Sisterly devotion beyond compare.
Two sisters declare their admiration for each other.
The book opens with the sisters comparing their lots in life. The younger grouses about how she consistently inherits her sister’s hands-me-downs, but the older has a different perspective: “I grow out of all my favorite things and have to give them to you.” Things shift when they both start imagining how animals must feel: A fish might wish it had legs and could gallop as a horse does, though a horse might wish it could hop a ride for once. Each sister then shares instances in which she wishes she could be the other. This results in a series of compliments to each other, which also makes each sibling see their respective strengths. “It’s best if there is one of you and of me,” they decide. Siblings everywhere will recognize the detailed, closely observed grievances (the hand-me-downs the younger sister receives have “ice cream stains and holes”) as well as the tight bonds that siblings can develop: Who else but the older sister is going to read to the younger one at night? In many of the spreads, the sisters are outside, nary an adult in sight, the palette featuring the cool greens and teals of the grass and sky. A warm, eye-catching shade of pink, the same that adorns the book’s title, appears sparingly on nearly every spread. The sisters present White, rendered in Potter’s inimitable folk art–like style. (This book was reviewed digitally with 10.5-by-17-inch double-page spreads viewed at actual size.)
Sisterly devotion beyond compare. (Picture book. 4-10)Pub Date: June 22, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-4197-4671-0
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Abrams
Review Posted Online: March 30, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2021
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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