Gentle and wise—especially as a read for foster parents.
A child in foster care benefits from his foster mother’s patience and care.
Calvin (who presents as White with light skin and curly brown hair) has his guard up when he arrives at the home of his new foster mother, Maggie (who appears in the illustrations as a woman of color with brown skin and even curlier, darker hair). The narration doesn’t provide a backstory to explain how and why he came to Maggie’s home, but it does identify it as “another house,” which suggests this isn’t his first foster placement. Calvin doesn’t want to unpack, and he feels both unwanted and anxious about starting at a new school. Maggie wisely gives him space and respects his rejection of hugs. She also responds patiently when Calvin acts out destructively, redirecting his behavior and modeling calming breathing techniques. In time, Calvin accepts Maggie’s affection and seems to internalize her affirming statements. Ultimately, the book is as much a model for foster parents as it is a story to provide validation of foster children’s experiences, though Calvin’s final statements that Maggie is “like a mama bear” and “like no one I’ve ever met” (this latter phrase echoing Maggie’s oft-repeated affirmation of Calvin’s specialness) may come across as somehow denigrating his Mama, who is depicted lovingly on earlier pages. Maggie and Calvin’s dialogue is color-coded, purple for Maggie and red for Calvin, with narrative text in black. (This book was reviewed digitally with 10-by-16-inch double-page spreads viewed at 16.3% of actual size.)
Gentle and wise—especially as a read for foster parents. (Picture book. 3-8)Pub Date: Feb. 2, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-4338-3187-4
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Magination/American Psychological Association
Review Posted Online: Dec. 14, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A tale of intergenerational bonding to be shared by grandparents and grandchildren.
In talk-show host Fallon and illustrator Ordóñez’s latest picture-book collaboration, an elderly pooch waxes rhapsodic about a life well lived.
Observing Papa sitting in his chair watching TV all day, a young pup says, “I’m starting to think…you don’t do ANYTHING.” So Papa proceeds to list his accomplishments, both big and small, mundane and profound. Some are just a result of being older and physically bigger (being tall enough to reach a high shelf and strong enough to open jars); others include winning a race and performing in a band when he was younger. Eventually, the pup realizes that while Papa may have slowed down in his old age, he’s led a full life. The most satisfying thing about Papa’s life now? Watching his grandchild take center stage: “I can say lots of thoughts / but I choose to be quiet. / I’d rather you discover things and then try it.” Fallon’s straightforward text is sweetly upbeat, though it occasionally lacks flow, forcing incongruous situations together to fit the rhyme scheme (“I cook and I mow, / and I once flew a plane. // I play newspaper puzzles because it’s good for my brain”). Featuring uncluttered, colorful backgrounds, Ordóñez’s child-friendly digital art at times takes on sepia tones, evoking the sense of looking back at old photos or memories. Though the creators tread familiar ground, the love between Papa and his little one is palpable.
A tale of intergenerational bonding to be shared by grandparents and grandchildren. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: May 13, 2025
ISBN: 9781250393975
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Review Posted Online: May 3, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Visually sweet, though hampered by disjointed storytelling.
In this picture book from Fox News journalist Hall, a young hedgehog must find a way to protect his community when peril looms.
Hedgehog and his father both have busy days ahead. Dad’s on his way to the newspaper to report “what new news the news brings.” Hedgehog packs his backpack for an adventure, mindful of Dad’s rules: “Don’t talk to strangers” and “never ever cross the river alone.” Obeying the rules proves difficult when Hedgehog notices commotion on the other side of the river: A bear is hungrily eyeing Baby Owl, who’s fallen from her tree. With creative thinking, Hedgehog frightens off the bear and alerts Mama Owl, but the predator is still at large. So Hedgehog and Mama Owl create flyers to warn the forest residents. Though Motzo’s airy illustrations are pleasing—particularly the adorably animated Hedgehog, a tribute to Hall’s own children—the narrative feels bogged down with multiple themes as it attempts to explore the power of the written word, the importance of community, and the need to adhere to a parent’s rules. When Hedgehog apologizes for his apparent disobedience, Dad explains that Hedgehog never actually broke the rules; turns out it’s OK to cross the river in the company of an adult, and Mama Owl’s no stranger (she’s the town librarian, whom Hedgehog sees every week). The back-and-forth may leave readers confused; it also feels like a missed opportunity to discuss how to identify trustworthy adults.
Visually sweet, though hampered by disjointed storytelling. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: March 3, 2026
ISBN: 9780063357549
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Dec. 26, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2026
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