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MY FAVORITE MEMORIES

Name: MY FAVORITE MEMORIES
Author: Sepideh Sarihi
ISBN: 978-1-7331212-4-8

by Sepideh Sarihi ; illustrated by Julie Völk ; translated by Elisabeth Lauffer ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 18, 2020

A charming tale exploring themes of change, migration, and resilience told from a child’s point of view.

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In this German import, a little girl comes to understand that even though she cannot bring all her favorite things with her when she moves, she can keep them in her heart.

One day, a little girl’s papa says to her, “We’ll fly in an airplane to another country and live in a new house there.” Mama gives her daughter a new suitcase to pack her “most favorite things.” As the little girl makes a mental list—an aquarium; the wooden chair her grandpa made for her; her school bus driver, who always “sang songs with them”; and especially her very best friend, who is “such a good listener”—she realizes she can’t bring any of them with her. Sadly, she walks down to the docks by the ocean, also one of her favorite things. Then, looking out to the open sea, she has a brilliant idea and everything falls into place. Sarihi’s simple, heartfelt story is equally matched by Völk’s unfussy yet evocative illustrations. Blending fantasy and reality, her delicate line drawings are sparsely filled and deliberately surrounded by white space—calling attention to details and opening room for the imagination. The protagonist and her family have white skin and black hair; some background characters appear to be people of color.

A charming tale exploring themes of change, migration, and resilience told from a child’s point of view. (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: Aug. 18, 2020

ISBN: 978-1-7331212-4-8

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Blue Dot Kids Press

Review Posted Online: Feb. 8, 2020

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2020

Categories:

CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES

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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)