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AND THERE WAS MUSIC

Name: AND THERE WAS MUSIC
Author: Marta Pantaleo
ISBN: 9780802856401

by Marta Pantaleo ; illustrated by Marta Pantaleo ; translated by Debbie Bibo ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 22, 2025

Sweeping and thought-provoking. Readers will agree: “Music is magical.”

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A loving tribute to the ways music shapes and reflects our cultures and to the unique way it binds humanity.

There’s an old maxim that “writing about music is like dancing about architecture.” Yet Pantaleo admirably manages the daunting task of capturing music’s complexity through word and image. The author starts with small, personal experiences, describing in brief, straightforward language how music allows one to “relive a memory.” It can elicit tears or soothe anxious hearts. Pantaleo then widens her perspective to consider music that holds important cultural meaning. Occasional overly broad statements feel a tad discordant, but pages showing Maori hakas or Hawaiian people blowing conch shell trumpets nicely demonstrate that music can play both symbolic and utilitarian roles. Pantaleo closes by urging readers to “follow its rhythm. Can you hear it?” Raucous, wildly colorful images accompanying the text, translated from Italian, are as exuberant as a rock concert. Dark lines emanating from instruments and mouths feel like sound bursting forth; readers will readily sing the praises of the chunky, high-contrast portraits of diverse musicians from around the world and beyond—one image depicts astronaut Wang Yaping performing “Jasmine Flower” on the International Space Station. Brief but comprehensive backmatter provides further information on the culture, instrument, or musical element on each page.

Sweeping and thought-provoking. Readers will agree: “Music is magical.” (glossary) (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: April 22, 2025

ISBN: 9780802856401

Page Count: 52

Publisher: Eerdmans

Review Posted Online: Dec. 28, 2024

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2025

Categories:

CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES | CHILDREN'S ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS

- BOOK REVIEW
DOGS AND US
by Marta Pantaleo ; illustrated by Marta Pantaleo ; translated by Debbie Bibo & Yvette Ghione

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WHY A DAUGHTER NEEDS A MOM

by Gregory R. Lange ; illustrated by Sydney Hanson ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 1, 2019

New parents of daughters will eat these up and perhaps pass on the lessons learned.

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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

Categories:

CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES | CHILDREN'S FAMILY | CHILDREN'S HOLIDAYS & CELEBRATIONS

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LITTLE BLUE TRUCK AND RACER RED

From the Little Blue Truck series

by Alice Schertle ; illustrated by Jill McElmurry ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 25, 2025

A friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share.

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In this latest in the series, Little Blue Truck, driven by pal Toad, is challenged to a countryside race by Racer Red, a sleek, low-slung vehicle.

Blue agrees, and the race is on. Although the two start off “hood to hood / and wheel to wheel,” they switch positions often as they speed their way over dusty country roads. Blue’s farm friends follow along to share in the excitement and shout out encouragement; adult readers will have fun voicing the various animal sounds. Short rhyming verses on each page and several strategic page turns add drama to the narrative, but soft, mottled effects in the otherwise colorful illustrations keep the competition from becoming too intense. Racer Red crosses the finish line first, but Blue is a gracious loser, happy to have worked hard. That’s a new concept for Racer Red, who’s laser-focused on victory but takes Blue’s words (“win or lose, it’s fun to try!”) to heart—a revelation that may lead to worthwhile storytime discussions. When Blue’s farm animal friends hop into the truck for the ride home, Racer Red tags along and learns a second lesson, one about speed. “Fast is fun, / and slow is too, / as long as you’re / with friends.”

A friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share. (Picture book. 4-7)