A tender story of understanding and accepting a grandparent’s aging process.
In this thoughtful picture book, a Jamaican child begins to understand that her grandmother is showing signs of Alzheimer’s.
Amancia loves her grandmother, who lives next door. One day, she picks a star apple just for Grandma, and she leaves it on the table while Grandma naps, her Bible on her chest. Later, when Amancia asks if she liked the star apple, Grandma says she never received it. At church, Amancia notices that Grandma knows all the words to every hymn, but she looks tired in the heat. When Grandma forgets her Bible, something she never does, Amancia grabs it for her. The girl grows worried, and things grow even more confusing when Grandma loses her Bible at home, becoming distressed and confused. Eventually Amancia’s mother takes Grandma to the doctor, who diagnoses the elderly woman with Alzheimer’s disease. Her mother explains to Amancia that this means Grandma might forget things, but she needs their love more than ever, and while some things will change—they’ll take the bus to church instead of walking—they’ll try to keep the most important things the same to help Grandma. Gerdner and Witter, both health professionals involved with Alzheimer’s advocacy, provide a quiet glimpse into family life, depicting a Jamaican family as they skillfully navigate a challenging time with love. The relationship between Amancia and Grandma blooms with affection, and their shared joy in seeing nature around them or savoring a family meal shines through. Some of the vocabulary may feel clinical or challenge young readers; for example, Mother tells Amancia, “We are going to continue to evaluate her ability to live alone.” But despite the sometimes lengthy text, the messages of support and caring—and that Grandma’s loss of memory doesn’t mean she loves Amancia any less—are clear. Jones’ beautiful watercolor illustrations bring the Jamaican setting to life, and some images, such as Grandma holding her Bible in her wrinkled hands, seem as though you could reach in and touch them.
A tender story of understanding and accepting a grandparent’s aging process.Pub Date: Jan. 1, 2024
ISBN: 9780998686479
Page Count: 34
Publisher: Pizzicato Press
Review Posted Online: April 14, 2024
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
BOOK REVIEW
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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