An engaging fable about the magic of kindness.
In this retelling of a Swiss Italian folktale, two brothers learn a lesson in kindness.
Siblings Boris and Morris both have humps on their backs. Their personalities, however, could not be more different. Morris is kind, helpful, and loves nature. On the other hand, Boris “never had a kind word for anyone. He beat the cows and never gave them quite enough to eat.” With winter approaching, Morris decides to travel up a mountain to repair a hut the brothers own; Boris would rather avoid the work. In the forested highland, Morris encounters a large toad, beautiful toadstools, and delicious chestnuts for roasting. He treats the forest with respect and regards it with wonder. In return, the magical forest folk make the hump on Morris’ back disappear. Seeking the same miracle, Boris makes the same trip but treats the forest cruelly. This results, of course, in a curse instead of a blessing. Realizing the error of his ways, Boris journeys up the mountain again but with an improved attitude. Although Boris’ complete change of heart feels contrived, the morals in this Swiss import (translated by Martens) are important: Reverence for nature matters, and good character has its rewards. However, the removal of a spinal deformity as a consequence of good behavior sends a problematic message about disabled people. The book’s biggest appeal is its imaginative forest scenes, with detailed full-color and black-and-white illustrations bringing every sentient leaf and mushroom to life; tree trunks and flowers have faces, and branches intertwine in endless, often delicate, patterns. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
An engaging fable about the magic of kindness. (Picture book. 7-10)Pub Date: May 3, 2022
ISBN: 978-0-7358-4480-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: NorthSouth
Review Posted Online: Feb. 8, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2022
A welcome, well-researched reflection of cultural pride in the early-reader landscape.
The fourth installment in Delacre’s early-reader series centers on the rich musical traditions of Puerto Rico, once again featuring sibling tree frogs Rafi and Rosi Coquí.
Readers learn along with Rafi and Rosi as they explore bomba, plena, and salsa in three chapters. A glossary at the beginning sets readers up well to understand the Spanish vocabulary, including accurate phoneticization for non-Spanish speakers. The stories focus on Rafi and Rosi’s relationship within a musical context. For example, in one chapter Rafi finds out that he attracts a larger audience playing his homemade güiro with Rosi’s help even though he initially excluded her: “Big brothers only.” Even when he makes mistakes, as the older brother, Rafi consoles Rosi when she is embarrassed or angry at him. In each instance, their shared joy for music and dance ultimately shines through any upsets—a valuable reflection of unity. Informational backmatter and author’s sources are extensive. Undoubtedly these will help teachers, librarians, and parents to develop Puerto Rican cultural programs, curriculum, or home activities to extend young readers’ learning. The inclusion of instructions to make one’s own homemade güiro is a thoughtful addition. The Spanish translation, also by Delacre and published simultaneously, will require a more advanced reader than the English one to recognize and comprehend contractions (“pa’bajo-pa-pa’rriba”) and relatively sophisticated vocabulary.
A welcome, well-researched reflection of cultural pride in the early-reader landscape. (Early reader. 7-9)Pub Date: Sept. 17, 2019
ISBN: 978-0-89239-429-6
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Children's Book Press
Review Posted Online: July 27, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2019
Move over Ramona Quimby, Portland has another neighbor you have to meet!
Ryan Hart is navigating the fourth grade and all its challenges with determination.
Her mom named her Ryan because it means “king,” and she wanted Ryan to feel powerful every time she heard her name; Ryan knows it means she is a leader. So when changes occur or disaster strikes, budding chef Ryan does her best to find the positive and “make sunshine.” When her dad is laid off from the post office, the family must make adjustments that include moving into a smaller house, selling their car, and changing how they shop for groceries. But Ryan gets to stay at Vernon Elementary, and her mom still finds a way to get her the ingredients she needs to practice new recipes. Her older brother, Ray, can be bossy, but he finds little ways to support her, especially when she is down—as does the whole family. Each episodic chapter confronts Ryan with a situation; intermittently funny, frustrating, and touching, they should be familiar and accessible to readers, as when Ryan fumbles her Easter speech despite careful practice. Ryan, her family, and friends are Black, and Watson continues to bring visibility to both Portland, Oregon, generally and its Black community specifically, making another wonderful contribution that allows Black readers to see themselves and all readers to find a character they can love.
Move over Ramona Quimby, Portland has another neighbor you have to meet! (Fiction. 8-10)Pub Date: April 28, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-5476-0056-4
Page Count: 192
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Review Posted Online: Jan. 20, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2020
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