Inventive and imaginative; sure to spur conversations on revisiting outdated classics.
In this Spanish import, precocious Minimoni and friends ponder big questions while preparing to stage a production of Saint George and the Dragon.
Tan-skinned, tousle-haired Minimoni, clad once more in a black-and-white striped tunic, sits reading a book aloud. As the child narrates, the art shifts to sepia tones, depicting a long-ago land plagued by a ferocious dragon. Minimoni’s story is interrupted as a racially diverse group of kids (and a hulking but sweet-faced dragon appalled by its literary counterpart) recoil in horror. “Are you sure we want to pick such an unpleasant story for the end-of-year play?” asks one. (“And what an awful beast, that dragon!” the dragon chimes in.) As the narrative continues, Minimoni tries to deflect criticism, but our young hero’s feminist sensibilities are offended at a plot point that involves the king granting his daughter’s hand in marriage to anyone willing to slay the dragon. The kids seek advice from a brown-skinned librarian, who points out that the story reflects the sensibilities of its time. The youngsters stick to the old version of the tale, but they address audiences—and readers—at the end of the show: “THAT’S HOW THEY TOLD STORIES IN THE 13th CENTURY!” Clever use of casting (the dragon dons a blond wig and plays the princess) and props, thoughtful dialogue, slyly funny illustrations, and that fourth wall–breaking conclusion result in a tale that will please revisionists and literary purists alike.
Inventive and imaginative; sure to spur conversations on revisiting outdated classics. (Picture book. 5-9)Pub Date: April 21, 2026
ISBN: 9788000078717
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Albatros Media
Review Posted Online: May 18, 2026
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A welcome, well-researched reflection of cultural pride in the early-reader landscape.
The fourth installment in Delacre’s early-reader series centers on the rich musical traditions of Puerto Rico, once again featuring sibling tree frogs Rafi and Rosi Coquí.
Readers learn along with Rafi and Rosi as they explore bomba, plena, and salsa in three chapters. A glossary at the beginning sets readers up well to understand the Spanish vocabulary, including accurate phoneticization for non-Spanish speakers. The stories focus on Rafi and Rosi’s relationship within a musical context. For example, in one chapter Rafi finds out that he attracts a larger audience playing his homemade güiro with Rosi’s help even though he initially excluded her: “Big brothers only.” Even when he makes mistakes, as the older brother, Rafi consoles Rosi when she is embarrassed or angry at him. In each instance, their shared joy for music and dance ultimately shines through any upsets—a valuable reflection of unity. Informational backmatter and author’s sources are extensive. Undoubtedly these will help teachers, librarians, and parents to develop Puerto Rican cultural programs, curriculum, or home activities to extend young readers’ learning. The inclusion of instructions to make one’s own homemade güiro is a thoughtful addition. The Spanish translation, also by Delacre and published simultaneously, will require a more advanced reader than the English one to recognize and comprehend contractions (“pa’bajo-pa-pa’rriba”) and relatively sophisticated vocabulary.
A welcome, well-researched reflection of cultural pride in the early-reader landscape. (Early reader. 7-9)Pub Date: Sept. 17, 2019
ISBN: 978-0-89239-429-6
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Children's Book Press
Review Posted Online: July 27, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2019
Having put together a band with renowned cousin Duck Ellington and singer “Bee” Holiday, Rooster’s chances sure look...
Winning actually isn’t everything, as jazz-happy Rooster learns when he goes up against the legendary likes of Mules Davis and Ella Finchgerald at the barnyard talent show.
Having put together a band with renowned cousin Duck Ellington and singer “Bee” Holiday, Rooster’s chances sure look good—particularly after his “ ‘Hen from Ipanema’ [makes] / the barnyard chickies swoon.”—but in the end the competition is just too stiff. No matter: A compliment from cool Mules and the conviction that he still has the world’s best band soon puts the strut back in his stride. Alexander’s versifying isn’t always in tune (“So, he went to see his cousin, / a pianist of great fame…”), and despite his moniker Rooster plays an electric bass in Bower’s canted country scenes. Children are unlikely to get most of the jokes liberally sprinkled through the text, of course, so the adults sharing it with them should be ready to consult the backmatter, which consists of closing notes on jazz’s instruments, history and best-known musicians.Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-58536-688-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press
Review Posted Online: July 19, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2011
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