A wonderful recognition of land, culture, family, and heritage.
A girl growing up in Hawaii finally experiences snow, but it isn’t what she expected.
Claire’s teacher assigns them to make dioramas about the seasons, and Claire is disappointed to get winter. Claire has lived on the Big Island of Hawaii all her life and has never seen real snow. To give her a taste, Claire’s father takes the family up to Mauna Kea to see snow, but it’s a disappointment. The snow is hard and blocky, like ice; she can’t run around because of the altitude; and the snowman they build is all lumpy. Claire dreams of becoming a snow angel, flying away to a snowy place that is more beautiful and more special than the island. Then the family makes a trip to Hapuna Beach, where her parents share their knowledge of the Native Hawaiian names of the hundred winds and many sea creatures. Claire begins to see the beauty of the place she calls home. Both Yamanaka and Lukashevsky were born and raised in Hawaii, and their affection for it shines in this beautiful homage to the Big Island. Claire embodies the common process of wanting to experience new things and discovering the beauty in your own heritage and homeland. The narration includes Hawaiian names for places, fish, and plants, while the illustrations revel in their vigor and beauty. Claire and her family have brown skin and straight, black hair. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A wonderful recognition of land, culture, family, and heritage. (author's note, glossary, publisher's note) (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Jan. 4, 2022
ISBN: 978-0-593-12737-7
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Make Me a World
Review Posted Online: Aug. 10, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2021
Warm but underdone.
In this picture book from actor Gyllenhaal and his partner, Caruso, a child and his uncle bond on a fantastic journey.
Leo, an avid dancer, is dismayed when Uncle Mo visits—he’s in town for a “rubber band convention.” Illustrations show both with wavy brown hair and light tan skin. Not only does Leo think his uncle is rather dull, he’s also leery of Uncle Mo’s many rules. A rather abrupt narrative shift occurs when the pair inexplicably drive into another dimension. Here they encounter Great-Aunt Gloria (who is very tall and presents Black) and Uncle Munkle Carbunkle (who is very short and light-skinned), who guide them through the Secret Society of Aunts & Uncles. Unimpressed with Uncle Mo, Great-Aunt Gloria says he must take a quiz on “Auntieology and Uncleology.” After several wrong answers, Uncle Mo has a final chance at redemption: He must state his nephew’s favorite activity. When Leo springs into action to dance for his clueless uncle, a mishap leaves him mortified and un-bespectacled. Enter Uncle Mo to save the day by using a rubber band to secure Leo’s glasses. While Santat’s energetic illustrations do much to clarify the narrative, they can’t fully make up for the disjointed storytelling—it’s never clear why the two have entered this dimension or why Leo is suddenly so eager to help Uncle Mo. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Warm but underdone. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Sept. 5, 2023
ISBN: 9781250776990
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Review Posted Online: July 13, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2023
A heartwarming reminder to embrace change.
A dog who belongs to an expecting couple adjusts to home life as a new baby arrives.
Pepita, the family pet, is beloved and still so little they call her Bebita (baby girl). But Pepita’s world is changing as her Mami and Papi await the arrival of a baby. Pepita is used to being spoiled “with treats and tummy rubs and my favorite fluffy pillow….But lately, things have been changing.” As the home gets new additions like a crib and gifts from the grandparents, Pepita feels left out, no longer the center of attention. Once the baby arrives, Pepita tries to adjust but is kept up at night by crying and doesn’t get playtime like before. But Pepita’s sweetness shines through as she finds ways to help out and bond with the new baby. “I feel so proud to be the big sister,” she concludes. The book is sprinkled with Spanish phrases, reflecting that Pepita is part of a Latine household; readers unfamiliar with Spanish will find the glossary helpful. Illustrations are warm and cuddly throughout, and the story is highly relatable; soon-to-be big siblings fretting over a new arrival will find it especially comforting. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A heartwarming reminder to embrace change. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Sept. 12, 2023
ISBN: 9780593566985
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Knopf
Review Posted Online: July 13, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2023
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