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ALPHABUDDIES

Name: ALPHABUDDIES
Author: Beth Bacon
ISBN: 9780063055971

G IS FIRST!

by Beth Bacon & Karen Kane ; illustrated by Eric Barclay ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 4, 2023

Hilarious and subversive.

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The letter G’s plea that the letters take turns going first is almost defeated by A’s insecurity.

An ABC book thrills G: “Look! It’s a book about us!” When A claims proudly to be “first, as always,” G invents a game called “G is first!” A strenuously objects: “You will NEVER be first!” because “It is all there in the song.” Changing the song, as G naturally suggests is dismissed. Though both G and Z agree that they should take turns going first, A says that changing the alphabet order would “DESTROY reading.” The two rebel letters proceed to sing “G, B, C, D, E, F, A,” and, finding that they survive, accuse A of scare tactics, leading to a confession that A’s rigid adherence stems from a fear of losing status. G and Z reassure A—after all, A is an entire word! A concedes happily that being first doesn’t matter. They sing a new version. Finally, the number 3 asks to join the fun; A and Z are dubious, but G and 3 begin singing, making 3 the third letter of the alphabet, and…BOOM! But it’s not the end of reading—just of the book. The small-panel comic illustrations are charming; the letters, with stick appendages, tiny accessories, and simple but expressive features, have distinct personalities. The bubble-text type is clear and at developing readers’ level, while the pacing and humor are deft. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Hilarious and subversive. (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: July 4, 2023

ISBN: 9780063055971

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins

Review Posted Online: April 11, 2023

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2023

Categories:

CHILDREN'S CONCEPTS | 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)