An inspiring story for readers of all ages and genders.
Thermes presents the tale of the first woman thru-hiker on the Appalachian Trail.
Emma Gatewood always found a bit of an escape in rambling through the hills near her farm in Ohio, and with 11 children and the farm and house chores, she sure needed one. In 1955, at the age of 67, Emma headed out on the A.T. She had read in a magazine that no woman had ever hiked the whole thing and that it was easy. Alternating pages tell the tale of Emma’s thru-hike and facts about the trail, the backdrop double-page spreads of sectional maps of the A.T. pointing out notable sights and mountains and marking Emma’s progress. Dubbed Grandma Gatewood by the kindly people she met along the way, she was the recipient of much trail magic—she carried no stove, little food, and no tent, and she wore through five pairs of canvas sneakers. Thermes presents both the good and the bad about Emma’s hike: a bear, rain (a hurricane!), a few injuries, gorgeous scenery, and many new friends. Quite a few of the softly colored, cartoony, watercolor-and–colored pencil spreads will have readers packing their own backpacks, most notably those of McAfee Knob, the backwoods night sky, and the top of Katahdin. Emma is white; among a group of fellow hikers are some people of color. A text-heavy backmatter spread includes a biography of Emma Gatewood, the history of the A.T., and selected sources.
An inspiring story for readers of all ages and genders. (Informational picture book. 4-10)Pub Date: May 8, 2018
ISBN: 978-1-4197-2839-6
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Abrams
Review Posted Online: Feb. 18, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2018
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A supplemental rather than introductory book on the great artist.
Frida Kahlo’s strong affection for and identification with animals form the lens through which readers view her life and work in this picture-book biography.
Each two-page spread introduces one or more of her pets, comparing her characteristics to theirs and adding biographical details. Confusingly for young readers, the beginning pages reference pets she owned as an adult, yet the illustrations and events referred to come from earlier in her life. Bonito the parrot perches in a tree overlooking young Frida and her family in her childhood home and pops up again later, just before the first mention of Diego Rivera. Granizo, the fawn, another pet from her adult years, is pictured beside a young Frida and her father along with a description of “her life as a little girl.” The author’s note adds important details about Kahlo’s life and her significance as an artist, as well as recommending specific paintings that feature her beloved animals. Expressive acrylic paintings expertly evoke Kahlo’s style and color palette. While young animal lovers will identify with her attachment to her pets and may enjoy learning about the Aztec origins of her Xolo dogs and the meaning of turkeys in ancient Mexico, the book may be of most interest to those who already have an interest in Kahlo’s life.
A supplemental rather than introductory book on the great artist. (Picture book/biography. 4-8)Pub Date: Sept. 5, 2017
ISBN: 978-0-7358-4269-4
Page Count: 40
Publisher: NorthSouth
Review Posted Online: June 18, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2017
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Colorful, upbeat, and just for Swifties.
What is being a Swiftie all about? Finding joy in the things you love!
For Taylor Swift and her fans, love comes from baking tasty desserts, snuggling with pets, enjoying fireworks with friends, and attending concerts. Vibrant illustrations that evoke bright pop music are scattered with references to Taylor’s life, such as a red sports jersey (a nod to her high-profile relationship with a certain Kansas City Chiefs tight end) or a stack of friendship bracelets (which devotees know are commonly made by hand and traded at Swift’s concerts). Without this prior knowledge of Swift lore, this peppy picture book may feel like a somewhat superficial, though positive, list of ways to find happiness; some readers may wish the author had included messages about acceptance and self-love, commonly found in Swift’s lyrics. Still, the intended audience will welcome it as a joyful love letter to her fans. Pops of color splash across scenes of Taylor and a racially diverse set of friends doing their favorite things atop a stark white background. The star’s recognizable fashion style and facial features are spot-on, while most other featured characters feel more generic.
Colorful, upbeat, and just for Swifties. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Jan. 14, 2025
ISBN: 9781665973519
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Simon Spotlight
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2024
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