For school libraries serving diverse communities, this vibrant animal allegory set in Africa should be a hit.
A resolute zebra proves that the color of his stripes doesn’t determine his value in this illustrated picture book.
Zen the Zebra loves to run, and he’s so fast that he constantly brags how he can beat all the other animals in a race. The lions know they don’t stand a chance at catching him, and while the cheetahs give it their best shot, even they can’t keep up with the zebra. Out of competitors, Zen decides to find some zebras to race, outpacing several predators along the way. But when he finds a zebra herd, which includes an improbably pink-maned mare whom no one discriminates against because of her odd coloring, the members all ignore Zen because he is white-and-black (his hooves are white) rather than black-and-white (their hooves are black). Zen is properly confused by this arbitrary difference, and to prove his worth, he challenges the whole herd to a race, giving the group a head start. The superfast Zen easily beats his rivals, but rather than lording it over them the way he gloated early on in the book, he offers his hoof in friendship after the black-and-white zebra leader admits “we are the ones who are inferior.” He then asks Zen for speed training. Tellem (Krazy Kathleen, 2016, etc.) touches on some excellent topics, particularly in his depiction of the zebras’ arbitrary racism. But while Zen’s arrogance is backed by his skill, this trait is never particularly admirable. And though he easily forgives a slight, there’s no development on his part that shows his growth from boasting to understanding. In addition, the only female character—the pink-maned zebra—has no role other than to be the animal Zen most wants to impress. The vocabulary is appropriate for young independent readers, but the shifts in type size and some odd placement of the text on the spread where Zen eludes various predators may confuse audiences. Despite those flaws, children are sure to be drawn to Nailon’s (Of Course I Love You!, 2013, etc.) vivid African creatures and landscapes. And the tale’s overarching theme of friendship and forgiveness triumphing over racism remains a strong one.
For school libraries serving diverse communities, this vibrant animal allegory set in Africa should be a hit.Pub Date: Jan. 15, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-9799653-1-9
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Swordpen Publishers
Review Posted Online: March 31, 2017
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
I've seen only three double spreads and the text of this picture book by the author-artist of Lentil — but I'm sure it is going to be an enchanting and very original book. Mr. Mallard thinks the Boston Public Gardens would be a nice place to raise a family; but Mrs. Mallard is afraid of the swan boats, though the peanuts tempt her too. So she makes her nest near the River Charles, and agrees to meet Mr. Mallard in the Public Gardens when the ducklings have had some training. The time comes; she sets out with the ducklings stringing along behind her. It takes the Boston police department to get them across the streets, but get there they do, and reach the Public Garden pond in safety.
Pub Date: Aug. 18, 1941
ISBN: 0140564349
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 27, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 1941
Best for readers who have clearly indicated they would like to take their writing efforts to the next level.
A young white girl writes and illustrates a story, which is critiqued by the narrator as it is created.
The girl begins her story by drawing a Hero. Then she thinks maybe a Heroine would be better. Then she decides both will work. She places them in “a good town, filled with good people, called our Setting.” The narrator, an unseen editor who lurks over the artist’s shoulder, tells the storyteller she needs to put in some Conflict, make the Evil Overlord scarier, and give it better action. This tongue-in-cheek way of delivering the rules of creative writing is clever, and paired with Le Huche’s earnest, childlike illustrations, it seems to be aimed at giving helpful direction to aspiring young creators (although the illustrations are not critiqued). But the question needs to be asked: do very young writers really need to know the rules of writing as determined by adults? While the story appears to be about helping young readers learn writing—there is “A Friendly List of Words Used in this Book” at the end with such words as “protagonist” and “antagonist” (glossed as “Hero and Heroine” and “Evil Overlord,” respectively)—it also has a decidedly unhelpful whiff of judgment. Rules, the text seems to say, must be followed for the story to be a Good one. Ouch.
Best for readers who have clearly indicated they would like to take their writing efforts to the next level. (Picture book. 6-10)Pub Date: Sept. 12, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-4814-2935-1
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Paula Wiseman/Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: July 1, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2017
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