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ROCKET SAYS SPEAK UP!

Name: ROCKET SAYS SPEAK UP!
Author: Nathan Bryon
ISBN: 9780593431269

From the Rocket Says... series

by Nathan Bryon ; illustrated by Dapo Adeola ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 18, 2023

An upbeat story that empowers young readers to fight for libraries.

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After previous outings that saw Rocket learning about space and addressing ocean pollution, our hero speaks up for libraries.

Rocket and her family are saddened to learn that their local library will be closing. But Rocket, who recently read a book about Rosa Parks, is inspired to stage a peaceful protest. The whole community shows up wearing astronaut suits—a nod to Rocket Says Look Up! (2019). Though the protest gets press coverage, the library will still close. But just as Rocket starts to lose hope, letters from supporters start pouring in. The town’s mayor even pays her a visit and invites Rocket’s family to a celebration, where she informs everyone that not only is the library not closing, but that many people, inspired by the protest, sent money—enough to refurbish the building and buy new books. Rocket is an admirable protagonist whose can-do attitude will spur readers to action and whose passion for libraries is infectious as she spouts off facts: “DID YOU KNOW…there are libraries in Portugal with families of bats that eat book-damaging bugs?” Given the issues facing libraries today—from budget issues to censorship—a story that champions them is timely and important. Adeola’s cheery illustrations match the energetic text beat for beat. Rocket and her family present Black, while their community is a diverse one. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

An upbeat story that empowers young readers to fight for libraries. (more information on speaking up, recommended reading) (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: July 18, 2023

ISBN: 9780593431269

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Random House

Review Posted Online: April 24, 2023

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2023

Categories:

CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES | CHILDREN'S SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

- BOOK REVIEW
ROCKET SAYS CLEAN UP!
by Nathan Bryon ; illustrated by Dapo Adeola

- BOOK REVIEW
ROCKET SAYS LOOK UP!
by Nathan Bryon ; illustrated by Dapo Adeola

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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)