HELLO TO THE MOON!

Name: HELLO TO THE MOON!
Author: Matchbook Digital

developed by Matchbook Digital ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 25, 2012

The global-village theme has a lot of potential, but this rendering doesn’t do it justice. A little more effort would go a...

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A lunar lesson about global community.

Everyone on the planet sees the same moon. So, in theory, the moon is a cosmic intermediary that can help readers feel connected to others—whether it’s a parent we’re missing, or a kid we’ve never even met. The app's illustrations appear to be photographs that have been enhanced by digital software. Each page contains one tap-activated “animation”—photographs that appear or rudimentary graphics that haltingly come and go (though none can be triggered until the narration is complete). The story itself is told in rhyme, and as is the case with many rhyming storybook apps, the verse is often tedious and uninspiring. The idea that the author is apparently trying to convey is creative and communicates a message that could be helpful to some. But the content shifts focus enough that it weakens the thesis. For example, after a quick side note about how grandmas don’t like to be called old, the text reads, “Back to the moon and it’s amazing effects…” After one observation about kids in Pakistan seeing the same moon Americans do, attention turns to stars, the sun and the ocean. Advancing pages sometimes takes multiple taps, as does prompting other features.

The global-village theme has a lot of potential, but this rendering doesn’t do it justice. A little more effort would go a long way. (iPad storybook app. 4-7)

Pub Date: May 25, 2012

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Matchbook Digital LLC

Review Posted Online: June 26, 2012

Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2012

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THERE'S A ROCK CONCERT IN MY BEDROOM

by Kevin Jonas & Danielle Jonas ; illustrated by Courtney Dawson ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 29, 2022

Nice enough but not worth repeat reads.

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Emma deals with jitters before playing the guitar in the school talent show.

Pop musician Kevin Jonas and his wife, Danielle, put performance at the center of their picture-book debut. When Emma is intimidated by her very talented friends, the encouragement of her younger sister, Bella, and the support of her family help her to shine her own light. The story is straightforward and the moral familiar: Draw strength from your family and within to overcome your fears. Employing the performance-anxiety trope that’s been written many times over, the book plods along predictably—there’s nothing really new or surprising here. Dawson’s full-color digital illustrations center a White-presenting family along with Emma’s three friends of color: Jamila has tanned skin and wears a hijab; Wendy has dark brown skin and Afro puffs; and Luis has medium brown skin. Emma’s expressive eyes and face are the real draw of the artwork—from worry to embarrassment to joy, it’s clear what she’s feeling. A standout double-page spread depicts Emma’s talent show performance, with a rainbow swirl of music erupting from an amp and Emma rocking a glam outfit and electric guitar. Overall, the book reads pretty plainly, buoyed largely by the artwork. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Nice enough but not worth repeat reads. (Picture book. 4-6)

Pub Date: March 29, 2022

ISBN: 978-0-593-35207-6

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Razorbill/Penguin

Review Posted Online: Feb. 8, 2022

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2022

Categories:

CHILDREN'S FAMILY | CHILDREN'S ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS

- BOOK REVIEW
THERE'S A BEACH IN MY BEDROOM
by Kevin Jonas & Danielle Jonas ; illustrated by Courtney Dawson

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A LIBRARY

by Nikki Giovanni ; illustrated by Erin K. Robinson ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 27, 2022

A lushly illustrated homage to librarians who provide a welcome and a home away from home for all who enter.

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A love letter to libraries.

A Black child, with hair in two puffballs tied with yellow ribbons, a blue dress with a Peter Pan collar, and black patent leather Mary Janes, helps Grandmother with the housework, then, at Grandmother’s suggestion, heads to the library. The child’s eagerness to go, with two books under an arm and one in their hand, suggests that this is a favorite destination. The books’ wordless covers emphasize their endless possibilities. The protagonist’s description of the library makes clear that they are always free to be themselves there—whether they feel happy or sad, whether they’re reading mysteries or recipes, and whether they feel “quick and smart” or “contained and cautious.” Robinson’s vibrant, carefully composed digital illustrations, with bright colors that invite readers in and textures and patterns in every image, effectively capture the protagonist’s passion for reading and appreciation for a space where they feel accepted regardless of disposition. In her author’s note, Giovanni states that she spent summers visiting her grandmother in Knoxville, Tennessee, where she went to the Carnegie Branch of the Lawson McGhee Library. She expresses gratitude for Mrs. Long, the librarian, who often traveled to the main library to get books that Giovanni could not find in their segregated branch. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A lushly illustrated homage to librarians who provide a welcome and a home away from home for all who enter. (Picture book. 4-7)