A tribute to mothers everywhere who juggle work, home, and child rearing with love and plenty of hugs.
Mommies have so much to do that they need eight arms!
Mommy’s arms, open wide for a hug, greet a child in the morning to begin a busy day. The mother, who works from home, has a list of tasks that include making calls, writing emails, preparing reports, doing laundry, and cooking. Although the child laments “she left out play!” Mommy does a super job of juggling household tasks and work while still finding time to play, and the child is independent enough to build block towers and create animals from clay during Mommy’s video call. Still, during nap time, the child dreams of a bright pink octopus that has one arm to handle all of Mommy’s work and seven more for tending to the child. When the child wakes to another hug, the illustration shows faint octopus tentacles, complete with two tentacles curled to make a heart behind Mommy. Mommy and child continue their day and, at bedtime, conclude that having eight arms like an octopus might be helpful for getting things done, but two arms are just right for giving and receiving a hug. Brightly colored illustrations against a white background and close-ups of emotional moments keep the focus on the busy day and the loving interactions between parent and child. The child has sandy hair and a light complexion, while the mother has chestnut hair, a slightly darker complexion, and a wrist tattoo. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A tribute to mothers everywhere who juggle work, home, and child rearing with love and plenty of hugs. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Feb. 7, 2023
ISBN: 978-1-5107-7124-6
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Sky Pony Press
Review Posted Online: Oct. 26, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2022
A tale of intergenerational bonding to be shared by grandparents and grandchildren.
In talk-show host Fallon and illustrator Ordóñez’s latest picture-book collaboration, an elderly pooch waxes rhapsodic about a life well lived.
Observing Papa sitting in his chair watching TV all day, a young pup says, “I’m starting to think…you don’t do ANYTHING.” So Papa proceeds to list his accomplishments, both big and small, mundane and profound. Some are just a result of being older and physically bigger (being tall enough to reach a high shelf and strong enough to open jars); others include winning a race and performing in a band when he was younger. Eventually, the pup realizes that while Papa may have slowed down in his old age, he’s led a full life. The most satisfying thing about Papa’s life now? Watching his grandchild take center stage: “I can say lots of thoughts / but I choose to be quiet. / I’d rather you discover things and then try it.” Fallon’s straightforward text is sweetly upbeat, though it occasionally lacks flow, forcing incongruous situations together to fit the rhyme scheme (“I cook and I mow, / and I once flew a plane. // I play newspaper puzzles because it’s good for my brain”). Featuring uncluttered, colorful backgrounds, Ordóñez’s child-friendly digital art at times takes on sepia tones, evoking the sense of looking back at old photos or memories. Though the creators tread familiar ground, the love between Papa and his little one is palpable.
A tale of intergenerational bonding to be shared by grandparents and grandchildren. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: May 13, 2025
ISBN: 9781250393975
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Review Posted Online: May 3, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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
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