A personal, child-friendly approach to sensory changes.
As Jacki’s mother begins to lose her hearing, the two of them learn sign language.
Jacki (who is brown-skinned like Mama) wants to remain close to her mom; she even tries to block sound “and listen…to the quiet.” She seems reluctant to enjoy Music Appreciation Days, when children in her diverse class must demonstrate musical skills. Tan-skinned Sam makes sounds with a rainstick; brown-skinned Carlos beats a bombo drum. After realizing that Mama can feel vibrations coming from speakers playing a beloved song, Jacki decides to share the tune in sign language and asks her classmates to stomp or tap their feet. Her mom comes to class, too, and “signs back.” The book was inspired by an actual incident in Silva’s life, discussed in an author’s note that mentions American and British sign language and other versions of sign language. Practical aids for people with hearing loss are deftly integrated into the narrative. When Jacki and her mom forget to monitor a cake in the oven, a smoke alarm flashes. Fairy lights connected to a motion sensor twinkle to let them know that visitors are here. Mama’s friends always face her so that she can read their lips. A few signs (with meanings in small print) are incorporated into the serene, muted multimedia illustrations, which occasionally erupt in movement. This gently loving story will be especially appreciated by readers whose family members, friends, or classmates are experiencing hearing loss. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A personal, child-friendly approach to sensory changes. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Sept. 5, 2023
ISBN: 9781915244482
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Lantana
Review Posted Online: June 21, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2023
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
BOOK REVIEW
A friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share.
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)Pub Date: March 25, 2025
ISBN: 9780063387843
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Clarion/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Jan. 18, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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