This cute tale proves it’s not hard to see things in a new light.
Bugs bug some people.
Ruby loves animals, particularly furry and ocean-dwelling ones. But bugs? No thanks. Ruby awakens to find a large bug outside the window. Ignoring Mommy’s suggestion to study it like a scientist, Ruby instead attempts to shoo the bug away by screaming at it, but it stays put. Worse, the screaming lands Ruby in timeout. This works out well, however, because, left alone with the visitor, animal aficionado and nascent scientist Ruby reassesses the situation and discovers an appreciation of—and even admiration of—“Mr. Yuck-Bug,” who the child thinks might be a beetle. Ruby discusses bioluminescent fish with the bug, draws pictures of him, and even feels contrite about yelling at him earlier. When night falls and the insect flies off, Ruby makes an exhilarating discovery about what’s lighting up the sky! This sweet story about changing one’s mind and seeing things from a new perspective will charm young readers, many of whom may be bug fans. Dark-haired, tan-skinned, gap-toothed Ruby, who narrates in chatty first person, is a realistic character who unabashedly owns up to a bug aversion and uses agency to overcome it. Mommy is light-skinned, while Daddy is brown-skinned. The energetic illustrations, created with a combination of mixed-media and digital techniques, are often set in panels and insets; some type is set in larger colored capitals for dramatic emphasis. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
This cute tale proves it’s not hard to see things in a new light. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: June 21, 2022
ISBN: 978-0-593-17417-3
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Knopf
Review Posted Online: May 24, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
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
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
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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