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RED YELLOW BLUE

Name: RED YELLOW BLUE
Author: Lysa Mullady
ISBN: 978-1-4338-3030-3

by Lysa Mullady ; illustrated by Laurent Simon ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 6, 2019

Color science and emotional literacy go fairly well together.

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A text-heavy metanarrative about emotions and friendship.

The three primary colors (and characters), Red, Yellow, and Blue, spend time together, but Red is prone to outbursts and does not want to be involved in the business of Yellow or Blue. As Red grumpily pushes Yellow and Blue away, he realizes what he misses out on in isolation: the ability to make different colors such as orange and purple and the chance for friendship. With an apology, Red is able to rejoin forces with Yellow and Blue to make a sunset. Although the primary lesson is about collaboration, each color also celebrates what they can accomplish on their own. Fans of Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld’s Friendshape (2015) or Michael Hall’s Perfect Square (2011) may find this title complementary. White negative space makes pill bug–shaped Red, sunburst-shaped Yellow, and raindrop-shaped Blue pop, drawing eyes right to the illustrations. Plain, serif black text feels crowded and at odds with the sparse page design and playful illustrations, which sometimes stretch from verso to recto. In some spreads, the text disrupts the playful art it is supposed to be working with. Even though the narrative might not seem novel and the art does seem occasionally clunky, it comes with a potentially useful note to adults on how to use the book to promote self-esteem and forgiveness.

Color science and emotional literacy go fairly well together. (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: Aug. 6, 2019

ISBN: 978-1-4338-3030-3

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Magination/American Psychological Association

Review Posted Online: June 15, 2019

Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2019

Categories:

CHILDREN'S CONCEPTS | CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES

- BOOK REVIEW
THE LITTLEST TURTLE
by Lysa Mullady ; illustrated by Erica Salcedo

- BOOK REVIEW
THREE LITTLE BIRDS
by Lysa Mullady ; illustrated by Kyle Reed

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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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LITTLE BLUE TRUCK AND RACER RED

From the Little Blue Truck series

by Alice Schertle ; illustrated by Jill McElmurry ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 25, 2025

A friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share.

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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)