A gentle demonstration of how familial bonds—and traditions—can endure even over vast physical distances.
A meaningful ritual brings young Silas and Great-Grandma Faye closer together.
According to observant Jewish tradition, Havdalah signifies the formal end of Shabbat on Saturday night and its “separation” from the other days of the week. (Havdalah means “separation” in Hebrew.) On one of their weekly video calls, Great-Grandma Faye tells Silas how much she loves Havdalah; she suggests that the two of them perform the ceremony virtually until they can meet in person again. Great-Grandma Faye shows Silas a spice box—a very important item used in the ceremony—made by Great-Grandpa long ago. Inspired, Silas creates his own version from a lidded plastic cup, which he fills with cinnamon, his favorite spice, and shows it to Great-Grandma Faye on their next call. When Great-Grandma Faye finally arrives, the family observes Havdalah with both boxes. Children will appreciate Silas and Great-Grandma Faye’s loving intergenerational relationship and their up-to-date communication style; readers will smile as the two sign off with variations on the phrase “See you soon” (“See you soon, Harvest Moon!” “See you soon, Green Balloon!”). Great-Grandma Faye’s clear yet whimsically child-friendly explanation of Havdalah (“the in-between-est part of the week”) will resonate with youngsters. Muted illustrations depict a loving, light-skinned family amid cozy settings; some background characters are brown-skinned.
A gentle demonstration of how familial bonds—and traditions—can endure even over vast physical distances. (about Havdalah, making a spice box for Havdalah) (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: March 4, 2025
ISBN: 9798765627440
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Kar-Ben
Review Posted Online: Jan. 18, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
This warm family story is a splendid showcase for the combined talents of Medina, a Pura Belpré award winner, and Dominguez,...
Abuela is coming to stay with Mia and her parents. But how will they communicate if Mia speaks little Spanish and Abuela, little English? Could it be that a parrot named Mango is the solution?
The measured, evocative text describes how Mia’s español is not good enough to tell Abuela the things a grandmother should know. And Abuela’s English is too poquito to tell Mia all the stories a granddaughter wants to hear. Mia sets out to teach her Abuela English. A red feather Abuela has brought with her to remind her of a wild parrot that roosted in her mango trees back home gives Mia an idea. She and her mother buy a parrot they name Mango. And as Abuela and Mia teach Mango, and each other, to speak both Spanish and English, their “mouths [fill] with things to say.” The accompanying illustrations are charmingly executed in ink, gouache, and marker, “with a sprinkling of digital magic.” They depict a cheery urban neighborhood and a comfortable, small apartment. Readers from multigenerational immigrant families will recognize the all-too-familiar language barrier. They will also cheer for the warm and loving relationship between Abuela and Mia, which is evident in both text and illustrations even as the characters struggle to understand each other. A Spanish-language edition, Mango, Abuela, y yo, gracefully translated by Teresa Mlawer, publishes simultaneously.
This warm family story is a splendid showcase for the combined talents of Medina, a Pura Belpré award winner, and Dominguez, an honoree. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Aug. 25, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-7636-6900-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: April 14, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2015
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Nice enough but not worth repeat reads.
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
BOOK REVIEW
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