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
Sage, soothing ideas for a busy, loud, sometimes-divisive world.
In an inviting picture book, Chelsea and Hillary Clinton share personal revelations on how gardening with a grandmother, a mother, and children shapes and nurtures a love and respect for nature, beauty, and a general philosophy for life.
Grandma Dorothy, the former senator, secretary of state, and presidential candidate’s mother, loved gardens, appreciating the multiple benefits they yielded for herself and her family. The Clinton women reminisce about their beloved forebear and all she taught them in a color-coded, alternating text, blue for Chelsea and green for Hillary. Via brief yet explicit remembrances, they share what they learned, observed, and most of all enjoyed in gardens with her. Each double-page spread culminates in a declarative statement set in italicized red text invoking Dorothy’s wise words. Gardens can be many things: places for celebration, discovery and learning, vehicles for teaching responsibility in creating beauty, home to wildlife large and small, a place to share stories and develop memories. Though operating from very personal experience rooted in class privilege, the mother-daughter duo mostly succeeds in imparting a universally significant message: Whether visiting a public garden or working in the backyard, generations can cultivate a lasting bond. Lemniscates uses an appropriately floral palette to evoke the gardens explored by these three white women. A Spanish edition, Los jardines de la abuela, publishes simultaneously; Teresa Mlawer’s translation is fluid and pleasing, in at least one case improving on the original.
Sage, soothing ideas for a busy, loud, sometimes-divisive world. (Picture book. 5-8)Pub Date: March 31, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-593-11535-0
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Philomel
Review Posted Online: Dec. 7, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2020
BOOK REVIEW
A self-affirming tale with limited appeal.
Actor Kruger embraces her unusual name and bestows her daughter with a name with special significance.
To many, the name Diane doesn’t sound odd, but when the author was growing up in Germany, it didn’t “sound German at all, like Anna, Lena, or Heidi.” In this picture book, Kruger reminisces about the meaning of her name and how she came to appreciate it. Delicately drawn illustrations with a light watercolor wash first depict a young, blond, White-presenting Diane in red patchwork overalls with her blue-kerchiefed pet bunny, Benny. To escape childhood taunting, Diane reads to Benny as Puss in Boots, Little Red Riding Hood, and other fairy-tale characters look on. When her mother explains she was named for a goddess, presumably the Roman goddess Diana, “a fearless huntress, strong-willed, with magical powers,” young Diane begins to wonder what her own special powers will be. After she and her mother travel to London, depicted with diverse citizens, and Diane sees a play for the first time, she realizes her gift is storytelling. Adult readers, especially fans of Kruger, will recognize illustrated scenes from several of her movies. She concludes with a tribute to her daughter and the distinct name she gave her and asks children to ponder their own names and powers. Though the art is attractive, overall, this quiet, understated tale will resonate more with caregiving readers than with children. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A self-affirming tale with limited appeal. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Oct. 25, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-66265-091-8
Page Count: 48
Publisher: minedition
Review Posted Online: June 21, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2022
SEEN & HEARD
© Copyright 2025 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
