What’s warmer than grilled-cheese sandwiches? Feeling welcomed and being among good friends.
The protagonists of Set Sail for Pancakes! (2022) nourish themselves while awaiting a family member.
In a small house on a little island, Grandpa makes sandwiches as he and Margot wait for Mama to return by boat. Margot’s anxious while stirring tomato soup: It’s foggy, windy, and cold, and the waves are strong. The toot of a horn signals the arrival of a boat. It’s not Mama, but Grandpa and Margot invite the vessel’s captain in. Grilled cheese? “Arr, yes, please!” Margot remains anxious as a merchant arrives next, followed by a sailor. Each is given something to eat. Margot’s hungry, the food supply’s dwindling, and she’s worried there’ll be nothing left for them. Compassionate Grandpa explains that sometimes it’s hard to be generous. Suddenly, the wind blows the door open; everyone sees a boat struggling far off. It’s Mama! All the seafarers collaborate to rescue her. Margot hands her the last sandwich. But Mama brought more bread and surmises they can make the cheese stretch further. Turns out their guests have brought some ingredients of their own, too. Will the new sandwiches be the best ever? Yes, indeed! It’s a simple story, but readers will appreciate the food theme and tender message about sharing with those in need. The colorful, flat digital illustrations are warm and cozy, too. Grandpa, Margot, and Mama are brown-skinned; other characters are diverse.
What’s warmer than grilled-cheese sandwiches? Feeling welcomed and being among good friends. (recipe for grilled-cheese sandwiches) (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: May 7, 2024
ISBN: 9780593404324
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: March 9, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
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 visually engaging but otherwise underwhelming take on a classic.
A retelling of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, set in the Alaskan tundra.
Prolific picture-book author and illustrator Brett depicts Alice with short black hair, tan skin, and a fur-lined parka, while Lewis Carroll’s well-known characters are recast in new guises: The Cheshire Cat and Queen of Hearts appear as a Smilodon (saber-toothed cat) and snowy owl, respectively. Progressing at a rapid-fire pace, the narrative follows key moments of the original plot, including Alice’s fall down the rabbit hole (located within a glacier here), her tea party with the Hatter and the March Hare (this time, with the Old Prospector and the Varying Hare), and a scene where several playing cards paint the roses red (instead, the cotton grass) at the Queen’s behest. Characteristic of Brett’s illustrative style, each spread is packed with detail. Observant readers will find much to explore, from the well-worn playing cards that line each page to the intricate Alaskan birds and mammals featured at every turn. Still, the hectic rhythm of the story might lose youngsters, and its ho-hum text flattens some of Carroll’s whimsy. Adults may be disappointed that Brett has chosen to highlight only the area’s animals and colonial history (the Prospector hearkens back to Alaska’s history of colonial encroachment), with no explicit mention of the land’s rich Indigenous nations and cultures.
A visually engaging but otherwise underwhelming take on a classic. (Picture book. 5-7)Pub Date: Nov. 26, 2024
ISBN: 9780593533888
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Putnam
Review Posted Online: Sept. 28, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2024
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