A Little Golden Book first published in 1952 with illustrations by J.P. Miller sees new life with new art, proving yet again that Brown is synonymous with timelessness. When dolls are sick or in pain, there’s really only one doctor to call: the good Doctor Squash, who attends to their every need. From broken legs and poison ivy to coughs and the mumps, the doctor always has the right cure on hand. And when the doc falls ill, the dolls take care of him in return. Some of the original text has been updated to suit the times (for example, the Wild Indian Doll becomes simply the Indian Doll). Gone too are such anachronistic images as the mammy doll. Appropriate though these changes may be, it is a pity that there is no mention of them in this new edition. Nevertheless, playing doctor with dolls never falls out of style, and Hitch’s retro style and modern toy updates work overtime to ensure that this book becomes a classic all over again. Entertaining and charming. (Picture book. 4-8)
Pub Date: Oct. 12, 2010
ISBN: 978-0-375-84800-1
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Golden Books/Random
Review Posted Online: Aug. 31, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2010
With its big-name author, this book is a Grand Slam.
Decorated tennis champ Osaka serves a lesson on sportsmanship.
A young Black narrator stretches to greet the morning—the protagonist is preparing for a day at Play Academy, an actual institution founded by Osaka to help keep girls playing sports as they grow. The child quickly joins a group of friends—diverse in terms of race and ability—as they practice and play. From the tennis court to the polo pitch, their concentration and determination are fierce. Whether playing soccer, football, or basketball or swimming, these young athletes practice, play fair, and support one another even in the face of failure. The strength and composure of the gymnast, a Black child with Bantu knots, shows how hard work pays off. The narrator quickly reminds readers that after practice, a cool-down is required. The whole group breaks to practice yoga, and before heading home to rest, the narrator reminds readers of the qualities that make a true champion—honesty, patience, and perseverance. The playfully rhyming text matches the pace of the illustrations, bursting with energy as the athletes race along the track and exuding peaceful calm while they pause to meditate. The oft-repeated “We are champs, and we play all day!” is delivered at infrequent intervals, so it doesn’t have the ideal cheer-chant vibe that would have worked even more effectively. Still, Nair’s adorable illustrations shine, and overall, the packaging for the message is as sweet as the underlying sentiment. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
With its big-name author, this book is a Grand Slam. (author’s note) (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Dec. 6, 2022
ISBN: 978-0-06-328368-8
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2022
SEEN & HEARD
SEEN & HEARD
PERSPECTIVES
Precious—but timely and comforting all the same.
The two creatures who fulfilled each other’s yearning for physical contact in The Hug (2019) find alternative ways to connect in a time of social distancing.
Blushing and smiling and looking every bit as sweet as they did in their original meet-cute, Hedgehog and Tortoise respond to Owl’s reassurance that “there are lots of ways to show someone you love them” by standing on opposing pages and sending signals, letters, dances, air kisses, and songs across the gutter. Demonstrating their mutual love and friendship, they regard each other fondly across the gap through sun and storm, finally gesturing air hugs beneath a rainbow of colors and stars. “They could not touch. / They could not hug. // But they both knew / that they were loved.” In line with the minimalist narrative and illustrations there is no mention of the enforced separation’s cause nor, aside from the titular conjunction, any hint of its possible duration. Still, its core affirmation is delivered in a simple, direct, unmistakable way, and if the thematic connection with the previous outing seems made to order for a marketing opportunity, it does address a widespread emotional need in young (and maybe not so young) audiences. (This book was reviewed digitally with 9.8-by-19.6-inch double-page spreads viewed at 78% of actual size.)
Precious—but timely and comforting all the same. (Picture book. 5-7)Pub Date: Aug. 18, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-5713-6558-6
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Faber & Faber
Review Posted Online: June 29, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2020
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