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THE ONE WITH THE SCRAGGLY BEARD

Name: THE ONE WITH THE SCRAGGLY BEARD
Author: Elizabeth Withey
ISBN: 978-1-4598-1855-2

by Elizabeth Withey ; illustrated by Lynn Scurfield ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 15, 2020

A complex topic painted with care and told with empathy.

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A boy seeks connections with his uncle, who’s experiencing homelessness.

In the first double-page spread, a boy and his mother shake a colorful quilt that, on the opposite page, transforms into water flowing by a bridge where a man sleeps. The boy calls him the “One With the Scraggly Beard.” This visual connection carries through the boy’s questions to his mother about this man, his uncle, and how he looks and lives. The boy worries one day he will be like his uncle, because of what they share in common: pockets full of treasures, a missing tooth, even a fear of the dark. His mother reassures her anxious son, saying her brother wanted one life but ended up living another because life can contain unexpected trials. Her straightforward answers acknowledge the boy’s concerns and also humanize her brother. Later, readers see them together as a family. Lush, textured illustrations depict leafy parks where the boy and his uncle stroll, and tree-lined streets near the bridge, reminding readers of the life inside each character in this story, no matter how they live that life. The family presents white, exposure rendering the uncle’s skin browner than the others. An author’s note reveals the autobiographical origin of this story. Withey’s honest tone and simple language offer educators and caregivers empathetic ways to talk with young children about homelessness. The French version is a faithful translation, using plain language that is age-appropriate and still emotionally thoughtful.

A complex topic painted with care and told with empathy. (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: Sept. 15, 2020

ISBN: 978-1-4598-1855-2

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Orca

Review Posted Online: June 2, 2020

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2020

Categories:

CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES

- BOOK REVIEW
INS AND OUTS
by Elizabeth Withey ; illustrated by Salini Perera

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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.

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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

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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.

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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)