Delightful and delicious.
Rivka and Bubbie are determined to bake a perfectly wonderful challah.
Bubbie has always been too busy to cook, but now she has the time for a new Friday tradition, and granddaughter Rivka is an eager helper. Their first effort is a disaster. But Rivka’s mother always says, “Practice makes progress,” so every week there’s more trial and error, with setbacks and some improvements. They patiently let the dough rise in a warmed oven and allow for a longer bake. But while they’re having fun playing in the snow, they forget to listen for the timer, and the loaf is burned. So next time they set two timers and play a quiet game of cards. At last, they produce a delicious challah that receives rave reviews from the family. Rivka narrates the tale with enthusiasm and joy, describing the rhythm of the baking process (“We squish and smoosh and stretch and squeeze! We let our cozy dough rise, then we roll-pat it into ropes”). She optimistically repeats the title phrase after each effort, until it is gloriously true. A few Yiddish expressions are used throughout. Reul's bright, colorful cartoons perfectly capture the love and humor of learning to bake. Rivka’s and Bubbie’s large, round brown eyes, facial expressions, and body language dramatically express every emotion and reaction. Young readers and their grands will feel the love and connect to their own family traditions. Rivka, Bubbie, and their family are tan-skinned and Jewish. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Delightful and delicious. (recipe) (Picture book. 4-9)Pub Date: Sept. 20, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-4197-5898-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Abrams
Review Posted Online: June 21, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2022
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
BOOK REVIEW
A strong second outing for Dillard and J.D.
Breakout kid barber J.D. embraces a summer of opportunity.
Readers met J.D. Jones just as he took his hometown of Meridian, Mississippi, by storm, winning himself community acclaim and a chair at the revered Hart and Sons barbershop in series opener J.D. and the Great Barber Battle(2021). What’s next for the haircut prodigy? School’s just getting out, and there’s so much life happening outside—if only one can escape home learning with the grandparents. J.D.’s sister, Vanessa, brings along multitalented mutual friend Jessyka to share an ambitious challenge: “Let’s start a YouTube channel!” Can they get millions of views and wow the whole world? They are already amazing at haircuts and hairstyles—all they need is to learn how to make a great YouTube video. The story models strategies for scripting short videos reflecting the templates of viral YouTube hair tutorials, inviting readers to not only see the journey of the characters, but maybe also practice these skills at home. This book is bound to educate all about some of the most storied and cherished traditions within the Black community. Bringing in Vanessa is a great touch to extend the series across gender, and hopefully she’ll get a chance to lead her own adventures. This book blends skill-building, entrepreneurship, and strong family values to give young Black children visions of what’s possible when they follow their passions and embrace their community.
A strong second outing for Dillard and J.D. (Fiction. 6-9)Pub Date: Aug. 3, 2021
ISBN: 978-0-593-11155-0
Page Count: 128
Publisher: Kokila
Review Posted Online: July 13, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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