An entertainingly energetic, thoroughly realistic capsule of siblings who “are best friends…most of the time.”
Even the toughest squabbles can’t (permanently) harm the special bond between siblings.
Nano and Felix are “best friends”—at least younger sibling Nano thinks so. They “do EVERYTHING together,” but sometimes Felix needs a little space. When Nano claims they’re being “artists from the future,” Felix (rightfully) complains that Nano ruined his picture: “MOOOOOOM! Look what Nano has done!” After tracking Felix outside to the tree house, Nano is shocked to find a “NO Nanos allowed” sign. With little choice, Nano goes solo: “FINE! I’m going to build my own tree house!” But when rain and wind prove overwhelming, Nano’s mounting cries of “Help, Felix!” go unanswered. Suddenly, Felix goes from “bestest big brother” to “WORST big brother…ever!” At least until Felix manages to convince Nano that he is the bestest after all. English author/illustrator Mantle captures an all-too-common family situation—siblings (particularly the elder) needing space—with empathic authenticity and inviting humor. His text holds inventive whimsy: “totally grape” (code for “really great”), “LAVA CAVES OF DOOOOOM!,” “fancy-pants umbrella house.” The “pitta-patta,” “plink-plonk,” and “blip-blop-blopping” of the never-ending rain provide a syncopated soundtrack throughout. His riotous, vibrant art fills every page, with his details—Nano’s missing sock, the children’s skinned knees, hanging cans and CDs adorning the trees in the yard—gloriously typifying childhood. Both siblings have peachy skin; Felix sports black curls, while Nano has orange locks.
An entertainingly energetic, thoroughly realistic capsule of siblings who “are best friends…most of the time.” (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Oct. 7, 2025
ISBN: 9781536245073
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: Aug. 16, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Menacing and most likely to appeal to established fans of its co-creators.
Existing artwork from an artistic giant inspires a fairy-tale reimagination by a master of the horror genre.
In King’s interpretation of a classic Brothers Grimm story, which accompanies set and costume designs that the late Sendak created for a 1997 production of Engelbert Humperdinck’s opera, siblings Hansel and Gretel survive abandonment in the woods and an evil witch’s plot to gobble them up before finding their “happily ever after” alongside their father. Prose with the reassuring cadence of an old-timey tale, paired with Sendak’s instantly recognizable artwork, will lull readers before capitalizing on these creators’ knack for injecting darkness into seemingly safe spaces. Gaping faces loom in crevices of rocks and trees, and a gloomy palette of muted greens and ocher amplify the story’s foreboding tone, while King never sugarcoats the peach-skinned children’s peril. Branches with “clutching fingers” hide “the awful enchanted house” of a “child-stealing witch,” all portrayed in an eclectic mix of spot and full-bleed images. Featuring insults that might strike some as harsh (“idiot,” “fool”), the lengthy, dense text may try young readers’ patience, and the often overwhelmingly ominous mood feels more pitched to adults—particularly those familiar with King and Sendak—but an introduction acknowledges grandparents as a likely audience, and nostalgia may prompt leniency over an occasional disconnect between words and art.
Menacing and most likely to appeal to established fans of its co-creators. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Sept. 2, 2025
ISBN: 9780062644695
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Aug. 15, 2025
Nice enough but not worth repeat reads.
Emma deals with jitters before playing the guitar in the school talent show.
Pop musician Kevin Jonas and his wife, Danielle, put performance at the center of their picture-book debut. When Emma is intimidated by her very talented friends, the encouragement of her younger sister, Bella, and the support of her family help her to shine her own light. The story is straightforward and the moral familiar: Draw strength from your family and within to overcome your fears. Employing the performance-anxiety trope that’s been written many times over, the book plods along predictably—there’s nothing really new or surprising here. Dawson’s full-color digital illustrations center a White-presenting family along with Emma’s three friends of color: Jamila has tanned skin and wears a hijab; Wendy has dark brown skin and Afro puffs; and Luis has medium brown skin. Emma’s expressive eyes and face are the real draw of the artwork—from worry to embarrassment to joy, it’s clear what she’s feeling. A standout double-page spread depicts Emma’s talent show performance, with a rainbow swirl of music erupting from an amp and Emma rocking a glam outfit and electric guitar. Overall, the book reads pretty plainly, buoyed largely by the artwork. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Nice enough but not worth repeat reads. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: March 29, 2022
ISBN: 978-0-593-35207-6
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Razorbill/Penguin
Review Posted Online: Feb. 8, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
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