A joyful tale, steeped in cultural meaning.
A story about a Ghanaian naming tradition, from the enthusiastic perspective of an impatient child.
Andani is excited to have a new cousin, but in her culture, newborns aren’t given a name or brought outside the home until seven days have passed. The baby has a week to decide whether to stay in the human world or return to the spirit world. Until then, Andani must await “the stranger,” a placeholder used to refer to a baby before the “outdooring” naming celebration occurs. Waiting isn’t easy for Andani, though she and her relatives keep busy. Cassava needs to be prepared, corn needs to be milled, beans must be boiled, and Andani is there for all of it. The faster the work is completed, Andani thinks, the sooner they’ll all learn the stranger’s name, but the artwork makes it clear that Andani’s assistance may not be as helpful as she imagines. On the day of the ceremony, family members arrive in formal dress: colorful kabas, formfitting smocks, traditional caps, hair tucked into dukus. “The stranger is almost here.” And when the baby does arrive, it’s time for Andani’s most important task: announcing the new name loudly and proudly. Capturing the characters’ delight, energy, and movement, the story brings to life a loving West African community. In the warm digital illustrations, each family member’s brown skin is depicted with richness and depth.
A joyful tale, steeped in cultural meaning. (author’s note, glossary) (Picture book. 3-8)Pub Date: July 16, 2024
ISBN: 9781250883599
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Review Posted Online: May 4, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2024
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 tale of intergenerational bonding to be shared by grandparents and grandchildren.
In talk-show host Fallon and illustrator Ordóñez’s latest picture-book collaboration, an elderly pooch waxes rhapsodic about a life well lived.
Observing Papa sitting in his chair watching TV all day, a young pup says, “I’m starting to think…you don’t do ANYTHING.” So Papa proceeds to list his accomplishments, both big and small, mundane and profound. Some are just a result of being older and physically bigger (being tall enough to reach a high shelf and strong enough to open jars); others include winning a race and performing in a band when he was younger. Eventually, the pup realizes that while Papa may have slowed down in his old age, he’s led a full life. The most satisfying thing about Papa’s life now? Watching his grandchild take center stage: “I can say lots of thoughts / but I choose to be quiet. / I’d rather you discover things and then try it.” Fallon’s straightforward text is sweetly upbeat, though it occasionally lacks flow, forcing incongruous situations together to fit the rhyme scheme (“I cook and I mow, / and I once flew a plane. // I play newspaper puzzles because it’s good for my brain”). Featuring uncluttered, colorful backgrounds, Ordóñez’s child-friendly digital art at times takes on sepia tones, evoking the sense of looking back at old photos or memories. Though the creators tread familiar ground, the love between Papa and his little one is palpable.
A tale of intergenerational bonding to be shared by grandparents and grandchildren. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: May 13, 2025
ISBN: 9781250393975
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Review Posted Online: May 3, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2025
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