Gently radical.
A band of young naturalists leap forward for change in Morales’ eco-conscious appeal.
“How shall we begin?” The inquiry comes from three diminutive “rebeldes” (Spanish for rebels)—one with basalt-colored skin, one with rich brown skin, and another with vitiligo of the skin. Morales pulls various streaks of inspiration—an Olmec head, a blue land crab—together to weave earth-toned artwork that amazes. So what does it mean to be a little rebel? Apart from appearing in “all colors and forms,” little rebels “take the time we need to find each other,” ask questions, use words to “shape the world we want to live in,” and dream big. The three youngsters merrily travel across the land, joined by a dog, butterflies, and a small bird, before one suggests playing with agüita (water). Arriving at the lagoon, the rebels instead find a dried-up bed of cracked soil, much to their dismay. And then, “KEEEK.” Their little feathered friend falls through a crack. Calling on their older brethren—las abuelas rebeldes—for guidance, the little rebels rise to save the day. Sprinkling a few Spanish words among the predominantly English text, Morales wistfully invites readers to consider their relationship with nature, encouraging self-reflection and creativity in equal measure. Though overstuffed with narration, speech bubbles, and occasional comics-style phrases, this rallying cry nonetheless beckons all dreamers. Publishes simultaneously in Spanish.
Gently radical. (guidance on being a “little rebel”) (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Sept. 2, 2025
ISBN: 9780823447541
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Neal Porter/Holiday House
Review Posted Online: June 13, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2025
SEEN & HEARD
Halloween is used merely as a backdrop; better holiday titles for young readers are available.
A ghost learns to appreciate his differences.
The little ghost protagonist of this title is unusual. He’s a quilt, not a lightweight sheet like his parents and friends. He dislikes being different despite his mom’s reassurance that his ancestors also had unconventional appearances. Halloween makes the little ghost happy, though. He decides to watch trick-or-treaters by draping over a porch chair—but lands on a porch rail instead. A mom accompanying her daughter picks him up, wraps him around her chilly daughter, and brings him home with them! The family likes his looks and comforting warmth, and the little ghost immediately feels better about himself. As soon as he’s able to, he flies out through the chimney and muses happily that this adventure happened only due to his being a quilt. This odd but gently told story conveys the importance of self-respect and acceptance of one’s uniqueness. The delivery of this positive message has something of a heavy-handed feel and is rushed besides. It also isn’t entirely logical: The protagonist could have been a different type of covering; a blanket, for instance, might have enjoyed an identical experience. The soft, pleasing illustrations’ palette of tans, grays, white, black, some touches of color, and, occasionally, white text against black backgrounds suggest isolation, such as the ghost feels about himself. Most humans, including the trick-or-treating mom and daughter, have beige skin. (This book was reviewed digitally with 11-by-16.6-inch double-page spreads viewed at 66.2% of actual size.)
Halloween is used merely as a backdrop; better holiday titles for young readers are available. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-7352-6447-2
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Tundra Books
Review Posted Online: July 13, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2020
BOOK REVIEW
More fun antics to satisfy returning fans and snag new ones.
Not even the arrival of autumn can cool down this impetuous squirrel.
Although Squirrel is skeptical about Bird’s vegetable patch (“Nothing is HAPPENING!”), Bird does produce five (count them) lovely pumpkins. Squirrel picks out a favorite: “The enormous orange one.” Bird hints that Squirrel might want to help out; Squirrel sets out to fetch some work gloves and returns to find only four pumpkins. The frequently distracted Squirrel notices more gourds disappearing and leaps to the conclusion that a thief is near. And where’s Bird?! Has Squirrel’s pal also been taken? Diligently detecting, Squirrel finds clues—peck marks, footprints, and more—and produces a sketch of the suspect. As readers will guess, each clue turns out to point to one of Squirrel and Bird’s friends. Turns out Bird was delivering pumpkins to their pals while saving the big one to give to “my very best friend,” Squirrel. But why does Squirrel haul it up a tree? “So the Pumpkin Thief can’t find it, of course!” A page of pumpkin facts provides the learning component common to all titles in this series. Once more, readers will enjoy the pleasure of prediction and repetition, Squirrel’s silly persistence, Bird’s generosity, and the vibrant color illustrations, balancing orange with green.
More fun antics to satisfy returning fans and snag new ones. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: July 28, 2026
ISBN: 9781464268076
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Review Posted Online: Aug. 11, 2026
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