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THE FOOTPRINT

Name: THE FOOTPRINT
Author: Javier Sobrino
ISBN: 9788419464026

by Javier Sobrino ; illustrated by Carolina Luzón ; translated by Jon Brokenbrow ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 1, 2023

A bit cryptic but ultimately a beautiful and moving tale of friends lost and found.

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A ginger cat experiences the highs and lows of friendship.

The feline arrives at a gathering of wild animals. The cat doesn’t feel like it fits in; in fact, it feels as though the others are afraid of it. But then the cat meets a Jack Russell terrier, and the two become fast friends. One day, the dog has a new pal and no longer wants to be friends with the cat. The heartbroken cat does not understand but eventually moves on, meets new friends, and is happy once more. The narrative is a bit unclear at times—we don’t know why the creatures have all gathered here, for instance, and at one point the cat mentions that it doesn’t hear well but doesn’t explain why. However, this vagueness also allows young readers to project their own experiences onto those of the cat, and many children will readily relate to feeling alone and friendless. Translated from Spanish, the text is simple and emotional, though sometimes stilted. The collagelike illustrations are the book’s strong point. Evocative and unique, they employ both color and grayscale. The photorealistic animal characters are depicted with readable emotions and a touch of personification; adults and children alike will be rapt. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A bit cryptic but ultimately a beautiful and moving tale of friends lost and found. (author’s note) (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2023

ISBN: 9788419464026

Page Count: 36

Publisher: Cuento de Luz

Review Posted Online: July 26, 2023

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2023

Categories:

CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES

- BOOK REVIEW
NIGHT SOUNDS
by Javier Sobrino ; illustrated by Emilio Urberuaga ; translated by Elisa Amado

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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.

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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

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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.

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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)