An earnest kids’ story that aims to build resilience and optimism in young readers.
Cooper’s debut illustrated picture book explores the changes and adjustments that families have had to manage during enforced separations during the Covid-19 pandemic.
As the story opens, a young, unnamed, apparently preschool-aged reptile misses his grandpa, a dog. He begins to wonder not only where his grandparent is, but also what he’s doing and who’s helping him without his close family members around, like they used to be. The compassionate boy, who lives in a comfortable suburban setting with two parents and plenty of toys, has several worries and concerns about Grandpa; for instance, without assistance, how will grandpa keep his house clean, locate his glasses, or do his laundry? DeWitt’s detailed illustrations begin as black-and-white line drawings but soon include full-color images that show the child playing with Grandpa at his house—flashbacks that effectively demonstrate the closeness of their relationship. In these scenes, readers see an energetic, involved grandparent who builds construction sets, plays make-believe, and is just about the best playmate any young reader could hope for. Over the course of this book, the text is rather limited apart from somewhat overly explanatory pedagogic moments from the child’s mother (a raccoon) and father (a dog) who put positive spins on isolation: “Until this virus and its variants are truly subdued, we take up projects we’ve been meaning to get to. We think about things we don’t usually have time for. I’ll bet that Grandpa has found interesting things to do.”
An earnest kids’ story that aims to build resilience and optimism in young readers.Pub Date: June 17, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-03-912148-5
Page Count: 72
Publisher: FriesenPress
Review Posted Online: Aug. 4, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2022
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
BOOK REVIEW
PERSPECTIVES
New parents of daughters will eat these up and perhaps pass on the lessons learned.
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
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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