bookshelf

KICKS IN THE SKY

Name: KICKS IN THE SKY
Author: C.G. Esperanza
ISBN: 9780062976239

by C.G. Esperanza ; illustrated by C.G. Esperanza ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 5, 2023

A strikingly original pourquoi tale in which tennis shoes make life much more interesting.

bookshelf

Ever wonder how pairs of shoes hanging on power lines got there?

This zany, poetic urban tale offers many answers, although “only birds knew” for sure. Neighbors have many theories: The shoes belonged to the deceased whose loved ones hung them there; aliens threw them onto the wires; the shoes indicate the meeting places of goblins and goons. A crew of motorcyclists disturb the pigeons, which flutter around and knock several sneakers onto the street. Danny dons a pair, and though he doesn’t know how to dance, somehow he shuffles all over town; Kris’ power-line kicks give her superhuman running, jumping, and dunking skills; and when Lili finds a pair too big for her feet, she wears one shoe like a helmet and can suddenly perform a host of fancy skateboard tricks. A boy known as pigeon-coop kid sprinkles breadcrumbs from his roof, prompting the birds to knock more shoes down, which gives many more neighborhood children the chance to try out these unusual sneakers. Neon pinks, yellows, oranges, and purples attract the kids to the shoes and draw readers into this fast-paced, entertaining story. The wildly energetic, psychedelic-hued illustrations bring these city scenes to life, and innovative perspectives and angles keep readers guessing what amazing abilities the shoes will bestow next. Most characters are Black or brown. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A strikingly original pourquoi tale in which tennis shoes make life much more interesting. (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: Sept. 5, 2023

ISBN: 9780062976239

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Katherine Tegen/HarperCollins

Review Posted Online: July 13, 2023

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2023

Categories:

CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES

- BOOK REVIEW
MY DADDY IS A COWBOY
by Stephanie Seales ; illustrated by C.G. Esperanza

- BOOK REVIEW
BOOGIE BOOGIE, Y’ALL
by C.G. Esperanza ; illustrated by C.G. Esperanza

bookshelf

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.

bookshelf

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

bookshelf

LITTLE BLUE TRUCK AND RACER RED

From the Little Blue Truck series

by Alice Schertle ; illustrated by Jill McElmurry ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 25, 2025

A friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share.

bookshelf

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)