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THE PIPSQUEAK

Name: THE PIPSQUEAK
Author: Ben Manley
ISBN: 978-1-72849-211-7

by Ben Manley ; illustrated by Andrew Gardner ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 4, 2023

A fun underdog story for readers intrepid enough to join this merry band of kids.

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The seemingly weakest member of a group of friends solves a bullying problem.

The opening double-page spread shows a racially diverse array of cartoonish characters with large, round heads; round, opaque, black eyes; and frowning eyebrows. Each character’s name is listed. Narrator Hero, who presents as Black, states, “This is our gang. This is our spot. And we like it a lot. So hands off!” As Hero introduces each gang member and their particular skills—other than light-skinned Pip, who has no discernible talent—gentle humor comes through. For example, tan-skinned Thunderbolt—dressed appropriately in cheetah-print clothing—is so quick that “even her watch is fast.” The only person faster than Thunderbolt—and, indeed, superior to everyone else—is nonmember Solo. The light-skinned, freckled girl, who, we learn from Hero, once “squished” Pip and took his yo-yo, overpowers each club member until Pip not only speaks truth to power, but eventually leads the others to accept lonely Solo’s membership. The humor is enjoyable, and Pip’s cleverness will inspire little ones, though the story seems to have a bit of dissonance; while it encourages children to be bold, caring, and inclusive, the beginning and ending show the club members looking a bit menacing, as though discouraging outsiders from joining. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A fun underdog story for readers intrepid enough to join this merry band of kids. (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: April 4, 2023

ISBN: 978-1-72849-211-7

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Andersen Press USA

Review Posted Online: Feb. 7, 2023

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2023

Categories:

CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES

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WHY A DAUGHTER NEEDS A MOM

by Gregory R. Lange ; illustrated by Sydney Hanson ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 1, 2019

New parents of daughters will eat these up and perhaps pass on the lessons learned.

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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

Categories:

CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES | CHILDREN'S FAMILY | CHILDREN'S HOLIDAYS & CELEBRATIONS

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LITTLE BLUE TRUCK AND RACER RED

From the Little Blue Truck series

by Alice Schertle ; illustrated by Jill McElmurry ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 25, 2025

A friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share.

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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)