by Niki Daly & illustrated by Niki Daly ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 2010
Jamela’s back, and she’s bo-o-o-red. It’s the second week of summer vacation, and already she’s run out of things to do. She spends her days moping, annoying her mother and grandmother and waiting to watch Afro-Idols on television. Imagine her surprise and pleasure when one of the contestants, Miss Bambi Chaka Chaka, suddenly shows up at Jamela’s aunt’s beauty salon, where she has been invited to spend the afternoon. Unfortunately Jamela manages to get on the nerves (and in the way) of everyone at the beauty shop, too. Even worse, her pursuit of a pesky fly precipitates an unintended reverse Mohawk for Miss Chaka Chaka. Jamela’s quick thinking and her aunt’s clever fingers save the day, however, and free tickets to the Afro-Idols finals are the icing on the cake. Once again Daly ably paints an engaging picture of contemporary life in South Africa that highlights the globalization of culture. The lengthy text flows smoothly, and the loose, energetic illustrations depict a world that is simultaneously familiar and exotic. Jamela’s back—hooray! (Picture book. 5-8)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2010
ISBN: 978-1-84507-871-3
Page Count: 36
Publisher: Frances Lincoln
Review Posted Online: July 29, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2010
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by Jessica Love ; illustrated by Jessica Love ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 4, 2023
A lovely vision for small, sensitive existentialists.
Under the desert night sky, Dad helps his child find cosmic comfort.
The vast universe has made a child feel too small despite their close family. Until, the young narrator tells us, they and their father pack their old pickup, driving through the “rubber and french fries” smell of the city and the “sweet and smoky” mountain scent to camp off-road in a remote arroyo. Together they see tiny beetle prints, jump in sand dunes, name birds, build a fire, watch the sunset, and stretch out in the truck bed. A thoughtful, small human, the child admits to being scared of “how big the universe is and how it goes on and on forever.” But equally thoughtful Dad explains that stars, beetles, birds, and even people are made of energy. Angst is not easily tamed, but snuggling and giving the constellations idiosyncratic names help, as does Mom’s back-at-home surprise: glowing stars covering the narrator’s room. In this bed under the stars, this budding philosopher finally feels “at home here in the universe.” It’s a quiet, contemplative tale that might not strike a chord with all readers but will reassure those who share the protagonist’s worries. Delicate, realistic art plays warm orange and brown hues against blues from pale to indigo, balancing (living) warmth and (interstellar) distance. The child and family are light-skinned and redheaded. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A lovely vision for small, sensitive existentialists. (Picture book. 6-8)Pub Date: April 4, 2023
ISBN: 978-1-5362-1239-6
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: Jan. 11, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2023
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by Crescent Dragonwagon ; illustrated by Jessica Love
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by Mượn Thị Văn ; illustrated by Jessica Love
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by Jessica Love ; illustrated by Jessica Love
by Shaquille O'Neal ; illustrated by Theodore Taylor III ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 26, 2016
A solid sequel, easily accessible to readers who missed Volume 1.
A fictionalized young Shaquille O'Neal returns for a second illustrated story about life beyond the basketball court.
Little Shaq and his cousin Barry come home from the rec center giddy about Little Shaq's first three-point shot but are greeted with another surprise. For the first time, Little Shaq's mom has made sushi for a family dinner. Barry and the others dig in, but Little Shaq's curiosity about sushi only hits him after the last roll is gone. Little Shaq's joy and confidence on the court—best expressed when Little Shaq exuberantly tosses a postgame grape into Barry's mouth ("Three points!")—contrast strongly with his unease trying new foods or activities. A large part of the book concerns a school art project, and Little Shaq's frustration is made poignantly clear through both illustration and description ("Little Shaq crumpled up his drawing and marched back to the supply tables"). Throughout, the love among Little Shaq's family members shines through in their interactions, and the story delivers a message without triteness. Taylor’s full-color illustrations break up text on almost every page, adding warmth and energy. (Final art not seen.)
A solid sequel, easily accessible to readers who missed Volume 1. (Fiction. 5-8)Pub Date: April 26, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-61963-844-0
Page Count: 80
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Review Posted Online: Jan. 8, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2016
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by Shaquille O'Neal ; illustrated by Theodore Taylor III
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