An inclusive, cleverly structured look at Diwali.
A Diwali-themed counting book.
In this rhyming tale, a brown-skinned, South Asian family lights a series of lamps honoring different aspects of the holiday. One lamp is lit for “the goddess of wealth,” who will hopefully bring the household prosperity in the form of “wisdom and health.” Two lamps are lit to show gratitude for the sun and the moon, while three lamps are for forgiveness, four lamps express appreciation for elders, five lamps “mark the five days of cheer,” and six lamps are for a traditional art form called rangoli. As the book progresses, the illustrations show the family lighting sparklers, eating sweets, and singing hymns. On the final pages, they thank the monsoons, watch fireworks, and ring in the new year, all while surrounded by family, friends, and neighbors who are diverse in terms of skin tone, hair texture, age, and ability; one of the children uses a hearing aid. An author’s note explains the role of Diwali to Hindu people, as well as the variations in the origins and traditions associated with the holiday. The story’s sweetly spare text accompanies vibrantly detailed illustrations that make masterful use of patterns and light. While the language is overall poetic, the rhymes can feel awkward and forced at times. Generally, though, it’s a beautiful introduction to a complex, widely celebrated holiday.
An inclusive, cleverly structured look at Diwali. (Picture book. 3-5)Pub Date: Sept. 17, 2024
ISBN: 9781547616282
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Review Posted Online: May 31, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A successful swap from coconut tree to Christmas tree.
A Christmas edition of the beloved alphabet book.
The story starts off nearly identically to Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (1989), written by John Archambault and the late Bill Martin Jr, with the letters A, B, and C deciding to meet in the branches of a tree. This time, they’re attempting to scale a Christmas tree, not a coconut tree, and the letters are strung together like garland. A, B, and C are joined by the other letters, and of course they all “slip, slop, topple, plop!” right down the tree. At the bottom, they discover an assortment of gifts, all in a variety of shapes. As a team, the letters and presents organize themselves to get back up on the Christmas tree and get a star to the top. Holiday iterations of favorite tales often fall flat, but this take succeeds. The gifts are an easy way to reinforce another preschool concept—shapes—and the text uses just enough of the original to be familiar. The rhyming works, sticking to the cadence of the source material. The illustrations pay homage to the late Lois Ehlert’s, featuring the same bold block letters, though they lack some of the whimsy and personality of the original. Otherwise, everything is similarly brightly colored and simply drawn. Those familiar with the classic will be drawn to this one, but newcomers can enjoy it on its own.
A successful swap from coconut tree to Christmas tree. (Picture book. 3-5)Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2024
ISBN: 9781665954761
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Beach Lane/Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: July 4, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
Enjoyable holiday fare for the littlest trick-or-treaters.
Does the box of Halloween costumes contain enough to clothe a passel of bears?
There’s a lot inside that carton: “hats, capes, and bats,” for example, and much more besides. And here come the four excited little bears, eager to comb through the contents to find the right trick-or-treat get-ups. At first, they find just what they want. Then, they simultaneously shout and pull at one another’s pickings as well, each desperately needing what another one has. The hubbub causes poor little Floppy to fall on her rear, so she tells Big Brown Bear she’ll wait until the others are done. Unfortunately, by the time everyone else has grabbed their stash, there’s nothing left in the box but a crumpled-up sash. Contrite, all the other bears willingly share their largesse with Floppy, turning her into the “holiday queen.” She leads the parade outdoors, all the bears dressed in their Halloween finest. This latest in Parenteau and Walker’s Bears on Chairs series is a sweet, brief rhyming tale for very young children that emphasizes kindness and sharing—a fine message for Halloween or any time. The lilting verses move smoothly and rhythmically and express a familiar scenario. The colorful, expressive illustrations are endearing; minimal text and lots of white space per page focus attention on the characters and goings-on.
Enjoyable holiday fare for the littlest trick-or-treaters. (Picture book. 3-5)Pub Date: July 14, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-5362-0837-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: July 13, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2020
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