Despite the can’t-miss lesson, it’s nice that storytime is such a big deal, even in the castle, and children will enjoy...
A frothy bit of storytelling and soft, squiggly art full of easily recognized folk from other tales.
Fern wants a story before bedtime, as she sits surrounded by her stuffies and toys. But the babysitter is rushing to put the baby to bed, so wishing she were a princess, Fern opens her own book—and falls into it. The fairy godmother is fixing a leak in the fairy-dust machine and can’t grant any wishes, so Fern heads off to the castle, followed by a couple of blind mice. The frog prince is brushing his teeth, and the wolf is gently caring for a few piglets (“Bad behavior is just my day job,” he notes). She doesn’t even notice the troll under the bridge, but the giant, who is directing air traffic (Mother Goose, a dragonet, a fairy, etc.), shows her the way to the princess’s castle. She finds the princess reading aloud to a large gathering of storybook characters. When Fern asks her what it’s like to be a princess, the answer lands with a thud. Readers might wonder about the princess’s complaint: She is subject to starched collars and teased hair when she’d really rather just read a book.
Despite the can’t-miss lesson, it’s nice that storytime is such a big deal, even in the castle, and children will enjoy seeing all the familiar characters gathered here . (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: May 1, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-06-125197-9
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: March 16, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2014
An innovative, refreshing, out-of-this-world tale about the incredible versatility of afro hair.
An astronomically creative mix of science, fantasy, and African American culture.
Stella, a little African American girl, needs to prepare for the Big Star Little Gala, but her hair isn’t “acting right”: “It twisted and turned, zigged and zagged, made loopity-loops and lots of curly Q’s.” A huge, swirly mix of purples and pinks with squiggles of yellow and green, Stella’s hair often dominates the page and dwarfs the child. She asks Momma to help, but she sends her daughter instead to Aunt Ofelia on Mercury. Ofelia gives her a “poofy-smooth style”; on Venus, Auntie Alma creates a “royal lion’s mane”; Earth’s Aunt Rubi fashions her hair into an “elegant crown”; and so on. Stella proceeds throughout the galaxy and finally to the sun. At each stop, an aunt gives Stella a hairdo reflective of the aunt’s own style and personality, but none fits Stella. Once helpful advice from Auntie Solana on the sun helps Stella realize the key to happiness with her hair, Stella attends the gala, completely satisfied, along with all of her beautiful Black aunts, sporting their plethora of hairstyles. In Moises’ friendly cartoon images, the vibrant colors change with the location and the atmospheric conditions. The backmatter explains all the different aunts’ hairstyles by speculating what style would be best adapted to the environment of each locale, if humans could live there. (This book was reviewed digitally with 8.5-by-22-inch double-page spreads viewed at 26.5% of actual size.)
An innovative, refreshing, out-of-this-world tale about the incredible versatility of afro hair. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Jan. 5, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-250-26177-9
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Imprint
Review Posted Online: Oct. 26, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2020
A sweet, magical tale with a tender life lesson.
A little girl receives a very special gift, but she is not entirely satisfied.
When the pretty covered dish appears, the girl lifts its lid and finds one piece of candy. It is absolutely delicious, making her feel like the freedom and playfulness of a summer day. Of course she now wants more, but the lid will not open again no matter how she tries. She doesn’t feel fortunate to have received this gift—only upset that she can’t have more candy. The next morning she is surprised when the box easily opens to reveal a new piece of candy, even more delicious, filling her with playful joy. But the frustration of the day before returns as she unsuccessfully, even violently, attempts to get another piece of candy. The third day sees her planning to throw the box in the trash in utter defeat, but the lid once again opens, and she is gifted with another candy. But this time she reacts differently. From the beginning the narrator lets readers know that this girl is both unique and just like any other child. As the tale unfolds there are gentle admonishments about the girl’s sense of entitlement and the absence of gratitude or appreciation. When she finally understands her amazing gift, she delights in it and realizes that each piece of candy is like each day of her life, to be savored gratefully. Lirius’ lovely and ethereal illustrations bring Yamada’s loving philosophical lessons to life. The girl has loose, dark curls and light-brown skin; overall, the palette is dominated by blues, yellows, and browns.
A sweet, magical tale with a tender life lesson. (Picture book/fantasy. 4-8)Pub Date: Nov. 9, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-970147-59-9
Page Count: 36
Publisher: Compendium
Review Posted Online: Sept. 14, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2021
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