A book that will both get kids outside and give them the words to describe what they find.
A grandpa and a grandchild explore the many textures found outdoors.
The short rhyming verses, written from the grandfather’s perspective, largely stick to mentions of what the two see and feel on their autumn walk. Meanwhile, Hokkanen’s illustrations tell a larger tale about a child who’s sullen at being pulled away from a video game but gradually warms up to the wonders of nature exploration and Grandfather’s irrepressible enthusiasm and hijinks. Thistle weeds are “fuzzy and spiked”; long-stemmed reeds are “feathered and fluffy.” The two also encounter oozy mud, wet stones in the creek, spongy moss, gnarled roots, and sticky frog toes. When the youngster trips and falls over a log and “day fades to night,” the textures turn toward ones that reflect the tender multigenerational relationship: Grandfather’s woolen cap, his “wrinkly and warm” hand, and his “scratchy and dry” chin as he tucks his little one into bed. Backmatter provides two activity ideas, a basic summary of the five senses (“You taste only with your tongue”), and a safety note. The bright fall colors will draw listeners in, but it’s the grandparent-grandchild bond that’s the true star. This grandpa allows the child time to dilly-dally, observe, and just be out in nature. The two share the same light skin and brown hair.
A book that will both get kids outside and give them the words to describe what they find. (Picture book. 2-6)Pub Date: Aug. 5, 2025
ISBN: 9780823456406
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Holiday House
Review Posted Online: May 3, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A tale of intergenerational bonding to be shared by grandparents and grandchildren.
In talk-show host Fallon and illustrator Ordóñez’s latest picture-book collaboration, an elderly pooch waxes rhapsodic about a life well lived.
Observing Papa sitting in his chair watching TV all day, a young pup says, “I’m starting to think…you don’t do ANYTHING.” So Papa proceeds to list his accomplishments, both big and small, mundane and profound. Some are just a result of being older and physically bigger (being tall enough to reach a high shelf and strong enough to open jars); others include winning a race and performing in a band when he was younger. Eventually, the pup realizes that while Papa may have slowed down in his old age, he’s led a full life. The most satisfying thing about Papa’s life now? Watching his grandchild take center stage: “I can say lots of thoughts / but I choose to be quiet. / I’d rather you discover things and then try it.” Fallon’s straightforward text is sweetly upbeat, though it occasionally lacks flow, forcing incongruous situations together to fit the rhyme scheme (“I cook and I mow, / and I once flew a plane. // I play newspaper puzzles because it’s good for my brain”). Featuring uncluttered, colorful backgrounds, Ordóñez’s child-friendly digital art at times takes on sepia tones, evoking the sense of looking back at old photos or memories. Though the creators tread familiar ground, the love between Papa and his little one is palpable.
A tale of intergenerational bonding to be shared by grandparents and grandchildren. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: May 13, 2025
ISBN: 9781250393975
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Review Posted Online: May 3, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Nice enough but not worth repeat reads.
Emma deals with jitters before playing the guitar in the school talent show.
Pop musician Kevin Jonas and his wife, Danielle, put performance at the center of their picture-book debut. When Emma is intimidated by her very talented friends, the encouragement of her younger sister, Bella, and the support of her family help her to shine her own light. The story is straightforward and the moral familiar: Draw strength from your family and within to overcome your fears. Employing the performance-anxiety trope that’s been written many times over, the book plods along predictably—there’s nothing really new or surprising here. Dawson’s full-color digital illustrations center a White-presenting family along with Emma’s three friends of color: Jamila has tanned skin and wears a hijab; Wendy has dark brown skin and Afro puffs; and Luis has medium brown skin. Emma’s expressive eyes and face are the real draw of the artwork—from worry to embarrassment to joy, it’s clear what she’s feeling. A standout double-page spread depicts Emma’s talent show performance, with a rainbow swirl of music erupting from an amp and Emma rocking a glam outfit and electric guitar. Overall, the book reads pretty plainly, buoyed largely by the artwork. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Nice enough but not worth repeat reads. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: March 29, 2022
ISBN: 978-0-593-35207-6
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Razorbill/Penguin
Review Posted Online: Feb. 8, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
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