Darling new friends with sweet life lessons for new readers.
Dunham introduces readers to Skunk, Raccoon, and their woodland friends in this new early-reader series.
When wind rips through the forest and meadows of Buttercup Grove, Skunk is frightened and anxious. Holed up in his windblown home, on his cozy sofa, Skunk calls for his brave friend Raccoon to come over and help alleviate his fear. Raccoon has an idea for a surprise, something that he and Skunk can make together and that may just make the wind far less frightening as well: a kite! By dint of compassionate friendship and a little creativity, the fearful wind is transformed into a plaything. Companion title Sunflower Summer continues in this vein with a focus on developing patience as the friends from Buttercup Grove expectantly await the full bloom of their summer sunflower garden. Sparks’ charming watercolor-and-ink illustrations accompany the limited-vocabulary text to provide interest and context clues for beginning readers. Though quotes from Scripture at the end of each title point readers toward relevant Christian teachings (Psalms for this title, Romans for Sunflower Summer), the positive character-building messages will likely appeal to readers of other backgrounds as well.
Darling new friends with sweet life lessons for new readers. (Early reader. 4-8)Pub Date: March 1, 2018
ISBN: 978-0-7369-7200-0
Page Count: 66
Publisher: Harvest House
Review Posted Online: Jan. 12, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2018
BOOK REVIEW
Though cheerful illustrations add some zest, this little prayer feels flat.
Based on the lyrics of his song by the same name, Archuleta’s foray into picture books calls upon his musical roots as well as his faith.
The book is language-sparse, with most of the story told through Ugolotti’s illustrations. These depict a White child who dreams of playing soccer but must grapple with disappointment. When the unnamed protagonist, who presents male, is not picked to play for the soccer team, he befriends a Black child who presents female and who has also been left out of the game, due to injury. Their initial connection on the sidelines blossoms into a true friendship, proving to be a far richer outcome than the aspiring soccer star could have anticipated. Alongside the visual story runs a little prayer of gratitude thanking God for his presence, patience, and plan in the child’s life. The words are general, with no reference to either soccer or friendship: “Heavenly Father, I am grateful for your eternal presence. / I am learning to be patient and that you are really there.” Though the interracial mixed-gender friendship is cute, the overall prayer and plot are bland. This is useful to augment collections and bookshelves where Christian picture books are in high demand, but it does not stand out from the pack. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Though cheerful illustrations add some zest, this little prayer feels flat. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-952239-54-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Bushel & Peck Books
Review Posted Online: Aug. 17, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2021
Brimming with gratitude, familial love, and joy.
A Black child celebrates their family through prayer and affirmations.
Using repetition (“My mother is a blessing,” “My father is a blessing”), the young narrator prays for various family members, asking that they be kept “safe and well.” Each spread explains why a different member is beloved. The child’s mother “listens to my hopes and dreams” and “watches over me while I sleep.” The child’s father “teaches me to see that rainy days / are lucky days.” Their grandmother “bakes buttery lemon pound cake just for me,” while their grandfather “knows the histories of the world.” Their sister “keeps my secrets” and “helps me find my way,” and their brother “holds my hand when I’m afraid.” Complementing the loving verse, the illustrations are full of warmth and texture and play with geometrical shapes. Godparents, babysitters, and the family dog are even included, too. This book promotes an appreciation for household members as well as the family that can be created outside the home. In an author’s note, Youngblood explains that when she was growing up in Georgia, members of the Black community who weren’t related were often still considered family and that prayer was a big part of her life as a child coping with the death of her birth mother and the realization that she had siblings she’d never met. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Brimming with gratitude, familial love, and joy. (Religious picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: May 9, 2023
ISBN: 9780593234693
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Convergent/Crown
Review Posted Online: March 28, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
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