Thirty wise, witty, neatly constructed poems, from a spirited definition (``Whether there's ten or there's two in your family,/All of your family plus you is a family!'') to an inclusive celebration (``Our Family Comes from Round the World''). Between is a sampling of configurations (``I am a half- brother/I am a whole-brother/I am a step-brother/There's just one of me!''); comical glimpses of the family scene; and some quieter, affectionate moments. In her lively illustrations, Hafner captures both the hilarious—like an uproarious four-ring family at dinner—and such blissful moments as getting Mom's full attention while sick in bed. Full of insight and lots of fun. (Poetry/Picture book. 4-9)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1991
ISBN: 0-316-36736-2
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1991
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
The power of nature captivates and compels in this phenomenal tale of pushing limits.
Caldecott Medalist Floca and Hans Christian Andersen Award–winning illustrator Smith tell the story of two youngsters braving a gale.
While their parent collects laundry that has flown off the line, the children—presumably siblings—walk away. “Now take my hand / and we’ll go see / the sea before the storm.” At first that seems the beginning and ending of their adventure as they stand on worn stones watching the waves “SMASH on the rocks and EXPLODE into spray.” Then something compels the kids to continue. “You pull on me, I pull on you, and we decide to go on,” the author repeats in what feels like a chant. Only too late do the siblings realize that they’ve gone too far; they race for home through the rapidly approaching dark and rain, toward light and warmth and their relieved parent. Smith’s impressionistic watercolor and gouache illustrations convey not simply the horrifying strength of the storm, but also the way the light of day changes and shifts throughout the kids’ walk. The images plunge readers into heart-stopping moments, rendered real thanks to Floca’s incredibly evocative wordplay, capable of eliciting both fear and comfort. Readers will experience this tempest alongside the characters, every step of the way. Yet the true heart and soul of the book resides in the siblings’ relationship as they weather the weather—and more—together. The characters are light-skinned.
The power of nature captivates and compels in this phenomenal tale of pushing limits. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: July 22, 2025
ISBN: 9780823456475
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Neal Porter/Holiday House
Review Posted Online: April 19, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2025
A sweet addition to holiday collections.
Eight-year-old Hannah is too young to fast, but she’s not too young to learn about making the world a better place.
It’s the holy month of Ramadan, so Hannah wakes up with her family before dawn to eat sehri even though Dada Jaan tells her fasting is for grown-ups—instead, her grandfather tells her, she can celebrate Ramadan “by saving the world.” This seems a tall order, but a full month of practice shows her that she can do her part. Grandfather and granddaughter visit the soup kitchen and donate clothes to a homeless shelter. Hannah helps her friends at school, sometimes when they see and thank her but also when they don’t. And she plays with a new girl in the neighborhood. When Eid comes around at the end of the month, Hannah isn’t sure if she’s been successful. But assurance from Dada Jaan and a multifaith celebration make it the best Eid ever. With her ups and downs and uncertain moments, Hannah offers children an accessible vehicle for learning about the character-building aspects of Ramadan and of Islam in general. While the story is text heavy, its abundant food for thought will be worth returning to year after year. Jaleel’s bright, animation-style illustrations feature a diverse cast and thoughtful cultural details that enrich the setting. (This book was reviewed digitally with 10-by-16-inch double-page spreads viewed at 73.2% of actual size.)
A sweet addition to holiday collections. (author's note) (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: April 6, 2021
ISBN: 978-0-593-11466-7
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: March 1, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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