Watching this protagonist’s reluctant change of heart won’t get old; neither will the beckoning scenes of the great outdoors.
A school-age kid is grumpy about going on a family camping trip but eventually comes to appreciate what the outdoors has to offer.
Standing on the street in a very cool town, with its artsy soap and pottery stands and street musician, our protagonist, arms folded, tells the other kids, “I have no idea why we have to ‘venture into the great outdoors’ this summer,” but off they go, leaving the city behind and driving straight into the mountains. “It’s not like there’s anything out here,” the narrator continues, as the landscape turns thick with wildlife. “There’s no electricity,” is the next complaint, as the protagonist sits glumly, ignoring the campfire. The narrator misses the “city lights” even as mom points up at the aurora borealis. The others seem oblivious to this disgruntlement as they frolic, take pictures, and explore. After they spot bears (from the safety of the car), the narrator comes around. “Well, I guess I could get by with songbirds instead of street performers.” Fishing, biking, and incredible views are none too shabby either. The mixed-media illustrations use short strokes and deep color to render the fullness of the land with a calm energy. The narrator has brown skin and straight, black hair, as do baby sib and mom; dad presents white.
Watching this protagonist’s reluctant change of heart won’t get old; neither will the beckoning scenes of the great outdoors. (Picture book. 5-9)Pub Date: May 14, 2019
ISBN: 978-0-7352-6417-5
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Tundra Books
Review Posted Online: March 2, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2019
A welcome, well-researched reflection of cultural pride in the early-reader landscape.
The fourth installment in Delacre’s early-reader series centers on the rich musical traditions of Puerto Rico, once again featuring sibling tree frogs Rafi and Rosi Coquí.
Readers learn along with Rafi and Rosi as they explore bomba, plena, and salsa in three chapters. A glossary at the beginning sets readers up well to understand the Spanish vocabulary, including accurate phoneticization for non-Spanish speakers. The stories focus on Rafi and Rosi’s relationship within a musical context. For example, in one chapter Rafi finds out that he attracts a larger audience playing his homemade güiro with Rosi’s help even though he initially excluded her: “Big brothers only.” Even when he makes mistakes, as the older brother, Rafi consoles Rosi when she is embarrassed or angry at him. In each instance, their shared joy for music and dance ultimately shines through any upsets—a valuable reflection of unity. Informational backmatter and author’s sources are extensive. Undoubtedly these will help teachers, librarians, and parents to develop Puerto Rican cultural programs, curriculum, or home activities to extend young readers’ learning. The inclusion of instructions to make one’s own homemade güiro is a thoughtful addition. The Spanish translation, also by Delacre and published simultaneously, will require a more advanced reader than the English one to recognize and comprehend contractions (“pa’bajo-pa-pa’rriba”) and relatively sophisticated vocabulary.
A welcome, well-researched reflection of cultural pride in the early-reader landscape. (Early reader. 7-9)Pub Date: Sept. 17, 2019
ISBN: 978-0-89239-429-6
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Children's Book Press
Review Posted Online: July 27, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2019
Having put together a band with renowned cousin Duck Ellington and singer “Bee” Holiday, Rooster’s chances sure look...
Winning actually isn’t everything, as jazz-happy Rooster learns when he goes up against the legendary likes of Mules Davis and Ella Finchgerald at the barnyard talent show.
Having put together a band with renowned cousin Duck Ellington and singer “Bee” Holiday, Rooster’s chances sure look good—particularly after his “ ‘Hen from Ipanema’ [makes] / the barnyard chickies swoon.”—but in the end the competition is just too stiff. No matter: A compliment from cool Mules and the conviction that he still has the world’s best band soon puts the strut back in his stride. Alexander’s versifying isn’t always in tune (“So, he went to see his cousin, / a pianist of great fame…”), and despite his moniker Rooster plays an electric bass in Bower’s canted country scenes. Children are unlikely to get most of the jokes liberally sprinkled through the text, of course, so the adults sharing it with them should be ready to consult the backmatter, which consists of closing notes on jazz’s instruments, history and best-known musicians.Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-58536-688-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press
Review Posted Online: July 19, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2011
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