bookshelf

WAYS TO MAKE FRIENDS

Name: WAYS TO MAKE FRIENDS
Author: Jairo Buitrago
ISBN: 978-1-77164-975-9

by Jairo Buitrago ; illustrated by Mariana Ruiz Johnson ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 30, 2022

A refreshing, candid consideration of making friends with others at one’s own tempo.

bookshelf

Friendship can blossom in unexpected ways.

“To make friends you should sit under a huge tree,” states an unseen narrator. And so, a young toad does, passing the minutes in the cool shade while waiting for a friend. Or perhaps rescuing a bee in a fountain might result in a new friend. So what if the insect is quick to anger? After all, “sometimes bees can be bad tempered.” To make friends, consider saying hi 40 times to “the shy kid who never says hi to anyone,” dressing up as fruit and sharing fruit, or even befriending a cactus that’s “nice and calm and quiet” and a great secret keeper. And when the day grows long and fatigue sets in, spending time with oneself—to read, draw, imagine—is also rewarding. With all of these tips and more, this sublime picture book offers gentle guidance to all readers, from reluctant youngsters in prickly social situations to more experienced friendship seekers needing a refresher. Peppered among moments of pure hilarity and suggested creative outlets are nuggets of encouragement meant to bolster compassion. Featuring a cast of excellently depicted anthropomorphic animals, the colorful, buoyant artwork—predominantly in orangy reds and mint greens—impresses due to its flair and secondary details. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A refreshing, candid consideration of making friends with others at one’s own tempo. (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: Aug. 30, 2022

ISBN: 978-1-77164-975-9

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Greystone Kids

Review Posted Online: June 21, 2022

Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2022

Categories:

CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES

- BOOK REVIEW
ON THE SMALL HILL WHERE THE GIRLS TAKE OFF THEIR SHOES
by Jairo Buitrago ; illustrated by Linda Wolfsgruber ; translated by Elisa Amado

- BOOK REVIEW
THE PET STORE WINDOW
by Jairo Buitrago ; illustrated by Rafael Yockteng ; translated by Elisa Amado

- BOOK REVIEW
AFTERWARD, EVERYTHING WAS DIFFERENT
by Jairo Buitrago ; illustrated by Rafael Yockteng ; translated by Elisa Amado

bookshelf

WHY A DAUGHTER NEEDS A MOM

by Gregory R. Lange ; illustrated by Sydney Hanson ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 1, 2019

New parents of daughters will eat these up and perhaps pass on the lessons learned.

bookshelf

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

Categories:

CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES | CHILDREN'S FAMILY | CHILDREN'S HOLIDAYS & CELEBRATIONS

bookshelf

THE COOL BEAN MAKES A SPLASH

From the I Can Read! series

by Jory John ; illustrated by Pete Oswald ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 26, 2024

Another quirky take on the series theme that it’s cool to be kind.

bookshelf

The cool beans again step up to do a timorous fellow legume a fava…this time at the pool.

Will a rash decision to tackle the multistory super-slide lead to another embarrassing watery fail for our shy protagonist? Nope, for up the stairs right behind comes a trio of cool beans, each a different type and color, all clad in nothing but dark shades. They make an offer: “It’s not as scary if you go with friends!” As the knobby nerd explains once the thrilling ride down is done, “They all realized that I just needed some encouragement and support.” Just to make sure that both cool and uncool readers get the message, the narrator lets us know that “there are plenty of kind folks who have my back. They’re always there when I need them.” The beany bonhomie doesn’t end at the bottom of the slide, with all gliding down to the shallow end of the pool (“3 INCHES. NO DIVING”) for a splashy finale. This latest early reader starring characters from John and Oswald’s immensely popular Food Group series will be a hit with fans. Fun accessories, such as a bean who rocks pink cat-eye frames, add some pizzazz to the chromatically and somatotypically varied cast.

Another quirky take on the series theme that it’s cool to be kind. (Easy reader. 5-7)