A lesson here for adults and children alike, if only people listen.
How does one face a problem so big it dwarfs its little protagonist?
A child confidently assures us that when “my brother’s cactus died, I knew just what to do.” The child proudly holds up a handmade “Sorry for your loss” card, but the brother instead asks for a joke to make him laugh. The young narrator makes the logical conclusion that that must be what everyone needs when coping with loss. But when the child’s cousin’s goldfish dies, she wants a hug instead of a giggle. With each person’s loss, be it a teacher’s hamster or a babysitter’s dog, what they need changes. Later, the child’s best friend’s grandma dies, and the protagonist, unsure what to do, opts for honesty. “Can you tell me what to do? I don’t know how to help.” She isn’t sure, so the two figure it out while spending time together. Both Newbery Honoree Lukoff’s text and Tahboub’s illustrations convey a stillness that will make this often-difficult topic comprehensible to a young audience. With its emphasis on being there and listening to what people need in times of sorrow, this book is the perfect complement to Cori Doerrfeld’s The Rabbit Listened (2018). The ultimate message that there is no certainty when it comes to grief complements the minimalist art.
A lesson here for adults and children alike, if only people listen. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: July 16, 2024
ISBN: 9780593462942
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Dial Books
Review Posted Online: April 5, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2024
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BOOK REVIEW
PERSPECTIVES
Another quirky take on the series theme that it’s cool to be kind.
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)Pub Date: March 26, 2024
ISBN: 9780063329560
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Feb. 17, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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
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