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EMERGENCY QUARTERS

A vibrant, bighearted account of a child’s first forays into independence.

A young boy learns the value of a quarter in Matias and Zhang’s beguiling picture book.

It’s Monday and the first day of school. Ready to become a “niño grande,” Ernesto prepares for the walk to school—this time without his parents to accompany him! With his lucky sneakers and favorite Mets cap on, he goes to the door, “feelin’ freshhhh!” But wait! His mom cuts him off, handing him a shiny new quarter for a pay phone in case of an emergency. A kiss goodbye, and Ernesto heads out with his friends. The group stops at Señor José’s bodega, where baseball cards tempt Ernesto. But he refuses to use his quarter. For the entire school week, Ernesto receives an emergency quarter from his mamá each morning and each day refuses sweet temptations such as jugos de frutas and tamales with steadfast determination. “These quarters are for emergencies.” Fittingly, the story ends on an unexpected and delightful note. In his picture-book debut, Matias serves up a playful slice-of-life tale that bubbles with heart and gentle humor. A palpable portrait of community emerges through each named character and local tiendita introduced, guiding readers through Ernesto’s neighborhood. Likewise, Zhang’s gouache, watercolor, and ink artwork is richly dense, with lush colors, angled and wide perspectives, and expressionistic details that conjure a bustling city. Ernesto and his family are Dominican, while the surrounding community demonstrates racial diversity.

A vibrant, bighearted account of a child’s first forays into independence. (author’s note) (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: May 28, 2024

ISBN: 9780063271456

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Katherine Tegen/HarperCollins

Review Posted Online: Feb. 17, 2024

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2024

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WHY A DAUGHTER NEEDS A MOM

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

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

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PAPA'S COMING HOME

An affirming, though lackluster, look at a loving queer family.

For his debut picture book, teacher and activist Chasten Buttigieg draws inspiration from life with husband Pete Buttigieg, former U.S. transportation secretary.

The big day has finally arrived! Rosie and Jojo have been counting down the days until Papa comes home from his work trip. With a little help from Daddy, they make “welcome home” signs to greet Papa at the airport, pick flowers from the garden, and bake a “seven-layer chocolate cake with purple and yellow frosting.” Much to Daddy’s bemusement, the kids gather all of Papa’s favorite things, including his robe and slippers and their adorable pooch, Butter, as they walk out the door to pick up Papa from his travels. The author offers an affectionate portrait of the everyday domestic life of a same-sex family unit. While many kids and adults will be pleased to see their experiences reflected on the page, both the choppy writing and the flat digital artwork are fairly bland. Characters display similarly excited facial expressions throughout, while the portrayal of the children borders on overly cutesy at times, with intentionally misspelled signs throughout the house (“Papa’s Very Spechull Garden. Please do not tutch”). Like the author’s actual children, Rosie and Jojo are brown-skinned, while Daddy and Papa present white.

An affirming, though lackluster, look at a loving queer family. (Picture book. 4-7)

Pub Date: May 20, 2025

ISBN: 9780593693988

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Philomel

Review Posted Online: Feb. 15, 2025

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2025

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