A tender tale of love, sacrifice, and hope.
In this retelling of O. Henry’s “The Gift of the Magi,” a child searches for the perfect Eid present.
Yasmine is preoccupied as Mama shops for za’atar and sfeeha at Souq al-Hamidiyeh in Damascus. The marketplace’s arched ceiling reminds Yasmine of Baba, who used to pretend the openings were twinkling stars; he traced constellations while Mama shopped. But now that Baba’s no longer here, “they look like empty holes.” Yasmine muses on the perfect gift to make Mama smile again—and decides upon a heart-shaped jewelry box, just big enough for Mama to store her bracelet in. Unfortunately, Yasmine doesn’t have enough money, so the child sells a beloved gold chain. After prayers at the Masjid al-Umawi, Yasmine excitedly hands Mama the gift; Mama in turn gives Yasmine a heart-shaped locket. Just as Yasmine sold the chain to buy the jewelry box, Mama sold her bracelet to buy Yasmine’s present. They realize that their love for each other is the greatest gift of all. Incorporating the sights and sounds of a bustling Syrian market, this charming tale is rich in cultural details. Relying on repeated references to hearts, Safadi tells a story of loss, woven with the healing power of love. Jaleel’s arabesque illustrations showcase a lively marketplace that contrasts with the simplicity and tranquility of the mosque.
A tender tale of love, sacrifice, and hope. (author’s note) (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Feb. 11, 2025
ISBN: 9780823455652
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Holiday House
Review Posted Online: Dec. 14, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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
Not enough tricks to make this a treat.
Another holiday title (How To Catch the Easter Bunny by Adam Wallace, illustrated by Elkerton, 2017) sticks to the popular series’ formula.
Rhyming four-line verses describe seven intrepid trick-or-treaters’ efforts to capture the witch haunting their Halloween. Rhyming roadblocks with toolbox is an acceptable stretch, but too often too many words or syllables in the lines throw off the cadence. Children familiar with earlier titles will recognize the traps set by the costume-clad kids—a pulley and box snare, a “Tunnel of Tricks.” Eventually they accept her invitation to “floss, bump, and boogie,” concluding “the dance party had hit the finale at last, / each dancing monster started to cheer! / There’s no doubt about it, we have to admit: / This witch threw the party of the year!” The kids are diverse, and their costumes are fanciful rather than scary—a unicorn, a dragon, a scarecrow, a red-haired child in a lab coat and bow tie, a wizard, and two space creatures. The monsters, goblins, ghosts, and jack-o'-lanterns, backgrounded by a turquoise and purple night sky, are sufficiently eerie. Still, there isn’t enough originality here to entice any but the most ardent fans of Halloween or the series. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Not enough tricks to make this a treat. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Aug. 2, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-72821-035-3
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Sourcebooks Wonderland
Review Posted Online: May 10, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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