This faithful adaptation’s lack of narrative detail will fail to engage readers.
When Mulan’s frail father is conscripted into the Chinese emperor’s army, she decides to disguise herself as a man and take her father’s place.
Over many years of waging war, Mulan’s strength and bravery earn her ever higher ranks and even her own command. When the emperor himself rewards her for her many victories, she is finally granted what she desires most: to return home. There, after reuniting with her family, she reveals herself as a woman to her fellow soldiers, who exclaim in surprise. Many may already know this story from the 1998 Disney movie adaptation or other versions, but this edition is unique in its accurate retelling, bordering on translation, of the original Chinese poem. Unfortunately, this strict adherence to a sixth-century text (included in the backmatter) makes for a disjointed and unemotional experience, as the poem highlights moments within the story rather than telling a fleshed-out narrative. For example, what Mulan purchased in preparation for departure is detailed, but how she evaded detection as a woman for so many years is not addressed. And of her return home, “Mulan hugged her family. / She was happy to see them.” The retelling leaves many questions unanswered and emotional touch points underdeveloped. Handsome accompanying illustrations depict Mulan’s beauty and strength wonderfully, though backgrounds and secondary characters pale in comparison.
This faithful adaptation’s lack of narrative detail will fail to engage readers. (Folktale. 4-8)Pub Date: Sept. 10, 2019
ISBN: 978-0-06-280341-2
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: June 15, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2019
This biblical tale is filled with wonder, hope, and beauty.
Miriam is pivotal in the story of Moses and the Exodus.
A 7-year-old girl narrates the details of the day that she heeds “God’s voice,” places her baby brother in a basket, sets him adrift in the Nile River to save him from “Pharoah’s men,” and then watches as Pharoah’s daughter rescues him. That baby boy will grow up to be Moses, and his sister is the prophet Miriam. In her author’s note, Yolen explains that she has taken this story from Exodus and from the Midrash, tales that interpret the Torah. Miriam’s story is interwoven with miracles associated with water, ranging from that basket on the Nile to the parting of the Red Sea and the life-giving water flowing from a rock that sustains the Jews wandering in the desert, but there are relatively few children’s books that place her at their center. Many celebrants of the Passover Seder sing a song honoring Miriam and will welcome a book that celebrates her childhood. It is Le’s illustrations that truly shine, however. The vibrant blues and oranges reflect both calm and swirling waters dotted with a multitude of plant life. Elegant storks wade in the water as hippos and crocodiles swim nearby.
This biblical tale is filled with wonder, hope, and beauty. (Picture book/religion. 4-7)Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-5415-4400-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Kar-Ben
Review Posted Online: Dec. 7, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2020
A beautiful celebration of a song that continues to give life to African Americans.
“Before you were born, a girl learned a song”—so begins the story of how “Lift Every Voice” takes root in a young African American girl’s heart and becomes a source of fortitude for her and her descendants, who continue learning, singing, and passing the song along.
Readers learn that the hymn was written by the fictional protagonist’s principal, James Weldon Johnson, and his brother, John Rosamond Johnson, to be sung during a celebration of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday in 1900. As she grows and passes the song down through generations, significant events in the lives of African Americans unspool, including the Great Migration and the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and culminating with the ringing of “the freedom bell” at the opening ceremony of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. Lyons writes with rhythmic warmth, weaving the lyrics into her story. Full of faith and hope, they were the foundation of the civil rights movement and continue to be a source of encouragement and pride. Mallett’s artwork charmingly illumines the faces of the singers in the book, revealing their passion and often joy in singing what’s become cherished as the African American national anthem. An author’s note reveals that the story spread after Johnson’s students took it for their own and shared it.
A beautiful celebration of a song that continues to give life to African Americans. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Aug. 6, 2019
ISBN: 978-0-525-51609-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Review Posted Online: June 9, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2019
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