An informative, visually rich picture book that personalizes African history and entices readers to learn more.
One child’s journey to taking pride in and inspiration from her African heritage.
Paloma, a little Black girl with a curly Afro, visits her relatives in Trinidad and is eager to spend time with her three cousins. But they won’t play with her because her accent sounds so different from theirs. She instead spends time with her aunt, Tante Janet, who informs her that while their family may be different, they all have common roots in Africa. Tante Janet unwraps her headwrap to undo her cornrows while telling Paloma about historical African arts; the warrior Queen Amanirenas, who fought Romans 2,000 years ago; techniques Africans used to document their own history and culture; the slave trade; and more. In the yard, they pick limes for their ginger beer, and when Paloma asks Tante Janet about her cocoa pods, Tante Janet tells about other natural resources, like frankincense and ebony, which made some African rulers successful and rich. Paired with Lawrence’s enlightening text, Gonzales’ bright, colorful illustrations of Paloma’s world emphasize the verdant flora of Trinidad; by contrast, the scenes depicting African history have more of a sepia tone. The text never identifies Paloma’s home, stating only that she was not born in Africa, which suggests that her belonging to the African diaspora is more important than where in the diaspora she comes from. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
An informative, visually rich picture book that personalizes African history and entices readers to learn more. (more information on Africa, further reading) (Informational picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Sept. 13, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-4197-6022-8
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Magic Cat
Review Posted Online: Sept. 13, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
Halloween is used merely as a backdrop; better holiday titles for young readers are available.
A ghost learns to appreciate his differences.
The little ghost protagonist of this title is unusual. He’s a quilt, not a lightweight sheet like his parents and friends. He dislikes being different despite his mom’s reassurance that his ancestors also had unconventional appearances. Halloween makes the little ghost happy, though. He decides to watch trick-or-treaters by draping over a porch chair—but lands on a porch rail instead. A mom accompanying her daughter picks him up, wraps him around her chilly daughter, and brings him home with them! The family likes his looks and comforting warmth, and the little ghost immediately feels better about himself. As soon as he’s able to, he flies out through the chimney and muses happily that this adventure happened only due to his being a quilt. This odd but gently told story conveys the importance of self-respect and acceptance of one’s uniqueness. The delivery of this positive message has something of a heavy-handed feel and is rushed besides. It also isn’t entirely logical: The protagonist could have been a different type of covering; a blanket, for instance, might have enjoyed an identical experience. The soft, pleasing illustrations’ palette of tans, grays, white, black, some touches of color, and, occasionally, white text against black backgrounds suggest isolation, such as the ghost feels about himself. Most humans, including the trick-or-treating mom and daughter, have beige skin. (This book was reviewed digitally with 11-by-16.6-inch double-page spreads viewed at 66.2% of actual size.)
Halloween is used merely as a backdrop; better holiday titles for young readers are available. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-7352-6447-2
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Tundra Books
Review Posted Online: July 13, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2020
BOOK REVIEW
A friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share.
In this latest in the series, Little Blue Truck, driven by pal Toad, is challenged to a countryside race by Racer Red, a sleek, low-slung vehicle.
Blue agrees, and the race is on. Although the two start off “hood to hood / and wheel to wheel,” they switch positions often as they speed their way over dusty country roads. Blue’s farm friends follow along to share in the excitement and shout out encouragement; adult readers will have fun voicing the various animal sounds. Short rhyming verses on each page and several strategic page turns add drama to the narrative, but soft, mottled effects in the otherwise colorful illustrations keep the competition from becoming too intense. Racer Red crosses the finish line first, but Blue is a gracious loser, happy to have worked hard. That’s a new concept for Racer Red, who’s laser-focused on victory but takes Blue’s words (“win or lose, it’s fun to try!”) to heart—a revelation that may lead to worthwhile storytime discussions. When Blue’s farm animal friends hop into the truck for the ride home, Racer Red tags along and learns a second lesson, one about speed. “Fast is fun, / and slow is too, / as long as you’re / with friends.”
A friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: March 25, 2025
ISBN: 9780063387843
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Clarion/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Jan. 18, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2025
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