A useful and well-illustrated story about anxiety.
Maheshwari’s picture book about a nervous unicorn addresses the anxiety that many kids experience before starting something new.
Young Melody is trying on her new tutu in preparation for starting ballet class the next day. But after seeing a poster showing an older, more proficient dancer, the anxious youngster considers not attending. Melody’s mom suggests that she explain what exactly is worrying her. Melody does so, and her mom assuages her fears. Her mother also suggests a helpful mindfulness game in which the child imagines a place where she feels safe and happy. The parent also gives Melody a special box, explaining that the youngster can write down whatever makes her nervous on a piece of paper and leave it inside. The next morning at class, Melody feels a wave of worry when she questions her own skills. The teacher reassures her and the entire class that anxiety is natural. Overall, Maheshwari does an excellent job of describing the physical effects of anxiety: “Suddenly, her heart began racing, her mouth grew dry, and she felt dizzy.” Such passages provide helpful clues for readers to decode the signals of their own bodies. Alshalabi’s full-color cartoon illustrations skillfully convey character movement and employ detailed, fully illustrated backgrounds. Additional resources at the back of the book, including positive affirmations, are also helpful.
A useful and well-illustrated story about anxiety.Pub Date: April 16, 2024
ISBN: 9781737425861
Page Count: 36
Publisher: Stories by Subani
Review Posted Online: March 11, 2024
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
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
A friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share.
In this latest in the series, Little Blue Truck, driven by pal Toad, is challenged to a countryside race by Racer Red, a sleek, low-slung vehicle.
Blue agrees, and the race is on. Although the two start off “hood to hood / and wheel to wheel,” they switch positions often as they speed their way over dusty country roads. Blue’s farm friends follow along to share in the excitement and shout out encouragement; adult readers will have fun voicing the various animal sounds. Short rhyming verses on each page and several strategic page turns add drama to the narrative, but soft, mottled effects in the otherwise colorful illustrations keep the competition from becoming too intense. Racer Red crosses the finish line first, but Blue is a gracious loser, happy to have worked hard. That’s a new concept for Racer Red, who’s laser-focused on victory but takes Blue’s words (“win or lose, it’s fun to try!”) to heart—a revelation that may lead to worthwhile storytime discussions. When Blue’s farm animal friends hop into the truck for the ride home, Racer Red tags along and learns a second lesson, one about speed. “Fast is fun, / and slow is too, / as long as you’re / with friends.”
A friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: March 25, 2025
ISBN: 9780063387843
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Clarion/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Jan. 18, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2025
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