Warm, poetic, and affirming.
Taussig assures disabled readers that they’re a vital part of “a world that wasn’t built with us in mind.”
As racially diverse children and adults with myriad physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities play, learn, and love, the author lyrically celebrates their resilience and resourcefulness: “We live, we adapt, we defy.” Disabled people are not burdens, but burdened by a world “starved for creativity and flexibility.” Importantly, Taussig acknowledges that navigating such a world can be “exhausting” and encourages readers to rest. Though many youngsters may feel alone, the author explains, “There were revolutionaries thinking of you before you were born,” including advocates Judy Heumann, Haben Girma, and Alice Wong. Taussig promises, “You will always be worth fighting for.” She also highlights readers’ power to enrich, and even change, the world. With unique ways of moving and being, “We hold the clues for a thousand new games.” While readers may feel out of place at times, Taussig reassures them, “Darling, we are the very blueprints of Home”—a reference to accessible design. But above all, “We are always enough, just as we are.” In Fagan’s luminous, star-spangled scenes, people using wheelchairs, white canes, communication devices, and more radiate joy and community, countering assumptions about disabled people (such as “loss leaves no space for laughter”) and reminding readers that they’re “as dazzling as a sky full of stars.” Backmatter includes further information on the advocates mentioned and invites readers to research others, such as Ed Roberts.
Warm, poetic, and affirming. (author’s and illustrator’s notes) (Picture book. 4-10)Pub Date: April 1, 2025
ISBN: 9781728487700
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Carolrhoda
Review Posted Online: Jan. 18, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2025
New parents of daughters will eat these up and perhaps pass on the lessons learned.
All the reasons why a daughter needs a mother.
Each spread features an adorable cartoon animal parent-child pair on the recto opposite a rhyming verse: “I’ll always support you in giving your all / in every endeavor, the big and the small, / and be there to catch you in case you should fall. / I hope you believe this is true.” A virtually identical book, Why a Daughter Needs a Dad, publishes simultaneously. Both address standing up for yourself and your values, laughing to ease troubles, being thankful, valuing friendship, persevering and dreaming big, being truthful, thinking through decisions, and being open to differences, among other topics. Though the sentiments/life lessons here and in the companion title are heartfelt and important, there are much better ways to deliver them. These books are likely to go right over children’s heads and developmental levels (especially with the rather advanced vocabulary); their parents are the more likely audience, and for them, the books provide some coaching in what kids need to hear. The two books are largely interchangeable, especially since there are so few references to mom or dad, but one spread in each book reverts to stereotype: Dad balances the two-wheeler, and mom helps with clothing and hair styles. Since the books are separate, it aids in customization for many families.
New parents of daughters will eat these up and perhaps pass on the lessons learned. (Picture book. 4-8, adult)Pub Date: May 1, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-4926-6781-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Review Posted Online: March 16, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2019
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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