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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LITTLE BLUE TRUCK AND RACER RED

From the Little Blue Truck series

by Alice Schertle ; illustrated by Jill McElmurry ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 25, 2025

A friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share.

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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)