While it leaves some unanswered questions, this abandonment tale should help start a conversation.
This picture book hopes to comfort children whose parents have left them.
For kids, there are few experiences more painful than abandonment. Sometimes, though, a parent has little choice in the matter, as the narrator explains to a beloved child in warmly expressed rhyming couplets or tercets. Reasons for leaving can include substance abuse, mental illness, or incarceration—situations where departing is a necessary part of protecting children. But the tale emphasizes that no matter what, absent parents don’t forget their children. The story closes with the hope that the youngster will heal and a request for forgiveness, with a final reminder that whatever the reason, “I didn’t leave because of you.” A single work, especially a picture book, can’t solve such a complex issue, which can be oversimplified; some parents do, in fact, forget about their kids. At times, the target audience seems to be guilt-stricken parents rather than their children, who may not understand concepts like thinking “your life would be better if I didn’t stay.” Nevertheless, it’s important for abandoned kids to know it’s not their fault, and White’s story could foster discussion. The digital images by debut illustrator Manning depict racially diverse characters and sympathetically portray children’s distress.
While it leaves some unanswered questions, this abandonment tale should help start a conversation. (question and answer section)Pub Date: Sept. 6, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-63177-646-5
Page Count: 38
Publisher: Mascot Books
Review Posted Online: Aug. 6, 2020
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
A tale of mutual adoration that hits a sweet note.
Little Honey Bunny Funnybunny loves baseball almost as much as she loves her big brother P.J.—though it’s a close-run thing.
Readers familiar with the pranks P.J. plays on his younger sibling in older episodes of the series (most illustrated by Roger Bollen) will be amused—and perhaps a little confused—to see him in the role of perfect big brother after meeting his swaddled little sister for the first time in mama’s lap. But here, along with being a constant companion and “always happy to see her,” he cements his heroic status in her eyes by hitting a home run for his baseball team and then patiently teaching her how to play T-ball. After carefully coaching her and leading her through warm-up exercises, he even sits in the stands, loudly cheering her on as she scores the winning run in her own very first game. “‘You are the best brother a bunny could ever have!’” she burbles. This tale’s a tad blander compared with others centered on P.J. and his sister, but it’s undeniably cheery, with text well structured for burgeoning readers. The all-smiles animal cast in Bowers’ cartoon art features a large and diversely hued family of bunnies sporting immense floppy ears as well as a multispecies crowd of furry onlookers equally varied of color, with one spectator in a wheelchair.
A tale of mutual adoration that hits a sweet note. (Early reader. 6-8)Pub Date: Jan. 6, 2026
ISBN: 9798217032464
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: March 17, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2026
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Cuándo quieras un perro feliz, look no further.
A young Latine boy finally gets to rescue the dog of his dreams, but training can be a challenge in two languages.
Like many children, José has been dreaming of having a pet of his own, specifically un perro, a dog. Like any good owner, José promptly begins training his new canine companion but soon realizes his rescue mutt, Feliz, knows only words in English. This is a problem because in José’s home everyone speaks both Spanish and English. José and Feliz must rise to the challenge; fortunately, treats and snuggles are great motivators. The narrative uses Spanish words and phrases throughout (“perros blancos,” “¡Yo quiero este!” “¡Sientate!”), usually with English context clues for understanding. This is complex vocabulary for an early reader, and the shifting in phonics from English to Spanish will be challenging for true beginners; the book is best suited for intermediate to advanced readers in dual-language classrooms or homes. Much like Feliz, however, it is sure to find a loving (and bilingual) home. Cheerful illustrations complement the text, helping readers make sense of the narrative. While José and his mother are darker-skinned, his father and sister are lighter-skinned. (This review has been updated for accuracy.)
Cuándo quieras un perro feliz, look no further. (glossary of Spanish-English words) (Early reader. 6-8)Pub Date: April 25, 2023
ISBN: 978-0-593-52116-8
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Penguin Workshop
Review Posted Online: Jan. 11, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
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