UP AND ADAM

A boy and his dog lend a hand—and a paw—after a storm.

When Adam and his dog, Up, see Madam Mayor on TV discussing the aftermath of a recent storm, they are stirred to act—after all, the mayor did say, “Now, it’s time to get to work. Up and at ’em!” Hearing their names, Up and Adam rise to the challenge. They pick up toys with Mr. Janitor, help a pizzeria employee sweep the sidewalk, and more. Adam smiles at everyone he meets, receiving smiles in return. Kang's cartoon-style illustrations readily convey Adam’s exuberance. Finally, as Adam hands out homemade cookies on the boardwalk, the mayor commends him for bringing the townspeople closer. At bedtime, Adam sees his reflection and happily realizes that “a pair of smiles can make a difference.” An author’s note explains that Adam is based on Zapata’s son, who has Down syndrome (though Down syndrome is unnamed in the text), and her love for her son shines through. Unfortunately, in light of the author’s explanation, the emphasis on Adam’s “amazing smile” as he cheers up the town risks evoking the tired trope of people with intellectual disabilities serving to inspire nondisabled people, as does the author’s note itself (“He reminds us to practice patience, share the gift of a smile, and take time to have fun”). Adam is light-skinned and dark-haired; background characters are racially diverse. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A well-intentioned reminder that everyone can make a difference hampered by problematic framing.