A tender depiction of a loving, working-class Indian family.
The daughter of a hardworking toymaker adds a splash of color to the family business.
Asha believes that her father “makes the best wooden toys in India.” He sells the toys in the market so he can afford to send Asha to school. Papa never went to school, and he tells Asha that she must study hard in order to take advantage of the opportunities he missed—opportunities that will keep her from going hungry. Aware that her father struggles to make ends meet, she secretly enters his workshop and, in an attempt to make his wares more enticing, paints all his toys. As Asha says, “A little bit of colorful paint makes anything beautiful.” But will Papa appreciate her efforts, or will he feel that she has overstepped by focusing on her painting instead of her homework? The story’s greatest strength is the layered, loving relationship between Asha and her father, and it explains Papa’s past poverty with empathy. The conflict between the characters rings true, as does Asha’s sweet and spunky narratorial voice. While the illustrations are whimsical and vibrant, the small text is sometimes awkwardly placed and difficult to find. Nevertheless, this tale of a loving father-daughter bond is sure to delight readers of all ages. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A tender depiction of a loving, working-class Indian family. (author’s note) (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Oct. 3, 2023
ISBN: 9781525306662
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Kids Can
Review Posted Online: July 26, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2023
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
Nice enough but not worth repeat reads.
Emma deals with jitters before playing the guitar in the school talent show.
Pop musician Kevin Jonas and his wife, Danielle, put performance at the center of their picture-book debut. When Emma is intimidated by her very talented friends, the encouragement of her younger sister, Bella, and the support of her family help her to shine her own light. The story is straightforward and the moral familiar: Draw strength from your family and within to overcome your fears. Employing the performance-anxiety trope that’s been written many times over, the book plods along predictably—there’s nothing really new or surprising here. Dawson’s full-color digital illustrations center a White-presenting family along with Emma’s three friends of color: Jamila has tanned skin and wears a hijab; Wendy has dark brown skin and Afro puffs; and Luis has medium brown skin. Emma’s expressive eyes and face are the real draw of the artwork—from worry to embarrassment to joy, it’s clear what she’s feeling. A standout double-page spread depicts Emma’s talent show performance, with a rainbow swirl of music erupting from an amp and Emma rocking a glam outfit and electric guitar. Overall, the book reads pretty plainly, buoyed largely by the artwork. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Nice enough but not worth repeat reads. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: March 29, 2022
ISBN: 978-0-593-35207-6
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Razorbill/Penguin
Review Posted Online: Feb. 8, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2022
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