The message is important but the delivery lacks the spark that will keep readers coming back.
A young girl learns that there’s value in things that aren’t perfect and that even broken things can be repaired.
When Maria reads her older brother Robbie’s favorite book, she turns the pages just like he does, but the results are not at all the same: The pages rip and flutter around her. Angry, Robbie stomps off, and Maria bursts into tears. Ms. Bea, a kindly older caregiver, shows her a bowl that was perfect when Ms. Bea gifted it to Maria’s mother but then broke (the word kintsugi is not used). The pair then take a walk, looking for other things that are imperfectly perfect, such as the dandelion growing in a crack in the broken pavement, the wrinkles on Ms. Bea’s face, and the scar on Maria’s knee, which reminds her of how Robbie lovingly carried her home after she hurt herself while playing. Maria is inspired to fix Robbie’s book with some gold tape, and, after her heartfelt apology, the two snuggle in to read together. While the premise of making the best of imperfection is a good one, Emerson’s writing doesn’t quite carry it off. The dialogue is a bit stilted, and readers may wonder why Maria didn’t stop after the first page ripped. Cartoon illustrations depict a diverse town; Maria and Robbie have light tan skin and dark hair, while Ms. Bea is pale with white hair.
The message is important but the delivery lacks the spark that will keep readers coming back. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: March 19, 2024
ISBN: 9781664300385
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Tiger Tales
Review Posted Online: Dec. 16, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
New parents of daughters will eat these up and perhaps pass on the lessons learned.
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
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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