Through this gentle story of a Jamaican “sit-up” for a beloved grandmother who has recently died, readers will learn much about the love of family, customs and foods in the Jamaican culture. Although at times the narrative seems more message-driven than story-filled, young readers will identify with the experience of remembering a loved one. The mention of slavery, the tales of Anancy and foods such as curried goat and boiled bananas will encourage the curious to learn more about Jamaica. Knowledge of the story tradition may also inspire stories from readers loved ones. Velasquez renders his realistic paintings in brilliant jewel tones, capturing the mood of the stories and the night when they are told. The story is as sweet as the mango that Nana savored. (author’s note) (Picture book. 5-8)
Pub Date: April 18, 2005
ISBN: 0-618-15972-X
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Clarion Books
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2005
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A solid sequel, easily accessible to readers who missed Volume 1.
A fictionalized young Shaquille O'Neal returns for a second illustrated story about life beyond the basketball court.
Little Shaq and his cousin Barry come home from the rec center giddy about Little Shaq's first three-point shot but are greeted with another surprise. For the first time, Little Shaq's mom has made sushi for a family dinner. Barry and the others dig in, but Little Shaq's curiosity about sushi only hits him after the last roll is gone. Little Shaq's joy and confidence on the court—best expressed when Little Shaq exuberantly tosses a postgame grape into Barry's mouth ("Three points!")—contrast strongly with his unease trying new foods or activities. A large part of the book concerns a school art project, and Little Shaq's frustration is made poignantly clear through both illustration and description ("Little Shaq crumpled up his drawing and marched back to the supply tables"). Throughout, the love among Little Shaq's family members shines through in their interactions, and the story delivers a message without triteness. Taylor’s full-color illustrations break up text on almost every page, adding warmth and energy. (Final art not seen.)
A solid sequel, easily accessible to readers who missed Volume 1. (Fiction. 5-8)Pub Date: April 26, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-61963-844-0
Page Count: 80
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Review Posted Online: Jan. 8, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2016
BOOK REVIEW
Gee whiz, this book is No. 1!
How you are treated does not define you.
Lou, a fire hydrant located across the street from a doggy day care in a diverse neighborhood, feels like their life is limited to one thing: being a place for dogs to relieve themselves. Lou knows they’re serving a valuable (albeit wet) purpose but longs for more: “Deep down inside, I feel like there’s more in me than what they can see. Like I’m full of greatness! I just don’t know what it is or how to let it out.” When a cat living in the apartment above the doggy day care sets off a chain of events that leads to a small kitchen fire, Lou finally understands what their ultimate purpose in life is: helping others. It’s hard to identify that one element that turns a great book into a truly exceptional read, but whatever it is, this has it. Is it the spare text that slowly sets up some delightfully witty lines? Is it the bold artwork that emphasizes Lou’s expressive googly eyes and silly little mouth? Is it a few well-placed potty jokes? Whatever it may be, children, librarians, educators, and caregivers will love returning to this book over and over. Librarians and educators will find this in frequent rotation in storytimes; they’ll also love the message and the hat tip to the importance of municipal plumbing. Double win! (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Gee whiz, this book is No. 1! (Picture book. 5-8)Pub Date: July 12, 2022
ISBN: 978-0-06305-405-9
Page Count: 32
Publisher: HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: June 21, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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