A sweet story that reminds readers to always put their hearts into whatever they do.
A young Japanese girl learns an important lesson while making sushi.
Miko, who has perfectionist tendencies, decides to hand-make sushi for her grandmother’s birthday. As she forms a ball out of rice and adds the fish, Miko realizes that her sushi doesn’t look right. She asks her grandfather for help, to which he replies, “Kokoro” (defined in the glossary as heart). Together they go through the steps, with Miko copying her grandfather. But her movements don’t look or even sound the same as her grandfather’s, and her sushi still comes out lopsided. Miko leaves and finds a shop, where she buys perfect sushi made by a robot. At the birthday party, Miko’s grandmother tastes the guests’ various homemade dishes, touching her heart each time—except when she tries the robot-made sushi, and Miko realizes a dish doesn’t need to look perfect; it needs to have kokoro, and she runs to get her homemade, imperfect sushi. This delightful story imparts a much-needed message: It truly is the thought that counts. Miko’s actions and emotions, especially her frustration, will strike a chord with little ones struggling to do new things. The story deftly incorporates elements of Japanese culture, such as language. The collage and acrylic artwork is colorful and vibrant, engaging readers and giving more context and cultural references. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A sweet story that reminds readers to always put their hearts into whatever they do. (sushi recipe, author’s and illustrator’s notes) (Picture book. 4-9)Pub Date: April 4, 2023
ISBN: 9781646868377
Page Count: 24
Publisher: Barefoot Books
Review Posted Online: Feb. 24, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
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
BOOK REVIEW
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