An edifying, unifying picture book that’s much needed in these divisive times.
An African humanist philosophy encourages empathy and compassion for others.
In South Africa, the word ubuntu—from the Nguni languages of isiXhosa and isiZulu—refers to a long-held belief system built on the core principle that one is a person only in relation to another person: “I am, because you are.” The text of this picture book, written in free verse, employs anaphora to elucidate the concept: “When I look into your eyes, / I see your heart. / I embrace you,” and “when I look into your eyes, / I see your beauty. / I love you,” and so on. McDonald’s bright, colorful, digital illustrations are inviting and show positive connections between children from different backgrounds who have varied life experiences: a Black, able-bodied girl dances with a Caucasian boy who uses a wheelchair; an Indian boy, a Black boy, and a White girl living on different floors of the same apartment building warmly greet each other; four children with different skin tones, one of whom wears a hearing aid, walk on a city sidewalk, all sporting matching blue shirts and sharing an exceedingly long scarf. The book does have less sunny moments: On a spread showing three girls jumping rope together while ignoring another girl, the text explains that when one hurts others, self-harm results. While the concept of ubuntu comes from South Africa, McDonald’s visuals could easily translate to any culture or locale.
An edifying, unifying picture book that’s much needed in these divisive times. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Feb. 1, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-5420-3566-8
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Amazon Crossing Kids
Review Posted Online: Dec. 2, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2021
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
Another quirky take on the series theme that it’s cool to be kind.
The cool beans again step up to do a timorous fellow legume a fava…this time at the pool.
Will a rash decision to tackle the multistory super-slide lead to another embarrassing watery fail for our shy protagonist? Nope, for up the stairs right behind comes a trio of cool beans, each a different type and color, all clad in nothing but dark shades. They make an offer: “It’s not as scary if you go with friends!” As the knobby nerd explains once the thrilling ride down is done, “They all realized that I just needed some encouragement and support.” Just to make sure that both cool and uncool readers get the message, the narrator lets us know that “there are plenty of kind folks who have my back. They’re always there when I need them.” The beany bonhomie doesn’t end at the bottom of the slide, with all gliding down to the shallow end of the pool (“3 INCHES. NO DIVING”) for a splashy finale. This latest early reader starring characters from John and Oswald’s immensely popular Food Group series will be a hit with fans. Fun accessories, such as a bean who rocks pink cat-eye frames, add some pizzazz to the chromatically and somatotypically varied cast.
Another quirky take on the series theme that it’s cool to be kind. (Easy reader. 5-7)Pub Date: March 26, 2024
ISBN: 9780063329560
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Feb. 17, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2024
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