As contemplative and lovely as a walk in the snow.
On a quiet winter walk, two fox sisters look for a snow dragon and find magic in the natural world around them.
Miriam and Celeste meander through the glittering, silvery wonder of a snowy day. Miriam, the eldest and a self-proclaimed dragon expert, points out signs that a snow dragon is hiding in their garden. That low, rumbling noise is its roar; a snowbank is its camouflage; and the swirling pattern of frost on a greenhouse window is, in fact, frostfire. Miriam has an answer to all of Celeste’s questions: Why doesn’t the dragon leave tracks? Where does it go in the summer? Miriam also notes that dragons are sneaky and greedy and that they would love to eat Celeste. Bravely, Celeste marches off alone to confront the dragon. When she finds it, all is not quite as she expected. She returns to her sister, but now Celeste is the one armed with knowledge, and it’s Miriam’s turn to learn. The sibling relationship is sweetly authentic. Their dynamic has enough mild friction to ring true, with Miriam’s slightly know-it-all air and Celeste’s tendency to tag along and ask questions, but the sisters’ strong bond and mutual trust never waver. Whimsical illustrations feature dreamy colors and soft-focus backgrounds washed out with reflected winter light. This tale is magical anytime, but it’s a top choice when seeking a winter story that doesn’t center on a holiday.
As contemplative and lovely as a walk in the snow. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2024
ISBN: 9780735266988
Page Count: 44
Publisher: Tundra Books
Review Posted Online: July 19, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2024
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
Nice enough but not worth repeat reads.
Emma deals with jitters before playing the guitar in the school talent show.
Pop musician Kevin Jonas and his wife, Danielle, put performance at the center of their picture-book debut. When Emma is intimidated by her very talented friends, the encouragement of her younger sister, Bella, and the support of her family help her to shine her own light. The story is straightforward and the moral familiar: Draw strength from your family and within to overcome your fears. Employing the performance-anxiety trope that’s been written many times over, the book plods along predictably—there’s nothing really new or surprising here. Dawson’s full-color digital illustrations center a White-presenting family along with Emma’s three friends of color: Jamila has tanned skin and wears a hijab; Wendy has dark brown skin and Afro puffs; and Luis has medium brown skin. Emma’s expressive eyes and face are the real draw of the artwork—from worry to embarrassment to joy, it’s clear what she’s feeling. A standout double-page spread depicts Emma’s talent show performance, with a rainbow swirl of music erupting from an amp and Emma rocking a glam outfit and electric guitar. Overall, the book reads pretty plainly, buoyed largely by the artwork. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Nice enough but not worth repeat reads. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: March 29, 2022
ISBN: 978-0-593-35207-6
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Razorbill/Penguin
Review Posted Online: Feb. 8, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2022
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