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WHY CAN'T GRANDMA REMEMBER MY NAME?

Name: WHY CAN'T GRANDMA REMEMBER MY NAME?
Author: Kent L. Karosen
ISBN: 978-1483572857

by Kent L. Karosen & Chana Stiefel ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 1, 2016

While purposive, a useful and even beautiful book to offer the many children whose families are affected.

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In question-and-answer format, a bibliotherapeutic introduction to Alzheimer’s for young children.

Published by an Alzheimer’s research institute (for which this is also a fundraiser), this book has a clear purpose but is constrained by it; the authors do not discuss other types of dementia, for instance. Following an opening scenario in which a child’s voice describes Grandma’s newly strange behavior, the questions and answers take readers through the basics about the disease. Some of the questions feel very genuine (“Grandma sometimes gets angry.…What’s going on?”) while others (“How does the brain normally work?”) seem constructed to deliver the information the authors feel is necessary. The information presented is by and large accessible to children, but a decision not to explain what “plaques and tangles” are but rather describe what they do may prompt questions that will force readers to consult another resource, as there is no glossary. The most striking feature of this book is the artwork. Each question and answer is given one double-page spread, with a painting by a child accompanying the question and an artfully harmonizing painting by an Alzheimer’s patient accompanying the answer.

While purposive, a useful and even beautiful book to offer the many children whose families are affected. (Picture book. 4-10)

Pub Date: Nov. 1, 2016

ISBN: 978-1483572857

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation

Review Posted Online: Sept. 18, 2016

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2016

Categories:

CHILDREN'S FAMILY

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THERE'S A ROCK CONCERT IN MY BEDROOM

by Kevin Jonas & Danielle Jonas ; illustrated by Courtney Dawson ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 29, 2022

Nice enough but not worth repeat reads.

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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

Categories:

CHILDREN'S FAMILY | CHILDREN'S ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS

- BOOK REVIEW
THERE'S A BEACH IN MY BEDROOM
by Kevin Jonas & Danielle Jonas ; illustrated by Courtney Dawson

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J.D. AND THE FAMILY BUSINESS

From the J.D. the Kid Barber series , Vol. 2

by J. Dillard ; illustrated by Akeem S. Roberts ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 3, 2021

A strong second outing for Dillard and J.D.

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Breakout kid barber J.D. embraces a summer of opportunity.

Readers met J.D. Jones just as he took his hometown of Meridian, Mississippi, by storm, winning himself community acclaim and a chair at the revered Hart and Sons barbershop in series opener J.D. and the Great Barber Battle(2021). What’s next for the haircut prodigy? School’s just getting out, and there’s so much life happening outside—if only one can escape home learning with the grandparents. J.D.’s sister, Vanessa, brings along multitalented mutual friend Jessyka to share an ambitious challenge: “Let’s start a YouTube channel!” Can they get millions of views and wow the whole world? They are already amazing at haircuts and hairstyles—all they need is to learn how to make a great YouTube video. The story models strategies for scripting short videos reflecting the templates of viral YouTube hair tutorials, inviting readers to not only see the journey of the characters, but maybe also practice these skills at home. This book is bound to educate all about some of the most storied and cherished traditions within the Black community. Bringing in Vanessa is a great touch to extend the series across gender, and hopefully she’ll get a chance to lead her own adventures. This book blends skill-building, entrepreneurship, and strong family values to give young Black children visions of what’s possible when they follow their passions and embrace their community.

A strong second outing for Dillard and J.D. (Fiction. 6-9)