THERE'S A GRIFFIN ON MY BACK

A talented young athlete faces a startling awakening when the spotlight begins to shift away from him in Rusu’s picture book.

Young soccer player Robby, carried—literally and figuratively—by the griffin on his back, is shining on the field. His confidence is sky high, and he’s certain he’s the star of the family. But when his younger sister Katie, a dedicated ballerina who’s always cheered him on, steps into the spotlight, Robby struggles to feel happy for her. “The dancers all had spotlights. Why couldn’t one be mine?” Even his griffin pushes for attention during Katie’s recital, and Robby foolishly interrupts the proceedings. With guidance from his father (“We all have griffins that make us proud… But remember, we should share our griffins at a respectful place and time”), he learns his lesson and apologizes. Katie forgives him, and in a sweet twist, she even gets to dance twice. By the end, Robby understands that a griffin “helps you be the best,” and sometimes being the best means letting others have their time in the spotlight. The rhymes throughout are playful, and the story introduces the idea of letting others share the spotlight in a way young readers can easily grasp. Morón’s illustrations are warm and expressive, and the addition of the attention-seeking griffin adds a playful spark throughout the charming story.

A gentle introduction for young readers on learning to let others have their day in the sun.