore, this peppy picture book may feel like a somewhat superficial, though positive, list of ways to find happiness; some readers may wish the author had included messages about acceptance and self-love, commonly found in Swift’s lyrics. Still, the intended audience will welcome it as a joyful love letter to her fans. Pops of color splash across scenes of Taylor and a racially diverse set of friends doing their favorite things atop a stark white background. The star’s recognizable fashion style and facial features are spot-on, while most other featured characters feel more generic.
Colorful, upbeat, and just for Swifties. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Jan. 14, 2025
ISBN: 9781665973519
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Simon Spotlight
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2024
A brief but sweet snapshot of an inspiring girl who finds hope in song.
Through the power of music, Lucimarian Tolliver is reminded of what’s important.
Lucy is one of the only children of African descent on her block—called Lucy Street—in 1930s Akron, Ohio, but all her neighbors share one commonality: poverty. Lucy’s carefree spirit is dampened when her family’s furniture is repossessed one day. She visits her grandfather, who comforts her by singing the folk standard “This Little Light of Mine.” Grandpa tells Lucy that she’s destined for greatness and that she should never stop singing, even through life’s toughest moments. Back at home, Lucy’s father scolds her for singing at the dinner table, so she quickly finishes eating and wanders outside and sings into the night. Her voice reaches her family and neighbors, who are all touched by her song. Digital illustrations evoke the time period in muted tones, featuring endearing characters with simple yet expressive features. The visual subject matter is repetitive from page to page, as are the incorporated lyrics of “This Little Light of Mine.” Based on Lucimarian Tolliver’s experiences growing up during the Depression, the text contains an epilogue but lacks backmatter detailing historical context or more information about Lucy’s life. Though the themes of optimism and the importance of family, faith, and music shine through the text, readers may be left with more questions than answers.
A brief but sweet snapshot of an inspiring girl who finds hope in song. (Picture-book biography. 5-7)Pub Date: May 20, 2025
ISBN: 9780063222540
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: March 22, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2025
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