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ROCKET SHIP, SOLO TRIP

Name: ROCKET SHIP, SOLO TRIP
Author: Chiara Colombi
ISBN: 9780593326930

by Chiara Colombi ; illustrated by Scott Magoon ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 20, 2024

Blends social-emotional learning and STEM with engaging illustrations for a memorable trip into space.

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Even a rocket ship has to learn to be brave when she leaves home.

Rocket Ship is excited and a little nervous about her first solo trip to launch a space satellite that will take pictures of Earth below. She’s prepared, but “so much unknown lies up ahead. / So much at home to leave instead.” Ground Control sends helpful tips: “Find one small step to lead the way. / Use the countdown as your cue. / You’ll see. You’ll know just what to do.” After a hug from the anthropomorphized Launch Pad, Rocket Ship blasts off and then successfully launches the satellite. Soon pictures of stars and the northern lights will be on their way to Earth. Rocket Ship’s mission complete, it’s time for reentry, and although she’s happy to be going home, she has another case of the jitters. Luckily, she recalls Ground Control’s advice and begins a successful descent with a smile. Once she’s back on the ground, she’s already wishing for a new launch. “If only space weren’t quite so far.” Digitally created illustrations feature a personified rocket ship with an array of facial expressions that capture a range of emotions, from uncertainty to the satisfaction of a job well done; little ones trying new things will be encouraged. Caregivers and educators should preread the text before storytime to become comfortable with some of the rhythms.

Blends social-emotional learning and STEM with engaging illustrations for a memorable trip into space. (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: Feb. 20, 2024

ISBN: 9780593326930

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Viking

Review Posted Online: Jan. 5, 2024

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2024

Categories:

CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES | CHILDREN'S TRANSPORTATION

- BOOK REVIEW
ROCKET BEAMS, LUNAR DREAMS
by Chiara Colombi ; illustrated by Scott Magoon

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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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THE COOL BEAN MAKES A SPLASH

From the I Can Read! series

by Jory John ; illustrated by Pete Oswald ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 26, 2024

Another quirky take on the series theme that it’s cool to be kind.

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The cool beans again step up to do a timorous fellow legume a fava…this time at the pool.

Will a rash decision to tackle the multistory super-slide lead to another embarrassing watery fail for our shy protagonist? Nope, for up the stairs right behind comes a trio of cool beans, each a different type and color, all clad in nothing but dark shades. They make an offer: “It’s not as scary if you go with friends!” As the knobby nerd explains once the thrilling ride down is done, “They all realized that I just needed some encouragement and support.” Just to make sure that both cool and uncool readers get the message, the narrator lets us know that “there are plenty of kind folks who have my back. They’re always there when I need them.” The beany bonhomie doesn’t end at the bottom of the slide, with all gliding down to the shallow end of the pool (“3 INCHES. NO DIVING”) for a splashy finale. This latest early reader starring characters from John and Oswald’s immensely popular Food Group series will be a hit with fans. Fun accessories, such as a bean who rocks pink cat-eye frames, add some pizzazz to the chromatically and somatotypically varied cast.

Another quirky take on the series theme that it’s cool to be kind. (Easy reader. 5-7)