A common childhood experience, conveyed with an uncommon mix of sensitivity, mirth, and heart.
After accidentally breaking a relative’s treasured possession, a child worries about facing the consequences.
While playing with Mimi the cat, Mei Mei, a youngster of Chinese descent, bumps a table and smashes a cup belonging to Ama (Grandmother). Mei Mei runs off, terrified. But Ama isn’t mad; she blames the incident on Mimi and sets about serving tea. Will Mei Mei get away with it? No, Mei Mei’s guilty conscience makes enjoying Ama’s cake impossible, especially with Mimi’s accusing stares. Mei Mei runs off to hide in the closet. When the youngster finally comes clean, Ama reveals that she has a talent for fixing things. She points out that “every patch and every repair tells a story.” Her favorite cup now has a rich story to tell. Fang’s digitally colored pencil artwork uses an innovative mix of compositions to advance the narrative’s emotional arc. Mei Mei’s vivid imaginings (“What if Ama yells at me? What if Ama kicks me out?”) are depicted in panels, while well-placed close-ups and dramatic perspectives capture the child’s inner turmoil with cinematic flair; an especially effective scene intercuts Mimi’s silently judgmental face with images of the cake. Laudably, Fang makes room for both laugh-out-loud humor and moments of genuine empathy; rife with homey details, her softly rounded illustrations exude warmth.
A common childhood experience, conveyed with an uncommon mix of sensitivity, mirth, and heart. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Oct. 14, 2025
ISBN: 9781774882009
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Tundra Books
Review Posted Online: July 4, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
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
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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