A tender read-aloud and a valuable discussion-starter.
A child of Caribbean descent follows her busy mother around and learns that love takes many forms.
With the days of the week used as a frame for the story, a girl describes her mother’s various roles: a parent, a nanny, a teacher, a cleaner, a seamstress, a baker, a sister, and more. Their week is filled with activities, from visiting the market to making bread to listening to an aunty call a daughter back home in Antigua. While Mummy does her work and tends to grown folks’ business, she alternates between enlisting the child’s help and shooing her away. On Saturdays, when Mummy cleans the office of a graphic designer, the child gets to take home art supplies Mr. Waters is getting rid of. On Saturday nights, aunts, uncles, and cousins gather and share food. And one Easter Sunday, Mummy brings out a surprise that shows just how much she’s been thinking of and spending time on her own daughters all along. The clever narrative structure conveys a child’s-eye view of a strong maternal relationship despite the hustle and bustle of Mummy’s busy life. Vibrant acrylic paintings use dramatic compositions and whimsical designs to establish the book’s Brooklyn setting. The protagonist’s quest for her mother’s attention is ultimately rewarded with a delightful surprise ending, making for a unique and loving portrait of a close-knit family. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A tender read-aloud and a valuable discussion-starter. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Sept. 5, 2023
ISBN: 9781773068305
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Groundwood
Review Posted Online: Aug. 12, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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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