Silly fun with a confusing takeaway.
In this retelling of “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” Prince Sacha holds a contest to find a fabulous gown.
Prince Sacha has the best of everything: the most ornate palace, the best food, and the “fiercest clothes.” As the Parade of Princely Prancing approaches, however, the regal bear finds that he has nothing to wear to the annual event celebrating his impeccable style. He declares an emergency contest, inviting fashion designers from across the kingdom to design a gown worthy of the big event. Nothing pleases Prince Sacha. Then a rabbit named Panini presents a truly singular gown, made of fabric so special, “only the most fabulous animals can see it.” Readers will delight in Prince Sacha’s dramatic outfits and towering heels and have fun identifying his eclectic subjects; in this kingdom, emperor penguins, zebras, and star-nosed moles all attend court together. While the story preserves the same narrative beats as the original fairy tale, the ultimate message is unclear. Though Prince Sacha is shown to be demanding and fickle, served by a group of unhappy, beleaguered cats and surrounded by piles of fine clothing, his excess is celebrated rather than censured. Indeed, the animals of his court seem content to revel in unexamined fabulousness rather than question how their prince was so easily deceived. Though no human characters appear, architecture and a reference to boba imply a Chinese setting. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Silly fun with a confusing takeaway. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Aug. 1, 2023
ISBN: 9781338324747
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Orchard/Scholastic
Review Posted Online: May 9, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
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
A friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share.
In this latest in the series, Little Blue Truck, driven by pal Toad, is challenged to a countryside race by Racer Red, a sleek, low-slung vehicle.
Blue agrees, and the race is on. Although the two start off “hood to hood / and wheel to wheel,” they switch positions often as they speed their way over dusty country roads. Blue’s farm friends follow along to share in the excitement and shout out encouragement; adult readers will have fun voicing the various animal sounds. Short rhyming verses on each page and several strategic page turns add drama to the narrative, but soft, mottled effects in the otherwise colorful illustrations keep the competition from becoming too intense. Racer Red crosses the finish line first, but Blue is a gracious loser, happy to have worked hard. That’s a new concept for Racer Red, who’s laser-focused on victory but takes Blue’s words (“win or lose, it’s fun to try!”) to heart—a revelation that may lead to worthwhile storytime discussions. When Blue’s farm animal friends hop into the truck for the ride home, Racer Red tags along and learns a second lesson, one about speed. “Fast is fun, / and slow is too, / as long as you’re / with friends.”
A friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: March 25, 2025
ISBN: 9780063387843
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Clarion/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Jan. 18, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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