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TENACIOUS WON'T GIVE UP

Name: TENACIOUS WON'T GIVE UP
Author: Pam Vaughan
ISBN: 9780593645215

by Pam Vaughan ; illustrated by Leanne Hatch ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 24, 2025

A practical and refreshingly inclusive take on persistence.

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A child struggles to ride her bike.

Tenacious has always lived up to her name, whether walking to a waterfall when her legs are tired or climbing to the “tippy-top of the tire swing.” And now she’s determined to ride her bike in the Wheel Parade. Although she does her best to maintain her balance, Tenacious keeps crashing—and the parade is this afternoon! Fortunately, Tenacious’ sister, Sage, knows “a thing or two about riding around on wheels.” Sage, a talented wheelchair basketball player, suggests that instead of trying her hardest, Tenacious try her “smartest.” For Sage, that means visualizing making a successful basket, practicing, and adjusting her technique as needed. Following Sage’s example, Tenacious imagines herself pedaling with the other kids, and when she “wiggle[s]” and “wobble[s]” and “weave[s],” she, like Sage, “lean[s] a little left” and “rotate[s] a little right.” Soon, Tenacious is pedaling around the neighborhood—and, as the parade begins, even challenging Sage to a race. Hatch’s sunny cartoon illustrations readily convey Tenacious’ resolve and frustration. Vaughan’s portrayal of a disabled sibling as a supportive mentor rather than an opportunity to explain disabilities shows welcome representation, and readers of all abilities will find Sage’s advice helpful as they practice their own endeavors. Tenacious and Sage have light skin; background characters are racially diverse.

A practical and refreshingly inclusive take on persistence. (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: June 24, 2025

ISBN: 9780593645215

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Knopf

Review Posted Online: April 19, 2025

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2025

Categories:

CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES | CHILDREN'S FAMILY

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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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THE COOL BEAN MAKES A SPLASH

From the I Can Read! series

by Jory John ; illustrated by Pete Oswald ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 26, 2024

Another quirky take on the series theme that it’s cool to be kind.

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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)