A stirring celebration of our connection to—and responsibility for—the natural world.
South Africa’s first Black female free-diving instructor tells the story of a Black South African girl called to the ocean to become a mermaid.
“Your life is here.” “This is your home.” Whispers rush past Zandi’s window. At first, she’s scared, since she’s not a strong swimmer, but the ocean, personified as an aqua-blue deity named Maya, promises her no harm. Maya gives Zandi the gift of glittering mermaid fins to help her swim and a beaded bracelet to remind her of her heritage and allow her to return home. Zandi’s short Afro transforms into long flowing blue braids that evoke the memory of women in her family. Maya reminds Zandi of her grandmother’s warning not to throw garbage into the river. Maya has chosen Zandi to help protect the water and gives her a tour of the sea and its wonders. She tells Zandi that she must learn to understand the song of the ocean, shows her the impacts of pollution on the sea, and teaches her about the historical relationship between her people and the whales. Zandi returns home with a new song to spread throughout her community. Vibrant illustrations use color nicely. A close-up of Zandi’s bare feet in the sparkling blue water contrasts effectively with muted scenes depicting the effects of pollution. The encouraging text will empower many children to care for the environment.
A stirring celebration of our connection to—and responsibility for—the natural world. (author’s note, resources for ocean conservation) (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: March 26, 2024
ISBN: 9781662520105
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Amazon Crossing Kids
Review Posted Online: Jan. 5, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2024
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 friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share.
In this latest in the series, Little Blue Truck, driven by pal Toad, is challenged to a countryside race by Racer Red, a sleek, low-slung vehicle.
Blue agrees, and the race is on. Although the two start off “hood to hood / and wheel to wheel,” they switch positions often as they speed their way over dusty country roads. Blue’s farm friends follow along to share in the excitement and shout out encouragement; adult readers will have fun voicing the various animal sounds. Short rhyming verses on each page and several strategic page turns add drama to the narrative, but soft, mottled effects in the otherwise colorful illustrations keep the competition from becoming too intense. Racer Red crosses the finish line first, but Blue is a gracious loser, happy to have worked hard. That’s a new concept for Racer Red, who’s laser-focused on victory but takes Blue’s words (“win or lose, it’s fun to try!”) to heart—a revelation that may lead to worthwhile storytime discussions. When Blue’s farm animal friends hop into the truck for the ride home, Racer Red tags along and learns a second lesson, one about speed. “Fast is fun, / and slow is too, / as long as you’re / with friends.”
A friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: March 25, 2025
ISBN: 9780063387843
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Clarion/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Jan. 18, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2025
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