A gentle Mother’s Day tale with a message of inclusion.
A child of South Asian descent seeks the perfect card for Mom.
It’s almost Mother’s Day, and the stores are full of gifts, from teddy bears to picture frames to orchids. But the young narrator has only enough money for a card. The child finds cards depicting mothers “with red and gold hair and deep blue eyes.” None of these offerings properly represent Mom, with her gold jewelry, flowing kameez, and “happy brown face.” None of them reflect Mom’s love of bhangra or her talent for making pakoras, curry, rotis, and naan. So the protagonist decides to “make my own”; the result is a loving, handmade creation sure to delight Mom. The characterization of the protagonist’s mother is a bit flat; Mom is primarily described through her physical appearance, the clothes she wears, and the dishes she prepares. Though these details offer insights into South Asian culture, they’re also rooted in traditional gender norms. Still, on the whole it’s a well-told, thoughtfully constructed story with an important takeaway. Brimming with warmth, Kapur’s detailed illustrations combine with tender, alliterative text for a vital narrative about the need for representation for all mothers. Bouncy verse (“flicking fingers, tapping feet, swaying to the dholki’s beat”) sets an upbeat tone. Background characters are racially diverse.
A gentle Mother’s Day tale with a message of inclusion. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: March 4, 2025
ISBN: 9781836290056
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Lantana
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2024
It’s not whether you win or lose; it’s how many mediocre sequels you can squeeze out of Seussian property.
Since a reformed Grinch is hardly any fun, this follow-up Grinches him up once more.
Those seeking more of the same, prepare to receive precisely that. Christmas is coming (again!), and the Grinch can hardly wait. He’s been patient all year, and now he can finally show the Whos down in Who-ville how much he’s changed. When the Grinch learns of a tree-decorating contest, he figures that if he wins, it’ll prove he truly has the Christmas spirit. He throws himself into the task, but when it comes time to judge the trees, the Grinch is horrified to discover that he’s received only the second-place trophy. Can Cindy-Lou Who find the words to save the day? Replicating many of the original beats and wordplay of the original, this tale feels like less a sequel and more like a vaguely rewritten variation. Meanwhile, Ruiz’s art seeks to bridge the gap between the animated Chuck Jones version of the Grinch and the one depicted in the original book. This thankless task results in a strange uncanny valley between Seuss and Jones but does allow the artist a chance to colorize everything and lend some racial diversity to the Who population (Cindy-Lou is light-skinned). (This book was reviewed digitally.)
It’s not whether you win or lose; it’s how many mediocre sequels you can squeeze out of Seussian property. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Sept. 5, 2023
ISBN: 9780593563168
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: Aug. 15, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2023
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BOOK REVIEW
A tale of intergenerational bonding to be shared by grandparents and grandchildren.
In talk-show host Fallon and illustrator Ordóñez’s latest picture-book collaboration, an elderly pooch waxes rhapsodic about a life well lived.
Observing Papa sitting in his chair watching TV all day, a young pup says, “I’m starting to think…you don’t do ANYTHING.” So Papa proceeds to list his accomplishments, both big and small, mundane and profound. Some are just a result of being older and physically bigger (being tall enough to reach a high shelf and strong enough to open jars); others include winning a race and performing in a band when he was younger. Eventually, the pup realizes that while Papa may have slowed down in his old age, he’s led a full life. The most satisfying thing about Papa’s life now? Watching his grandchild take center stage: “I can say lots of thoughts / but I choose to be quiet. / I’d rather you discover things and then try it.” Fallon’s straightforward text is sweetly upbeat, though it occasionally lacks flow, forcing incongruous situations together to fit the rhyme scheme (“I cook and I mow, / and I once flew a plane. // I play newspaper puzzles because it’s good for my brain”). Featuring uncluttered, colorful backgrounds, Ordóñez’s child-friendly digital art at times takes on sepia tones, evoking the sense of looking back at old photos or memories. Though the creators tread familiar ground, the love between Papa and his little one is palpable.
A tale of intergenerational bonding to be shared by grandparents and grandchildren. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: May 13, 2025
ISBN: 9781250393975
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Review Posted Online: May 3, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: today
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BOOK REVIEW
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