A RAINBOW IN YOUR CLOUD

Name: A RAINBOW IN YOUR CLOUD
Author: Amina Mucciolo
ISBN: 9781338792409

by Amina Mucciolo ; illustrated by Elle Pierre ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 4, 2025

A less-than-compelling story, though the striking art and crucial messages of self-acceptance will strike a chord with many.

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Instagram influencer Mucciolo offers an ode to unicorns—and to self-love.

Amina, who uses they/them pronouns, doesn’t want to admit that they still like unicorns, though their friends have moved on to new interests. But, with the support of their loving pals, Amina soon realizes that it’s better to embrace their true self. This brief plotline takes place over just a few two-page spreads in the middle of the book; otherwise, there’s no real narrative arc, with most pages devoted to Amina offering a series of affirmations: “Whenever I wear an outfit that makes me feel happy…or braid my hair the way I like, my rainbow glows and grows.” The bright, lively, candy-colored cartoon illustrations are a strength; they’ll draw readers’ attention far more than the words. Still, the book offers much-needed encouragement to readers afraid to let their own rainbows shine; neurodivergent children will feel especially bolstered when Amina describes their tendency to flap their hands when they’re excited. One of the most important lessons occurs when Amina pushes back against the idea of being seen as “a little too much”: “I don’t care because I know I’m just right.” The characters all present Black and have fun, memorable designs, from vibrant hair colors to snazzy clothing patterns. On the final spread, they all appear together, labeled by name.

A less-than-compelling story, though the striking art and crucial messages of self-acceptance will strike a chord with many. (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: March 4, 2025

ISBN: 9781338792409

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Scholastic

Review Posted Online: Dec. 14, 2024

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2025

Categories:

CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES

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WHY A DAUGHTER NEEDS A MOM

by Gregory R. Lange ; illustrated by Sydney Hanson ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 1, 2019

New parents of daughters will eat these up and perhaps pass on the lessons learned.

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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

Categories:

CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES | CHILDREN'S FAMILY | CHILDREN'S HOLIDAYS & CELEBRATIONS

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THE COOL BEAN MAKES A SPLASH

From the I Can Read! series

by Jory John ; illustrated by Pete Oswald ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 26, 2024

Another quirky take on the series theme that it’s cool to be kind.

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The cool beans again step up to do a timorous fellow legume a fava…this time at the pool.

Will a rash decision to tackle the multistory super-slide lead to another embarrassing watery fail for our shy protagonist? Nope, for up the stairs right behind comes a trio of cool beans, each a different type and color, all clad in nothing but dark shades. They make an offer: “It’s not as scary if you go with friends!” As the knobby nerd explains once the thrilling ride down is done, “They all realized that I just needed some encouragement and support.” Just to make sure that both cool and uncool readers get the message, the narrator lets us know that “there are plenty of kind folks who have my back. They’re always there when I need them.” The beany bonhomie doesn’t end at the bottom of the slide, with all gliding down to the shallow end of the pool (“3 INCHES. NO DIVING”) for a splashy finale. This latest early reader starring characters from John and Oswald’s immensely popular Food Group series will be a hit with fans. Fun accessories, such as a bean who rocks pink cat-eye frames, add some pizzazz to the chromatically and somatotypically varied cast.

Another quirky take on the series theme that it’s cool to be kind. (Easy reader. 5-7)