Full of familial and community warmth, this is a book that will grow on readers.
A young Black child longs to have a long, full beard like his father’s.
Isaac and his dad often go to the barbershop, but Isaac isn’t allowed to listen while Dad and the others discuss “grown folks’ business,” like Mr. Williams’ recent accident. On the way home, Isaac asks his dad if he will have a beard of his own, and his father tells him that he will someday, when he is one of the “grown folks.” Impatient Isaac imagines what that will be like in a humorous series of illustrations that show him storing snacks in the beard, using it as a leash to walk his dog, Peetie, and jumping rope with it. When he notices his dad using beard oil to help his beard grow, Isaac spends the next six weeks oiling his face to no avail. At the next barbershop appointment, Isaac receives a surprise. As he sees his father giving money to Mr. Williams, who hasn’t been able to work since his injury, he learns that his dad’s beard may not be the coolest thing about him and that “grown folks’ business” means supporting one’s community. Accompanied by endearing cartoonlike illustrations, the book conveys Isaac’s admiration for his father, depicts him learning patience, and highlights barbershop culture—something many readers will find relatable. Characters throughout are Black. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Full of familial and community warmth, this is a book that will grow on readers. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: April 27, 2023
ISBN: 9780807512913
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Whitman
Review Posted Online: Jan. 24, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2023
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
A good bet for the youngest bird-watchers.
Echoing the meter of “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” Ward uses catchy original rhymes to describe the variety of nests birds create.
Each sweet stanza is complemented by a factual, engaging description of the nesting habits of each bird. Some of the notes are intriguing, such as the fact that the hummingbird uses flexible spider web to construct its cup-shaped nest so the nest will stretch as the chicks grow. An especially endearing nesting behavior is that of the emperor penguin, who, with unbelievable patience, incubates the egg between his tummy and his feet for up to 60 days. The author clearly feels a mission to impart her extensive knowledge of birds and bird behavior to the very young, and she’s found an appealing and attractive way to accomplish this. The simple rhymes on the left page of each spread, written from the young bird’s perspective, will appeal to younger children, and the notes on the right-hand page of each spread provide more complex factual information that will help parents answer further questions and satisfy the curiosity of older children. Jenkins’ accomplished collage illustrations of common bird species—woodpecker, hummingbird, cowbird, emperor penguin, eagle, owl, wren—as well as exotics, such as flamingoes and hornbills, are characteristically naturalistic and accurate in detail.
A good bet for the youngest bird-watchers. (author’s note, further resources) (Informational picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: March 18, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-4424-2116-5
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Beach Lane/Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Jan. 3, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2014
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