While purposive, a useful and even beautiful book to offer the many children whose families are affected.
In question-and-answer format, a bibliotherapeutic introduction to Alzheimer’s for young children.
Published by an Alzheimer’s research institute (for which this is also a fundraiser), this book has a clear purpose but is constrained by it; the authors do not discuss other types of dementia, for instance. Following an opening scenario in which a child’s voice describes Grandma’s newly strange behavior, the questions and answers take readers through the basics about the disease. Some of the questions feel very genuine (“Grandma sometimes gets angry.…What’s going on?”) while others (“How does the brain normally work?”) seem constructed to deliver the information the authors feel is necessary. The information presented is by and large accessible to children, but a decision not to explain what “plaques and tangles” are but rather describe what they do may prompt questions that will force readers to consult another resource, as there is no glossary. The most striking feature of this book is the artwork. Each question and answer is given one double-page spread, with a painting by a child accompanying the question and an artfully harmonizing painting by an Alzheimer’s patient accompanying the answer.
While purposive, a useful and even beautiful book to offer the many children whose families are affected. (Picture book. 4-10)Pub Date: Nov. 1, 2016
ISBN: 978-1483572857
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation
Review Posted Online: Sept. 18, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2016
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
Nice enough but not worth repeat reads.
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
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