Didactic? To be sure, but it’s a much-needed lesson that goes down easily.
Lulu and Max hold a field-day competition for the animals to determine the leader of the forest, but is being a good sport more important than winning?
On the way, Lulu explains to Max that they may have to help the animals who lose, as they may be sad or mad, and this turns out to be prophetic. Coyote wins the costume contest with his wings, but this causes Goose to cry—her wings are real, after all. Lulu says what’s important is trying your best and remembering that, no matter what, you are loved. But it’s Bear-Bear who really proves his skills throughout the day, saying just the right thing, helping to clean up, pointing out what needs to get done and doing it, and forgiving Coyote when he forgets to be a good sport and a good friend. Clearly, Bear-Bear is the best choice for leader of the forest. Christy’s softly colored illustrations feature adorable animals in a woodland setting. There’s a fuzzy quality to the artwork that lends it some texture and whimsy. In a letter to parents, Terkeurst explains that “one of the greatest lessons a parent can teach…is how to navigate life’s wins and losses.” She points out that God has a plan in mind for each of us, and a list of Scripture memory verses on the endpapers (unseen) will help kids remember this.
Didactic? To be sure, but it’s a much-needed lesson that goes down easily. (Picture book. 3-8)Pub Date: Sept. 29, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-529-10400-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Tommy Nelson
Review Posted Online: June 28, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2015
With a universal message of love and community, this book offers a beautiful representation of a too-often-overlooked...
From a debut author-and-illustrator team comes a glimpse into a young American Muslim girl’s family and community as she walks around in “Mommy’s khimar,” or headscarf.
The star of this sunny picture book is a young girl who finds joy in wearing her mother’s khimar, imagining it transforms her into a queen, a star, a mama bird, a superhero. At the core of the story is the love between the girl and her mother. The family appears to be African-American, with brown skin and textured hair. The girl’s braids and twists “form a bumpy crown” under the khimar, which smells of coconut oil and cocoa butter. Adults in her life delight in her appearance in the bright yellow khimar, including her Arabic teacher at the mosque, who calls it a “hijab,” and her grandmother, who visits after Sunday service and calls out “Sweet Jesus!” as she scoops her granddaughter into her arms. Her grandmother is, apparently, a Christian, but “We are a family and we love each other just the same.” The illustrations feature soft pastel colors with dynamic lines and gently patterned backgrounds that complement the story’s joyful tone. The words are often lyrical, and the story artfully includes many cultural details that will delight readers who share the cheerful protagonist’s culture and enlighten readers who don’t.
With a universal message of love and community, this book offers a beautiful representation of a too-often-overlooked cultural group . (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: April 3, 2018
ISBN: 978-1-5344-0059-7
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Salaam Reads/Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Feb. 2, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2018
Lively, funny, and child-friendly.
A young girl is upset when her mother defers her promises.
When Ranya asks her mother if they can go to the park, Mama replies, “Insha’Allah.” Ranya fumes—that’s what her parents always say when they mean no! Mama explains that the sky’s looking overcast and adds that “insha’Allah“ means “God willing.” People say it when they hope for something that they aren’t sure will happen: “Sometimes Allah has other plans.” Ranya pries a little more: Is that why they didn’t bake cookies last night? And why her sleepover with her friend Jayda fell through? And why her parents have never taken her to Disneyland? Mama replies that it was getting too late to bake and that Jayda’s grandmother became sick, but she promises to take Ranya to Disneyland before she turns 18…insha’Allah. Ranya negotiates with her mother, who agrees that they can bake cookies later and Ranya can plan another sleepover. Mama notices the weather has improved and says they can go to the park. But first, she asks Ranya to clean up her toys. Ranya impishly replies, “Insha’Allah!” This is a sweet introduction to an expression often used in Muslim and Arabic-speaking communities. The playful banter between mother and daughter forms the heart of the story. Ranya and Mama are illustrated with warm brown skin tones; theirs is a diverse neighborhood. Homey illustrations in bold primary colors create a sense of coziness.
Lively, funny, and child-friendly. (authors’ note) (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: May 14, 2024
ISBN: 9780823454419
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Holiday House
Review Posted Online: March 9, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2024
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