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MOLLY ON THE MOON

Out of this world!

What one wild and precious item would you take with you if you moved away?

Molly, her mother, and her younger brother, Luke, move to the moon. Because of space constraints, Molly and Luke are allowed to bring only one toy each—Molly brings a stuffed lamb, and Luke brings blocks. The siblings quickly figure out how to repurpose items in their module, the room they live in on the moon. Food crates become a fort, a solar panel cover becomes a cape, and tin cans become a tea set. The three of them must learn how to treat their belongings gently and with care since there is no gravity on the moon. Most important, they adapt to their new life and have fun together. An author’s note explains why it is always dark in Molly’s module as well as what gravity is and how space works differently than Earth does, and she challenges readers to make their own toys from common household items. Mayo’s illustrations are quiet yet exquisite, with expressive characters and many full-bleed spreads that indicate the vastness of space. Almost every shade of blue is included, from periwinkle to indigo, and the tiny twinkling lights in the module seem to glow on the page. Molly, Luke, and their mother are brown-skinned. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Out of this world! (Picture book. 4-7)

Pub Date: April 12, 2022

ISBN: 978-1-250-25961-5

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Review Posted Online: April 26, 2022

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2022

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PAPA'S COMING HOME

An affirming, though lackluster, look at a loving queer family.

For his debut picture book, teacher and activist Chasten Buttigieg draws inspiration from life with husband Pete Buttigieg, former U.S. transportation secretary.

The big day has finally arrived! Rosie and Jojo have been counting down the days until Papa comes home from his work trip. With a little help from Daddy, they make “welcome home” signs to greet Papa at the airport, pick flowers from the garden, and bake a “seven-layer chocolate cake with purple and yellow frosting.” Much to Daddy’s bemusement, the kids gather all of Papa’s favorite things, including his robe and slippers and their adorable pooch, Butter, as they walk out the door to pick up Papa from his travels. The author offers an affectionate portrait of the everyday domestic life of a same-sex family unit. While many kids and adults will be pleased to see their experiences reflected on the page, both the choppy writing and the flat digital artwork are fairly bland. Characters display similarly excited facial expressions throughout, while the portrayal of the children borders on overly cutesy at times, with intentionally misspelled signs throughout the house (“Papa’s Very Spechull Garden. Please do not tutch”). Like the author’s actual children, Rosie and Jojo are brown-skinned, while Daddy and Papa present white.

An affirming, though lackluster, look at a loving queer family. (Picture book. 4-7)

Pub Date: May 20, 2025

ISBN: 9780593693988

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Philomel

Review Posted Online: Feb. 15, 2025

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2025

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THERE'S A ROCK CONCERT IN MY BEDROOM

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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