A kid-friendly exploration of a significant national holiday.
On a day of festivities, a curious African American child asks the rest of the family some important questions.
The Juneteenth block party brings the whole neighborhood together with food and games. Our 5-year-old narrator, hair adorned with twists, knows that everyone comes together on this day to “celebrate our freedom.” But what did the first celebration look like? The child turns to an older cousin, Katelin, who describes the first Juneteenth that she remembers, five years ago: a big parade, a lot of red drink, and delicious brisket. Auntie Judy’s not quite old enough to recall the first Juneteenth, but she says that in the 1980s, the day was observed with a drum circle in the park, smothered turkey wings, and everyone singing; the opening lyrics to “Lift Every Voice and Sing” (widely considered the Black national anthem) float across the page as she reminisces. Finally, elderly Mr. Robert tells the youngster—and readers—about the first Juneteenth, which his mother attended, and describes similarities and differences to celebrations today. After a day of learning history through discussions with family and community, the narrator considers how Juneteenth will look in another 100 years. Dominated by shades of red, Hodge’s bright cartoons sets a festive tone, even as Nash gently explains that the holiday is rooted in the painful history of enslavement. Backmatter offers further context and notes how important red food and drinks are on this day.
A kid-friendly exploration of a significant national holiday. (strawberry lemonade recipe) (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: May 20, 2025
ISBN: 9781250908797
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Godwin Books
Review Posted Online: March 22, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2025
This frenetic ode to fatherhood is predictable fare but may please series fans.
It’s time to look for the elusive Daddysaurus.
In this latest installment in the seemingly never-ending series about a group of diverse kids attempting to trap mythical creatures, the youngsters are now on the lookout for a big mauve dinosaur with an emblazoned D on his stomach and a superhero cape. The fast-moving Daddysaurus is always on the go; he will be difficult to catch. Armed with blueprints of possible ideas, the kids decide which traps to set. As in previous works, ones of the sticky variety seem popular. They cover barbells with fly paper (Daddysaurus like to exercise) and spread glue on the handle of a shovel (Daddysaurus also likes to garden). One clever trick involves tempting Daddysaurus with a drawing of a hole, taped to the wall, because he fixes everything that breaks. Daddysaurus is certainly engaged in the children’s lives, not a workaholic or absent, but he does fall into some standard tropes associated with fathers. The rhyming quatrains stumble at times but for the most part bounce along. Overall, though, text and art feel somewhat formulaic and likely will tempt only devotees of the series. The final page of the book (after Daddysaurus is caught with love) has a space for readers to write a note or draw a picture of their own Daddysaurus. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
This frenetic ode to fatherhood is predictable fare but may please series fans. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: April 1, 2023
ISBN: 978-1-72826-618-3
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Sourcebooks Wonderland
Review Posted Online: Jan. 11, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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
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