An affirming, multigenerational story about just how tricky it can be to speak up.
A tug-of-war with two tough grandmas turns into a triumph of self-expression.
Zara is lucky to live right in between both her grandmothers. The only problem? The two (very opinionated) grandmothers can never agree on anything. Grandma Jane wants Zara to have a unicorn birthday party, but Grandma Gladys thinks it should be mermaid-themed. Zara is worried about hurting their feelings, so all she can think to say is, “I don’t know.” Rather than offend either of them, she tries to please both and ends up wearing mismatched clothes and two different hairstyles, one on each side of her head (Grandma Jane likes florals and an Afro, but Grandma Gladys prefers geometric shapes and braids). Zara is so anxious about making them both happy that her tummy starts to hurt. Finally, enough is enough, and she admits that sometimes she wants to do things her own way. Both grandmothers are stunned but ultimately supportive, and the trio work together to create a mood board to bring to life Zara’s vision of her perfect birthday. Jones’ painted, mixed-media, cut-paper figures and objects are bold and inviting, set against a white background. The images are visually flat, with the collage style lending the characters an appealing, paper-doll feel; this is a gentle yet powerful lesson for people pleasers everywhere. Zara and her grandmothers are Black.
An affirming, multigenerational story about just how tricky it can be to speak up. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: July 8, 2025
ISBN: 9780063234239
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: May 30, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
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
A friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share.
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)Pub Date: March 25, 2025
ISBN: 9780063387843
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Clarion/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Jan. 18, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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