A comprehensive and successful child’s introduction to competitive sports.
The emotional and physical experiences of winning and losing can be difficult concepts for young readers.
Brochmann and Bowen’s rhyming, singsong stanzas first introduce the physical benefits of sports before moving to emotional aspects like empathy, sportsmanship, and losing with grace. Speaking directly to young athletes, the book gives strategies and tips on how to handle big feelings. “So don’t spoil the fun / by losing your head. / When you’re feeling frustrated / try this instead…”—“this” being taking a timeout and doing some deep breathing. Ng-Benitez’s illustrations introduce a diverse group of child athletes participating in a variety of indoor and outdoor sports and use bright colors and quick lines to convey movement. The illustrations effectively accompany the text, with gymnasts tumbling across one double-page spread explaining how muscles grow from running and jumping and young soccer players in teams observing post-game rituals to illustrate sportsmanship. Readers will see the wide range of emotions players go through when they compete—frustration, joy, anger, and sadness—and learn they are all part of the game. A concluding note for parents and caregivers shares the importance of addressing all the upsides and downsides of competition as they introduce their children to sports and the fact that “feelings and behaviors are not mutually exclusive. Showing grace and kindness…does not mean you are not a tough or competitive player.”
A comprehensive and successful child’s introduction to competitive sports. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Aug. 24, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-4338-3694-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Magination/American Psychological Association
Review Posted Online: June 15, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A disappointing follow-up.
Inventor Izzy Gizmo is back in this sequel to her eponymous debut (2017).
While busily inventing one day, Izzy receives an invitation from the Genius Guild to their annual convention. Though Izzy’s “inventions…don’t always work,” Grandpa (apparently her sole caregiver) encourages her to go. The next day they undertake a long journey “over fields, hills, and waves” and “mile after mile” to isolated Technoff Isle. There, Izzy finds she must compete against four other kids to create the most impressive machine. The colorful, detail-rich illustrations chronicle how poor Izzy is thwarted at every turn by Abi von Lavish, a Veruca Salt–esque character who takes all the supplies for herself. But when Abi abandons her project, Izzy salvages the pieces and decides to take Grandpa’s advice to create a machine that “can really be put to good use.” A frustrated Izzy’s impatience with a friend almost foils her chance at the prize, but all’s well that ends well. There’s much to like: Brown-skinned inventor girl Izzy is an appealing character, it’s great to see a nurturing brown-skinned male caregiver, the idea of an “Invention Convention” is fun, and a sustainable-energy invention is laudable. However, these elements don’t make up for rhymes that often feel forced and a lackluster story.
A disappointing follow-up. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: March 1, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-68263-164-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Peachtree
Review Posted Online: Jan. 11, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2020
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
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