A poignant tale of new beginnings.
A young refugee far from home begins establishing new roots when she discovers a seedling.
Conley and Johnston vividly bring to life the story of a young girl adapting to the turmoil around her as she and her parents settle into their new lives. Amira and her family are still unpacking after arriving at a resettlement camp when she notices a small plant growing in a corner of her suitcase. Amira instantly feels a connection to the plant and promises to care for it while giving it space to grow. When Amira’s new friends, Nala and Tien, learn about the plant, they each gift her with a seed, which she plants beside the seedling. As the trio nurtures the plants and they begin to grow, so do Amira’s confidence and sense of self. Johnston’s illustrations use pastel colors that add gentleness to this positive refugee narrative. Conley’s text is enriched by just enough figurative language. The account of Amira’s adjustment to her new country is interspersed with dreams and memories of her old home. The family’s struggles are presented in an age-appropriate and relatable way, as is Amira’s ability to adapt and find hope in her new environment. Amira, Nala, and Tien are presumed South Asian. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A poignant tale of new beginnings. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: April 5, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-913639-77-8
Page Count: 32
Publisher: New Frontier Publishing
Review Posted Online: March 1, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2022
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 solid if message-driven conversation starter about the hard parts of learning.
Children realize their dreams one step at a time in this story about growth mindset.
A child crashes and damages a new bicycle on a dark, rainy day. Attempting a wheelie, the novice cyclist falls onto the sidewalk, grimacing, and, having internalized this setback as failure, vows to never ride again but to “walk…forever.” Then the unnamed protagonist happens upon a glowing orb in the forest, a “thought rearranger-er”—a luminous pink fairy called the Magical Yet. This Yet reminds the child of past accomplishments and encourages perseverance. The second-person rhyming couplets remind readers that mistakes are part of learning and that with patience and effort, children can achieve. Readers see the protagonist learn to ride the bike before a flash-forward shows the child as a capable college graduate confidently designing a sleek new bike. This book shines with diversity: racial, ethnic, ability, and gender. The gender-indeterminate protagonist has light brown skin and exuberant curly locks; Amid the bustling secondary cast, one child uses a prosthesis, and another wears hijab. At no point in the text is the Yet defined as a metaphor for a growth mindset; adults reading with younger children will likely need to clarify this abstract lesson. The artwork is powerful and detailed—pay special attention to the endpapers that progress to show the Yet at work.
A solid if message-driven conversation starter about the hard parts of learning. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: April 14, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-368-02562-1
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion/LBYR
Review Posted Online: Dec. 7, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2020
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