A creative, involving introduction to the power of community care.
Johnny Heart the lion falls on hard times after a brief time as a rock star—and discovers something else that beats the limelight.
Fat Cat (a skinny cheetah) sells talented lion singer Johnny on a life of fame and fortune, but “as his shows got bigger, everyone seemed so much further away.” He tours an animal-filled world (though the Statue of Liberty is still human) and sings in the spotlight each night, but Johnny is overworked and underappreciated. His voice gives out, and Fat Cat unceremoniously drops him from the label. Busky Soul the Bear, carrying a handkerchief knapsack, welcomes Johnny to a circle of animal friends who have hurt their paws or been bullied by wolves (a missed opportunity to present wolves in a positive light). A smiling Mary Monkey, a volunteer, offers food. Johnny brightens. He realizes he can make others happy in different ways. He becomes a volunteer as well, presumably because volunteers have helped house, feed, and cheer him. His voice returns, and Fat Cat wants to make money from his singing again, but instead Johnny gives benefit concerts at a treehouse shelter. Webster’s text provides a happy-ending fable of homelessness and mutual aid for young children and shows that even talented, valuable people may experience housing insecurity. García’s digital illustrations in orange and blue tones are economical, warm, and dynamic, with rounded shapes and shadowed silhouettes providing a visual pop.
A creative, involving introduction to the power of community care.Pub Date: March 5, 2024
ISBN: 9781953458636
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Yeehoo Press
Review Posted Online: March 13, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2024
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
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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