Imparts sound takeaways about the power of positivity.
Think good thoughts and improve lives.
At the outset, the word vibes is defined as “a special kind of energy,” though Clarke doesn’t mention that the term is short for vibrations. She adds that vibes are “magical, invisible feelings and thoughts.” Though they can’t be seen, “You can feel them in your body and all around you.” Most young children likely won’t be familiar with the term, but it’s a concept worth learning about. Clarke emphasizes the importance of sending out positive energy into the world and receiving it in return: “The vibes that work the most magic are good vibes.” People who have good vibes are characterized as joyful and warm; they make those around them feel better. The author explains how to transmit good vibes: Just “think about somebody and imagine all your lovely thoughts and energy surrounding them.” On the flip side, readers are advised not to send on bad vibes, because neither recipients nor senders will feel good afterward. This simple, well-written, reassuring book stresses the power of positive thinking and living—good messages as children strive to make friends and navigate their way through the world. Spare, cartoonlike images follow a youngster with tan skin; most characters have paper-white skin, though there’s some diversity in terms of race and age.
Imparts sound takeaways about the power of positivity. (author’s note) (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: April 9, 2024
ISBN: 9781645470823
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Bala Kids/Shambhala
Review Posted Online: Feb. 3, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2024
A solid addition to Rotner’s seasonal series. Bring on summer.
Rotner follows up her celebrations of spring and autumn with this look at all things winter.
Beginning with the signs that winter is coming—bare trees, shorter days, colder temperatures—Rotner eases readers into the season. People light fires and sing songs on the solstice, trees and plants stop growing, and shadows grow long. Ice starts to form on bodies of water and windows. When the snow flies, the fun begins—bundle up and then build forts, make snowballs and snowmen (with eyebrows!), sled, ski (nordic is pictured), skate, snowshoe, snowboard, drink hot chocolate. Animals adapt to the cold as well. “Birds grow more feathers” (there’s nothing about fluffing and air insulation) and mammals, more hair. They have to search for food, and Rotner discusses how many make or find shelter, slow down, hibernate, or go underground or underwater to stay warm. One page talks about celebrating holidays with lights and decorations. The photos show a lit menorah, an outdoor deciduous tree covered in huge Christmas bulbs, a girl next to a Chinese dragon head, a boy with lit luminarias, and some fireworks. The final spread shows signs of the season’s shift to spring. Rotner’s photos, as always, are a big draw. The children are a marvelous mix of cultures and races, and all show their clear delight with winter.
A solid addition to Rotner’s seasonal series. Bring on summer. (Informational picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Oct. 16, 2018
ISBN: 978-0-8234-3976-8
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Holiday House
Review Posted Online: Aug. 13, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2018
Colorful, upbeat, and just for Swifties.
What is being a Swiftie all about? Finding joy in the things you love!
For Taylor Swift and her fans, love comes from baking tasty desserts, snuggling with pets, enjoying fireworks with friends, and attending concerts. Vibrant illustrations that evoke bright pop music are scattered with references to Taylor’s life, such as a red sports jersey (a nod to her high-profile relationship with a certain Kansas City Chiefs tight end) or a stack of friendship bracelets (which devotees know are commonly made by hand and traded at Swift’s concerts). Without this prior knowledge of Swift lore, this peppy picture book may feel like a somewhat superficial, though positive, list of ways to find happiness; some readers may wish the author had included messages about acceptance and self-love, commonly found in Swift’s lyrics. Still, the intended audience will welcome it as a joyful love letter to her fans. Pops of color splash across scenes of Taylor and a racially diverse set of friends doing their favorite things atop a stark white background. The star’s recognizable fashion style and facial features are spot-on, while most other featured characters feel more generic.
Colorful, upbeat, and just for Swifties. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Jan. 14, 2025
ISBN: 9781665973519
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Simon Spotlight
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2024
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