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WE'RE IN THIS TOGETHER

Name: WE'RE IN THIS TOGETHER
Author: Raphael G. Warnock
ISBN: 9780593691526

LEO'S LUNCH BOX

by Raphael G. Warnock ; illustrated by TeMika Grooms ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 15, 2025

A well-meaning but anodyne look at food insecurity.

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In Senator Warnock’s latest picture book, a magical lunchbox helps a young Black child learn lessons about sharing.

For the fourth time this week, Leo’s mother has packed him a baloney sandwich for lunch. “For now, it’s all we can afford,” she tells him. The ridicule he faces at school because of it—especially from big-mouthed bullies like Pete—leaves an even worse taste in his mouth. Full-color, digital brushstrokes illustrate a racially diverse school that unfortunately suffers from widespread food insecurity. Leo’s family is struggling, but so is his classmate Andy, who brings just bread and butter for his lunch. Leo’s literal prayers are soon answered by his mother’s new job and by the glowing secondhand lunchbox she gives him. At school the next day, the lunchbox gives way to a reimagined biblical parable. Just as Jesus multiplied loaves of bread and fish, Leo’s admirable instincts to share every slice of pizza, orange, and drop of juice that appears from his lunchbox are rewarded as the food mysteriously replicates. All the kids (including Andy and Pete) are fed by not just the supernatural feat, but also by Leo’s kindness. While many will appreciate the biblical allusion, this earnest exploration of child hunger feels ill-conceived. Many readers will be put off by the resolution, which seems to suggest that positive thoughts and children’s willingness to share are enough to solve a systemic issue like this one. Andy and Pete present white.

A well-meaning but anodyne look at food insecurity. (note to readers) (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: April 15, 2025

ISBN: 9780593691526

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Philomel

Review Posted Online: Jan. 18, 2025

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2025

Categories:

CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES | CHILDREN'S RELIGIOUS FICTION

- BOOK REVIEW
PUT YOUR SHOES ON & GET READY!
by Raphael G. Warnock ; illustrated by TeMika Grooms

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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)