Vibrant and delicate, if somewhat abstract, parables of spiritual growth and resilience.
A head of garlic embarks on a journey of self-discovery in this debut children’s book.
Little Garlic is sad and lonely because everyone calls him “Stinky” and avoids him. But then he meets Onion, a kind and wise soul who’s ready to listen. Onion reassures his new friend that those who mocked him are ignorant, unable to appreciate how Garlic’s ancestors spread far from their homeland, thrived, and became beloved everywhere. Onion offers to help Garlic find answers; the first step is getting to know and trust Magic Wind, who will aid in discovering Garlic’s “secret treasure.” Garlic meets several characters who teach him the values of inner beauty, kindness, work, and love and how to find guidance to the treasure within through prayer and reflection. He is receptive, especially to an inspiring tale in which a seeker named Adam discovers that the key to ending violence is through the Flower of Peace and its seed of pure light, which blossoms in a heart nurtured by love, beauty, hope, and faith. As the story ends, Garlic has not yet found his special mission, but Onion is sure that Secret Star has one in mind for him. In her book, Shashaani writes lyrically, employing simple but expressive language. Some images of spiritual growth, such as the caterpillar/butterfly, are familiar, but others are more original, like the rambutan fruit—ugly on the outside, luminously beautiful within. But some concepts may be too opaque for young readers, such as the actual substance of one’s secret treasure, and the tale ends without resolution; a sequel is planned. Lemaire, a prolific children’s book illustrator, contributes botanical-themed, monochrome sketches that are attractive but, disappointingly, don’t depict scenes or characters.
Vibrant and delicate, if somewhat abstract, parables of spiritual growth and resilience. (Children's book, 8-11)Pub Date: N/A
ISBN: 978-1-954332-00-3
Page Count: 178
Publisher: Wyatt-MacKenzie Publishing
Review Posted Online: Sept. 17, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2021
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
After Castro’s takeover, nine-year-old Julian and his older brothers are sent away by their fearful parents via “Operation Pedro Pan” to a camp in Miami for Cuban-exile children. Here he discovers that a ruthless bully has essentially been put in charge. Julian is quicker-witted than his brothers or anyone else ever imagined, though, and with his inherent smarts, developing maturity and the help of child and adult friends, he learns to navigate the dynamics of the camp and surroundings and grows from the former baby of the family to independence and self-confidence. A daring rescue mission at the end of the novel will have readers rooting for Julian even as it opens his family’s eyes to his courage and resourcefulness. This autobiographical novel is a well-meaning, fast-paced and often exciting read, though at times the writing feels choppy. It will introduce readers to a not-so-distant period whose echoes are still felt today and inspire admiration for young people who had to be brave despite frightening and lonely odds. (Historical fiction. 9-12)
Pub Date: Aug. 3, 2010
ISBN: 978-1-59643-168-3
Page Count: 256
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Review Posted Online: June 14, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2010
BOOK REVIEW
A fast and funny alternative to the Wimpy Kid.
Black sixth-grader Jake Liston can only play one song on the piano. He can’t read music very well, and he can’t improvise. So how did Jake get accepted to the Music and Art Academy? He faked it.
Alongside an eclectic group of academy classmates, and with advice from his best friend, Jake tries to fit in at a school where things like garbage sculpting and writing art reviews of bird poop splatter are the norm. All is well until Jake discovers that the end-of-the-semester talent show is only two weeks away, and Jake is short one very important thing…talent. Or is he? It’s up to Jake to either find the talent that lies within or embarrass himself in front of the entire school. Light and humorous, with Knight’s illustrations adding to the fun, Jake’s story will likely appeal to many middle-grade readers, especially those who might otherwise be reluctant to pick up a book. While the artsy antics may be over-the-top at times, this is a story about something that most preteens can relate to: the struggle to find your authentic self. And in a world filled with books about wanting to fit in with the athletically gifted supercliques, this novel unabashedly celebrates the artsy crowd in all of its quirky, creative glory.
A fast and funny alternative to the Wimpy Kid. (Fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: March 28, 2017
ISBN: 978-0-553-52351-5
Page Count: 144
Publisher: Crown
Review Posted Online: Dec. 5, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2016
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