An uplifting book about unlimited potential that’s, sadly, pretty limited.
A simple exhortation to young children to do all things.
Through this rhythmic narrative, young readers will be tantalized by the activities that are within their reach. Typical suburban, middle-class childhood activities are portrayed, such as riding bikes, swimming in lakes, and playing in treehouses. Additionally, messages about citizenship in action, like mending fences and volunteering for causes, provide children with ideas of how to contribute to the world they live in; themes of working together and imagination are present throughout. There is so much to do and so much yet to come: “Lessons to learn / and books to be read… / each holding a glimpse / of what lies ahead.” Bright and clean-cut cartoons dominated by sunny yellow, blue, and green will infuse readers with feelings of happiness and simplicity. While the rhythmic list depicts a great variety of activities, however, characters are all white as paper, with little to no diversity implied beyond gender presentation cued by stereotypical dress and hairstyle. Both the upbeat celebration of possibility and a spread of characters in graduation gowns place this book as a conceptual companion to Oh, the Places You’ll Go! However, with its avoidance of diversity, it feels very much out of step with the times.
An uplifting book about unlimited potential that’s, sadly, pretty limited. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: March 3, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-4521-7982-7
Page Count: 60
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Review Posted Online: Dec. 21, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2020
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A playful, funny, and heartfelt tale to soothe the back-to-school blues.
A young lycanthrope frets about the first night of school.
It’s time for Sophie to head off to howlergarten for her first full moon—but what if she fails to transform into a werewolf like her parents? She worries about being away from her parents, too, but she meets new friends, participates in werewolf training (which entails tracking scents, moving like a wolf, and listening “to the whispers of the wind”), and survives her first full moon. Warm and empathetic Sophie even offers reassurance to a classmate who doesn’t transform. Shum’s story is a sweetly encouraging and appealing take on the perennial topic of first-day-of-school jitters. Though the book features werewolves, Sophie is relatable, her concerns—separation anxiety, fears that she won’t fit in or do well at school—likely to resonate with many youngsters. The illustrations alternate between full- and half-page spreads and vignettes; the use of panels on one page gives the book the feel of comics. Though the main characters are werewolves, they’re nevertheless an endearing bunch, sweet and furry, with oversized round heads and sturdy bodies. One adorable scene shows Sophie and the other children at howlergarten snoozing, curled up like pups rather than kids. Sophie’s mom has dark brown skin, while Sophie and her father are tan-skinned. The howlergarten students are diverse. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A playful, funny, and heartfelt tale to soothe the back-to-school blues. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: Aug. 8, 2023
ISBN: 9780593521274
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Penguin Workshop
Review Posted Online: May 10, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2023
Delightful guidance for little ones singing the “That’s not fair!” blues.
Sometimes life just isn’t fair!
When Pablo and his father (both tan-skinned with brown hair) visit the market, Pablo is quick to point out all the things that are unfair, from him losing their bike race because his bike is smaller (and because he’s got to wrangle the family dog) to his not being allowed to select the items that they’re planning to buy. Pablo’s father tries to be reasonable, but each new task seems to bring on the same refrain: “NO FAIR!” Finally, at the end of the market trip, Pablo and his father reward themselves with doughnuts—with Pablo taking the larger of the two. The premise will be a familiar one in many households with young readers who are ready to assert their independence, and readers of all ages may see themselves—and their struggles—related in the tale. The artwork, a mix of charcoal, crayon, pencil, cut paper, and digital enhancements, creates a welcoming feel that is both modern and classic. Caregivers, educators, and librarians will find this a useful story when addressing issues of fairness, and storytellers will have fun voicing the protagonists and bringing both of them to life for groups. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Delightful guidance for little ones singing the “That’s not fair!” blues. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: March 14, 2023
ISBN: 978-0-593-11769-9
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Nov. 15, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2022
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