A sweet read that will grow with readers while tugging on their heartstrings.
The joy of new life and precious firsts shared throughout the animal kingdom.
In simple, rhyming text, the story of the early days of babies’ lives plays out along with gentle illustrations. Wolf pups howl with their pack, while a giraffe calf takes its first awkward steps. Readers will find familiar animals such as rabbits and horses alongside those that might be lesser known, including the loon. The book ends with images of human children taking part in accomplishments such as first steps; a narrator promises to “be beside you wherever you go. // Cheering with wonder and joy… / as you grow.” On each spread, readers will find a brief fact; for instance, baby rabbits don’t open their eyes until 10 days after they’re born. The balance between the flow of the concise, rhyming text and the factual information makes for a book that children will continue to appreciate as they grow. Little ones and their caregivers can read it straight through or linger and learn a bit more while also scoping out the appended “Animal Milestones” section for further information. The animals look like snuggly stuffed toys come to life rather than realistic wild creatures, but that only adds to the appeal. The few people depicted at the end have varied skin tones and hair colors.
A sweet read that will grow with readers while tugging on their heartstrings. (Picture book. 0-3)Pub Date: Aug. 20, 2024
ISBN: 9781728275437
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Sourcebooks eXplore
Review Posted Online: May 4, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2024
Essential.
A guidebook for taking action against racism.
The clear title and bold, colorful illustrations will immediately draw attention to this book, designed to guide each reader on a personal journey to work to dismantle racism. In the author’s note, Jewell begins with explanations about word choice, including the use of the terms “folx,” because it is gender neutral, and “global majority,” noting that marginalized communities of color are actually the majority in the world. She also chooses to capitalize Black, Brown, and Indigenous as a way of centering these communities’ voices; "white" is not capitalized. Organized in four sections—identity, history, taking action, and working in solidarity—each chapter builds on the lessons of the previous section. Underlined words are defined in the glossary, but Jewell unpacks concepts around race in an accessible way, bringing attention to common misunderstandings. Activities are included at the end of each chapter; they are effective, prompting both self-reflection and action steps from readers. The activities are designed to not be written inside the actual book; instead Jewell invites readers to find a special notebook and favorite pen and use that throughout. Combining the disruption of common fallacies, spotlights on change makers, the author’s personal reflections, and a call to action, this powerful book has something for all young people no matter what stage they are at in terms of awareness or activism.
Essential. (author’s note, further reading, glossary, select bibliography) (Nonfiction. 10-18)Pub Date: Jan. 7, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-7112-4521-1
Page Count: 160
Publisher: Frances Lincoln
Review Posted Online: Sept. 14, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2019
BOOK REVIEW
PROFILES
An authentic and moving time capsule of middle school angst, trauma, and joy.
Through the author’s own childhood diary entries, a seventh grader details her inner life before and after 9/11.
Alyssa’s diary entries start in September 2000, in the first week of her seventh grade year. She’s 11 and dealing with typical preteen concerns—popularity and anxiety about grades—along with other things more particular to her own life. She’s shuffling between Queens and Manhattan to share time between her divorced parents and struggling with thick facial hair and classmates who make her feel like she’s “not a whole person” due to her mixed White and Puerto Rican heritage. Alyssa is endlessly earnest and awkward as she works up the courage to talk to her crush, Alejandro; gushes about her dreams of becoming a shoe designer; and tries to solve her burgeoning unibrow problem. The diaries also have a darker side, as a sense of impending doom builds as the entries approach 9/11, especially because Alyssa’s father works in finance in the World Trade Center. As a number of the diary entries are taken directly from the author’s originals, they effortlessly capture the loud, confusing feelings middle school brings out. The artwork, in its muted but effective periwinkle tones, lends a satisfying layer to the diary’s accessible and delightful format.
An authentic and moving time capsule of middle school angst, trauma, and joy. (author's note) (Graphic memoir. 8-13)Pub Date: Aug. 17, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-250-77427-9
Page Count: 288
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Review Posted Online: June 15, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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