A satisfying tale that sees its protagonist striving once more for a single iconic experience.
Liam’s seasonal demands are modest.
In winter, the young narrator longed for Just One Flake (2023). Now that it’s a perfect summer beach day, Liam hopes for “just one wave.” The shore offers sun, sand, and sea gulls, but—“Oh no”—not the faintest swell. Liam is willing to wait—and WAIT—but some problems can’t be solved, even with patience and perseverance. Scattering a flock of sea gulls doesn’t produce surf, nor does an attempt at sneaking up on the sea and scaring it. Finally, Liam builds a sand castle and taunts the sea: “Come and get it!” But it’s baby sister Sonja who reduces the ramparts to rubble. Now it’s already “Time to go!” Suddenly Liam has an idea. Climbing the castle ruins, the youngster cannonballs into the water, creating a big wave that breaks over Sonja, who, after a moment’s uncertainty, is thrilled. Liam may not have enjoyed any waves today, but the child rejoices at having provided Sonja with her first wave. Upon leaving, calm as the water itself, Liam waves at the sea from the car window, with the hopeful thought “until next summer.” Like the earlier book, this tale features deceptively simple, expressive, flat illustrations with heavy, wavering outlines and touches of soft color. Its plot is positive, unpredictable, and engaging; realistic, relatable dialogue and clear lettering make this a good option for burgeoning readers. Liam and Sonja are tan-skinned.
A satisfying tale that sees its protagonist striving once more for a single iconic experience. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: April 15, 2025
ISBN: 9781419773716
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Abrams
Review Posted Online: Jan. 18, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2025
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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