Share this book for thunderous storytime applause.
Edkins Willis tackles a common childhood fear with compassion and imagination.
The young narrator dislikes everything about thunderstorms—the “inky clouds,” “howling winds,” “scary shapes in the shadows,” and the “CRACKS and the CRASHES and the RUMBLES.” When all these dreaded things happen simultaneously, the child hides under the kitchen sink. Dad stands on the facing page, holding pillows as he gazes out at the storm. The protagonist is dubious when he suggests they go to a place he calls Thunderland, but the little one follows him to a pillow fort he’s made by the window. Together with their small dog, they huddle inside with assorted stuffed animal friends. The space feels cozy due to the rounded forms, soft lines, and highlights of warm color in the sketchy pictures, which adopt a style similar to some of Dan Santat’s work. An imaginative turn occurs when Dad suggests they invite the storm to play with them, and a lively shouting match ensues. Father and child compete with the storm, with their yelling, the dog’s howls, and thunderclaps conveyed through large, full-caps lettering. The storm’s personification humorously continues as they name the storm “Nancy,” imagine where she came from and where she’s going, and share their cookies with her. By the time Nancy departs, the child is somewhat saddened by her departure, though decidedly buoyed by playful, sensitive Dad’s compassion. Dad and child are brown-skinned.
Share this book for thunderous storytime applause. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: March 11, 2025
ISBN: 9780593693292
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Nov. 23, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A tale of intergenerational bonding to be shared by grandparents and grandchildren.
In talk-show host Fallon and illustrator Ordóñez’s latest picture-book collaboration, an elderly pooch waxes rhapsodic about a life well lived.
Observing Papa sitting in his chair watching TV all day, a young pup says, “I’m starting to think…you don’t do ANYTHING.” So Papa proceeds to list his accomplishments, both big and small, mundane and profound. Some are just a result of being older and physically bigger (being tall enough to reach a high shelf and strong enough to open jars); others include winning a race and performing in a band when he was younger. Eventually, the pup realizes that while Papa may have slowed down in his old age, he’s led a full life. The most satisfying thing about Papa’s life now? Watching his grandchild take center stage: “I can say lots of thoughts / but I choose to be quiet. / I’d rather you discover things and then try it.” Fallon’s straightforward text is sweetly upbeat, though it occasionally lacks flow, forcing incongruous situations together to fit the rhyme scheme (“I cook and I mow, / and I once flew a plane. // I play newspaper puzzles because it’s good for my brain”). Featuring uncluttered, colorful backgrounds, Ordóñez’s child-friendly digital art at times takes on sepia tones, evoking the sense of looking back at old photos or memories. Though the creators tread familiar ground, the love between Papa and his little one is palpable.
A tale of intergenerational bonding to be shared by grandparents and grandchildren. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: May 13, 2025
ISBN: 9781250393975
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Review Posted Online: May 3, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A fresh, melodic take on family harmony.
Rock legends, husband-and-wife team, and proud grandparents Benatar and Giraldo present an upbeat ode to families.
A youngster with long blond hair confides conspiratorially, “This might come as a bit of a shock, // but my grandma and grandpa…ROCK!” The silver-haired duo—who resemble the co-authors—jam out in a practice space; Grandpa strums an electric guitar, while Grandma belts out a tune, microphone in hand. (All three are pale-skinned.) Jagged star strokes burst from the amps, reverberating across the page. As the young narrator sings the praises of these hip, artistically minded grandparents, the illustrations depict many varied, diverse families making music. One grandparent strums a ukulele, another prefers the drums, and an especially eclectic granny croons everything from lullabies to Led Zeppelin while cooking. There’s no wrong way to share joy with grandparents. Benatar and Giraldo acknowledge that you don’t have to be a musician to rock (“Anyone can rock! / It’s a state of mind, / like feeling happy or being kind”) as they speak to other passions and occupations (“They can be a plumber, a chef, a pilot, a teacher”). One spread showcases other names for grandparents, both colloquial and cultural, presented without disrupting the text’s rhythm. As expected, this pair lays down a steady beat with a smooth flow. Everett’s energetic art, with musical swooshes and swirls, buoys the text.
A fresh, melodic take on family harmony. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Sept. 9, 2025
ISBN: 9781728298023
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Review Posted Online: June 13, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2025
© Copyright 2025 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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