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
A solid introduction to a holiday celebrated by millions.
Soundar’s rhyming picture book gives readers an overview of the Hindu celebration of Diwali as it is celebrated in large parts of North India and by the North Indian diaspora.
Diwali is celebrated on the night of the new moon, and so after “Grandpa watches the waning moon” and notes that “the festival is coming soon,” an Indian boy and girl help their family clean and decorate the house. Then they all don new clothes, sing hymns and light lamps together, and exchange gifts and sweets with their neighbors, all in celebration of the holiday. Family members wear a combination of traditional Indian and Western attire; the suburban setting looks Western. It ends with a joyful greeting: “Shubh Diwali, to one and all. / We wish you joy, big and small!” Soundar’s use of “Shubh” in the title—meaning “auspicious” or “holy”—instead of “Happy” is welcome, as is Chua’s inclusion of neighborhood diversity (white and black families as well as a person using a wheelchair). As an entry on the holidays shelf, it breaks little new ground, but North American shelves hardly overflow with Diwali titles. An author’s note explaining the regional and religious differences in the celebration of Diwali across South Asia and the diaspora and a glossary of common terms provide readers with additional scaffolding.
A solid introduction to a holiday celebrated by millions. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2019
ISBN: 978-0-8075-7355-6
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Whitman
Review Posted Online: June 22, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2019
An eye-catching, toe-tapping celebration of the melodies in everyday sounds.
A blind girl endeavors to share her musical perception of city sounds.
When Emmalene and Grandma Jean set out one Sunday, Emmalene rejoices at the “busy city symphony” that surrounds them as Bernstrom imbues his rhythmically rhyming text with exuberant onomatopoeia. There’s the “RUMBLE” of the bus, the “BIPPITY-BOP!” of a nearby marching band, and the “tippity-tapping” of the wind. But to impatient Grandma Jean, the sounds are mere “commotion”; for her, music is the church choir’s “loud and joyous” song. When Emmalene becomes frustrated that Grandma Jean doesn’t understand, Grandma Jean valiantly tries to hear from her perspective. But only after Emmalene covers Grandma Jean’s eyes does Grandma Jean finally hear her song; in kaleidoscopically colored text against black background, “acorns ticked. A backhoe WRECKED. A truck HARRUMPHED. And birds peck-pecked.” Emmalene and a tearful Grandma Jean embrace, and together they listen to the city’s “CLAPPING / FLAPPING / tippity-tapping” tune. Mohammed’s bright, bold illustrations vividly animate the bustling city, and Emmalene’s and Grandma Jean’s expressions are endearing; their love is palpable. Though Grandma Jean’s poignant epiphany echoes the trope of a disabled character imparting a lesson to a nondisabled character, the potentially off-key note is offset by the heartwarming portrayal of Emmalene and her grandma’s intergenerational bonding. Grandma Jean and Emmalene present Black with light- and dark-brown skin respectively. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
An eye-catching, toe-tapping celebration of the melodies in everyday sounds. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Sept. 6, 2022
ISBN: 978-0-06-301112-0
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Aug. 16, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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