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BENJI AND BRIANA BECOME BOOGER DOCTORS

A unique fantasy take on easing anxiety about medical procedures.

Siblings go to a magical world to cure their stuffy, snotty noses in Neighbors’ debut picture book.

Benji is concerned that his younger sister Briana (the children have fair skin and brown hair) isn’t feeling well as she sneezes stringy green snot everywhere. He decides to take matters into his own hands, saying that they need to take some pretend medicine—and so their adventure begins. Immediately upon arriving in a fantasy land with purple foliage, a sparkly sky, and a castle in the distance, Benji is greeted by the famed Booger Doctor, who is eager to help sneezy Briana. He leads her, with accompanying fairies, into an examination room to look up Briana’s nose for the source of all the snot. Benji offers to go first to make Briana feel more comfortable. The Booger Doctor says that Benji needs surgery, but promises it will be easy, and Briana encourages him to be brave. Benji wakes up to ice cream, and the pair travel back home to their bedroom. The story, written by a medical doctor, is imaginative and charming (“Benji, do you still have a booger problem?”). The text is on the longer side for a picture book, and the plot may be confusing and hard to follow for the youngest listeners. Still, they’ll be won over by Crecelius’ vivid illustrations, which are sweet, colorful, and engaging.

A unique fantasy take on easing anxiety about medical procedures.

Pub Date: May 6, 2025

ISBN: 9798890341686

Page Count: 38

Publisher: Mascot Books

Review Posted Online: Jan. 16, 2025

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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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