A bright, big universe of fun and imagination.
A busy father makes time to tell his bored young children an exciting story of space adventure, teamwork, and compromise.
Dad, Jamie, and Abby, who have brown skin, curly hair, and toothy smiles, huddle up close to share stories of the faraway world of Princess Leona’s Star Defenders. This group of space heroes includes Prince Pilot, Captain Neigh the Space Horse, Cosmic Witch Bogwart, and Princess Leona herself. The cartoonish illustrations are vibrant, which makes the threat of the evil Doktor Drab even more daunting as he brings with him a dullness that drains the pages of color. But just as Princess Leona is calling upon the titular Space Pirate Bears, the galaxy’s greatest heroes, Abby and Jamie derail the story as they squabble over the details. Are the bears unicorn doctors, too, as Abby would like, or secret agents, as Jamie insists? Ever the savvy storyteller, Dad eventually guides the adventure toward a reasonable resolution to thwart Doktor Drab and empower the formerly bored kids to become collaborative storytellers of their own: Obviously, the heroes are Space Pirate Secret Agent Unicorn Doctor Flying Ninja Bears! With the help of unicorn rainbow laser beams, the day is saved (and a lot more colorful), and the kids—and readers—are gently reminded of the fun of working together. Though Doktor Drab has grayish skin, most human characters in Dad’s tale are brown-skinned.
A bright, big universe of fun and imagination. (Picture book. 4–8)Pub Date: Dec. 1, 2023
ISBN: 9781684647361
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Kane Miller
Review Posted Online: Sept. 23, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
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
An affirming, though lackluster, look at a loving queer family.
For his debut picture book, teacher and activist Chasten Buttigieg draws inspiration from life with husband Pete Buttigieg, former U.S. transportation secretary.
The big day has finally arrived! Rosie and Jojo have been counting down the days until Papa comes home from his work trip. With a little help from Daddy, they make “welcome home” signs to greet Papa at the airport, pick flowers from the garden, and bake a “seven-layer chocolate cake with purple and yellow frosting.” Much to Daddy’s bemusement, the kids gather all of Papa’s favorite things, including his robe and slippers and their adorable pooch, Butter, as they walk out the door to pick up Papa from his travels. The author offers an affectionate portrait of the everyday domestic life of a same-sex family unit. While many kids and adults will be pleased to see their experiences reflected on the page, both the choppy writing and the flat digital artwork are fairly bland. Characters display similarly excited facial expressions throughout, while the portrayal of the children borders on overly cutesy at times, with intentionally misspelled signs throughout the house (“Papa’s Very Spechull Garden. Please do not tutch”). Like the author’s actual children, Rosie and Jojo are brown-skinned, while Daddy and Papa present white.
An affirming, though lackluster, look at a loving queer family. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: May 20, 2025
ISBN: 9780593693988
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Philomel
Review Posted Online: Feb. 15, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
© Copyright 2025 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
