bookshelf

IMPOSSIBLE

Name: IMPOSSIBLE
Author: Isol
ISBN: 978-1-77306-434-5

by Isol ; illustrated by Isol ; translated by Elisa Amado ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 2, 2021

A fun take on the terrible 2s, if a bit twisted.

bookshelf

Toribio the toddler is a terror.

The text explains that “his parents love him very much. / But they would also love to get some sleep.” In other words, and to invoke the title, Toribio is impossible. A muted color palette contrasts stylistically with the Argentine author/illustrator’s energetic linework, which skillfully conveys Toribio’s vigor (not to mention his volume) while also doing the work of depicting his parents’ weariness. Toribio’s parents desperately want him to stop being afraid of the dark, to eat protein, to bathe without fussing, to nap, and to use the potty. While real-life parents may find the depiction of the parent-child dynamic quite authentic, the story takes a fantastic turn when Toribio’s parents seek help from a “specialist” in solving problems. They end up with an “impossible” solution: After paying a fee and following instructions that involve a magic powder, they sleep uninterrupted and awaken to find that Toribio has transformed into a cat! The story ends rather abruptly at this point, with the parents seeming to rue the fact that they got what they wished for, though Toribio the cat seems perfectly content in the illustrations. All characters appear White in illustrations, with skin color matching the pages’ background colors and dark, straight (if unkempt) hair. (This book was reviewed digitally with 9.8-by-15.6-inch double-page spreads viewed at 25.3% of actual size.)

A fun take on the terrible 2s, if a bit twisted. (Picture book. 3-6)

Pub Date: March 2, 2021

ISBN: 978-1-77306-434-5

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Groundwood

Review Posted Online: March 1, 2021

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2021

Categories:

CHILDREN'S FAMILY

- BOOK REVIEW
LOOSE THREADS
by Isol ; illustrated by Isol ; translated by Lawrence Schimel

- BOOK REVIEW
DAYTIME VISIONS
by Isol ; illustrated by Isol ; adapted by Isol & Elisa Amado

- BOOK REVIEW
NOCTURNE DREAM RECIPES
by Isol & illustrated by Isol

bookshelf

THERE'S A ROCK CONCERT IN MY BEDROOM

by Kevin Jonas & Danielle Jonas ; illustrated by Courtney Dawson ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 29, 2022

Nice enough but not worth repeat reads.

bookshelf

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

Categories:

CHILDREN'S FAMILY | CHILDREN'S ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS

- BOOK REVIEW
THERE'S A BEACH IN MY BEDROOM
by Kevin Jonas & Danielle Jonas ; illustrated by Courtney Dawson

bookshelf

HOW TO CATCH A MAMASAURUS

From the How To Catch… series

by Alice Walstead ; illustrated by Andy Elkerton ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 5, 2024

A syrupy tribute to mothers that may please fans of the series.

bookshelf

Another creature is on the loose.

The long-running series continues its successful formula with this Hallmark card of a book, which features bright illustrations and catchy rhymes. This time, the mythical creature the racially diverse children set out to catch is an absent mom who does it all (lists of descriptors include the words banker, caregiver, nurse, doctor, driver, chef, housekeeper, teacher, entertainer, playmate, laundry service, problem solver, handywoman, cleaner, and alarm clock) but doesn’t seem to have a job outside the home and is inexplicably a dinosaur. As the children prepare gifts and a meal for her, the text becomes an ode to the skills the Mamasaurus possesses (“Day or night she’s always there. / She meets every wish and need”) and values she instills (“Sometimes life can mean hard work,” “kindness matters,” and “what counts is doing your best”). This well-intentioned selection veers into cliche generously sprinkled with saccharine but manages to redeem itself with its appreciation for mothers and all that they may do. Endpapers include a “to” and “from” page framed in a heart, as well as a page where young gift givers or recipients can draw a picture of their Mamasaurus.