Quietly, beautifully told and deeply satisfying.
A lost package finally arrives where it was intended to go.
An elementary-age New Yorker sends a gift to a friend in the Bay Area. Ho and Lanan skillfully describe and depict, respectively, the procedures of the U.S. Postal Service as the box begins to make its way to its destination. Alas, a pothole in the road to the airport causes the box to fall out of the truck. It lands in a puddle and is ignored until another kid finally spies it. Curious, the child picks it up, noting not only the recipient’s address, but also a drawing of the Golden Gate Bridge that the sender inked on it. Luckily, the box’s finder is moving to that place along with mom and dog! Guess what they’ll personally deliver when they get there? So the USPS doesn’t deliver the box, but this family does—and makes new friends. This sweetly simple, understated story is emotionally rich, a warm paean to the power of connections. Ho’s text places the box as its protagonist, giving Lanan ample space to develop the story around it. Her delicate watercolor illustrations provide clues to both cities, though interpretation requires sharp eyes and some prior knowledge (or a helpful caregiver). Engaging perspectives and effective uses of type add drama. The box’s sender and recipient both present Asian; the intervening kid and mom present Black. An afterword describes the author’s family’s moving connection to the U.S. Post Office. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Quietly, beautifully told and deeply satisfying. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: March 2, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-250-23135-2
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Review Posted Online: Dec. 24, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2021
A charming winner about purpose, bravery, and making one’s dreams come true.
Dedication and determination are everything.
Gabriel, an old elephant who lives by the sea, reminisces about visiting a lifeboat as a youngster. He loved watching the crew ready it to rescue sailors and enjoyed listening to them sing sea shanties. He longed to be so brave! When Gabriel asked to join them, they told him to return when he was older and stronger. Gabriel read about storms and sea rescues and practiced rowing. He grew older, stronger, and BIGGER. By the time he returned to the crew, Gabriel had unfortunately grown too large to fit into the boat. More intent than ever, Gabriel constructed his own vessel, singing mightily. Meanwhile, the fishing fleet set out, then ran into big trouble when a strong gale hit. The regular lifeboat team couldn’t help. Guess who rescued the sailors safely with his own powerful vessel? In the end, everyone decided to build a larger craft to accommodate everyone. By turns thrilling and warmly reassuring, this story demonstrates that resolve—and inclusion—wins out; readers will cheer for Gabriel all the way. Sailing through the narrative are vigorous shanties readers might well join in on. Fitting his animal cast out in thick sweaters and raincoats, Vere brings the Cornish setting to life beautifully. Gabriel cuts an endearing figure in the lively illustrations, rendered in a limited palette of soft oranges, grays, and blues.
A charming winner about purpose, bravery, and making one’s dreams come true. (author’s note) (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: May 7, 2024
ISBN: 9780525580904
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Doubleday
Review Posted Online: March 9, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2024
An affirming friendship tale and a reminder to embrace oneself.
In this sequel to Cranky (2023), the grouchy crane returns, with a new character in tow.
The book opens on an optimistic note. Seated at the breakfast table, Cranky cracks a true smile alongside a younger brother; both sport matching yellow and orange paint. The mood shifts swiftly at the Sandbox Hills construction yard when a smaller green crane bursts onto the scene. With his constant stream of chatter and jokes, Lefty is equal parts annoying and earnest as he proclaims, “I’M FOLLOWING CRANKY TODAY SO I CAN LEARN HOW TO BE THE BEST CRANE I CAN BE.” To Cranky’s horror, the newcomer quickly endears himself to the other crew members. Cranky’s insecurity is deeply relatable; feeling left out, the crane attempts to crack fake smiles and tell jokes, to the others’ consternation. (“What’s wrong with your face, Cranky?”) At last, Cranky literally blows a gasket, depicted effectively on a page with a dramatically red backdrop. Friends offer Cranky words of reassurance: “We like you because you’re Cranky. Nobody is like you.” Tran and Oswald plainly demonstrate useful strategies for coping with big feelings, like sitting quietly alone and expressing oneself. Oswald’s chunky illustrations, rooted in primary colors, will engage younger children, while speech bubbles offer older kids that cool comic book feel. Construction puns abound; Cranky frequently resorts to the pseudo-swear “Oh clang it” when frustrated.
An affirming friendship tale and a reminder to embrace oneself. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2025
ISBN: 9780063256309
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Oct. 12, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2024
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