Delightful whether or not you’ve ever attempted to play a stringed instrument.
Valentine's violin teacher says he's doing very well, but the effect of his playing on others is dramatic in a different sense.
Dutch illustrator Hopman, known for his collaborations (Tom the Tamer, written by Tjibbe Veldkamp, 2011), proves he can solo as well in this entertaining riff on the sounds of a beginning violinist, published here in lively, colloquial translation. In the text, the small boy tries out various well-known pieces such as Ode to Joy, Water Music and Marche Militaire. The pictures show the result: People scatter; horses leap; a constipated wolf produces an enormous poop; a dragon flees; an army retreats. Hopman’s engaging paintings are set with a narrow white border on double-page spreads. Loose-lined pen-and-ink drawings with pastel watercolor wash include intriguing details. There’s a high-ceilinged music studio full of art, a walled city with canals reminiscent of Venice and a castle besieged by an army that uses both elephants and Viking boats. This medieval fairy-tale world adds to the absurdity of the story, which seems to end well, as Valentine’s talent wins him the opportunity to perform in court. Or perhaps it doesn’t. The final endpapers show birds flying away from his concert for the king and queen.
Delightful whether or not you’ve ever attempted to play a stringed instrument. (Picture book. 5-9)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2012
ISBN: 978-1-935954-17-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Lemniscaat USA
Review Posted Online: July 21, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2012
Boelts’ quiet tale celebrates the perseverance of a young girl as she attempts to achieve her goals
Soccer is a bittersweet mix of sorrow and joy for Sierra.
Sierra struggles with conflicting emotions about her new soccer team. Traveling out of the city, Sierra now plays on soccer fields unlike the one near the apartment where she lives with her aunt, which is exciting. However, being on this new team has some drawbacks. With most games on Saturdays—which is her aunt’s busiest day at the restaurant—Sierra is sad to be the only player without family members to cheer for her during games. Yet, with a little ingenuity, Sierra discovers a solution to her dilemma. Boelts focuses on the relationship between Sierra and her aunt, deftly portraying Sierra’s maturity and fortitude as she attempts to resolve the situation. Sierra, while dedicated to her sport, recognizes the importance and inspiring effect of her aunt’s support and encouragement. Castillo’s watercolor-and-ink illustrations of the city’s landscapes feature towering buildings in an austere setting. In contrast, drawings of Sierra’s home and her aunt’s workplace depict warm, cozy scenes. Scenes with the dark-skinned, crinkly-haired auntie and niece emphasize the close, nurturing relationship. Action-filled paintings of the soccer games capture the fast-paced excitement of the game.
Boelts’ quiet tale celebrates the perseverance of a young girl as she attempts to achieve her goals . (Picture book. 5-9)Pub Date: May 1, 2012
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4616-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: March 6, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2012
Combining the amazement offered by the natural world with an unconventional and poignant dose of social commentary, this...
Can-never-sit-still Rodney really wants to be outside, but it seems the world conspires against his urges—but now, Rodney finally makes it outside, “more outside than [he’s] ever been before.”
This book neatly nestles itself among recent trends of growing engagement with African-American populations within our national parks, as well as offering a measured response to the ways black boys may struggle with school cultures that enforce seated obedience over genuine curiosity. We all know Rodney. He’s a smart kid who follows his innate impulses, well enough to further his interest in the wonders of the world. The text allows readers to decide the thorny question of whether Rodney is worthy of an ADHD diagnosis. Because what happens when Rodney finally makes it outside on a class field trip to a park that puts him directly in contact with nature? He’s high, he’s low, and he’s everywhere in between as his natural impulses to explore and discover lead to a calm, “majestic” conclusion. Cooper’s signature style captures Rodney’s fidgetiness indoors and his growing excitement as the school bus rumbles out of town. In the park, a sequence of spectacular double-page sequences places Rodney within the park’s many wonders, and readers can see clearly how this immersion in nature allows the boy to be exactly himself.
Combining the amazement offered by the natural world with an unconventional and poignant dose of social commentary, this story gives more to its readers than what meets the eye. (Picture book. 5-9)Pub Date: Aug. 7, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-930238-73-2
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Yosemite Conservancy
Review Posted Online: April 30, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2017
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