A heartening tale of finding one’s voice—and summoning the courage to raise it.
A young girl makes herself heard on Mexican Independence Day.
Gloria awakens, excited about the celebrations ahead. On September 16, 1810, Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla shouted a grito (a combination of a laugh and a yell), spurring the Mexican War for Independence against Spain. Every year since, members of her family have shouted a grito to mark Mexican Independence Day. But this year, Gloria’s father is sick; he’s lost his voice and can’t shout the grito. Gloria makes Papa some tea, but the village doesn’t have time to wait for him to get better. Gloria has another idea: She’ll do it herself. Despite the mayor’s reservations (“You are a child!” “But she’s a girl!”), Papa supports Gloria, and that’s all that matters. Gloria decides to practice. It isn’t easy, and her first attempts attract strange looks from the villagers. The baker offers her a tortilla with honey and some affirming words, but it isn’t until Gloria has a heart-to-heart with Papa that she learns the true meaning of the grito—and summons the strength to let loose “the loudest, most joyful grito she could.” Relying on pastel colors and dramatic use of perspective, Martínez’s illustrations adeptly chronicle Gloria’s trajectory from uncertainty to satisfying triumph. The youngster exudes moxie at each step of the way; this is a joyful celebration of Mexican culture and independence and of family, community, and self.
A heartening tale of finding one’s voice—and summoning the courage to raise it. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Aug. 1, 2024
ISBN: 9781534112889
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press
Review Posted Online: Sept. 14, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2024
A charming illustration of childhood memories during the holiday season.
A colorful wintry tale ushers in Chinese New Year over two weeks.
In this picture book, the narrator recounts with nostalgia an observance of the traditional New Year in rural northern China. The snow-covered village bustles with activity as folks venture out to greet relatives and friends. “On the third day, uncles started giving LANTERNS” refers to an old custom in provincial Shaanxi—especially among maternal uncles. Palpable and immediate are Zhao Di’s eager anticipation and the care with which she “walk[s] through the snow with her lantern in case she slipped or the candle blew out in the wind.” Simple yet vivid close-ups depict Zhao Di and her friends, bundled head to toe and comparing lantern designs—accordion, watermelon, etc.—while braving the cold and a bunch of rowdy boys. All too soon, the 15th day arrives, signaling the end of the New Year celebrations. In a pivotal spread that shows Zhao Di sitting with her dog and chickens, readers are granted an interior view of the architecture and layout of a rustic farmhouse. In addition, the villagers’ various clothing styles, headdresses, and skin tones suggest the region’s diverse ethnicities and socio-economic landscapes. As the story concludes with the obligatory smashing and burning of the lanterns, Zhao Di comforts herself with the hopeful thought of lighting new lanterns next year.
A charming illustration of childhood memories during the holiday season. (author's note) (Picture book. 5-8)Pub Date: Dec. 7, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-5420-2984-1
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Amazon Crossing Kids
Review Posted Online: Sept. 23, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2021
A holiday outing that doesn’t quite satisfy.
In this follow-up to singer Parton and co-author Perl’s Billy the Kid Makes It Big (2023), literal and figurative bumps in the road imperil the touring canine country star’s promise to be home for Christmas.
Inspired by one of Parton’s holiday songs, the tale sees Billy, a small brown French bulldog, and bandmates Bo, Buster, and Binky boarding a tour bus for “pawsome” glimpses of natural wonders along with meetings with fans and “puparazzi.” Then, although Billy has sent many letters home promising to be there for the holiday, an invitation to play Barkafeller Center on Christmas Day instantly changes his tune. “Billy was happy. Though he still felt a little…he wasn’t sure what.” Readers may be excused for having mixed feelings about his mixed feelings, not to mention his tersely unapologetic note to the folks. But when, thanks to a bus-busting rock in the road on Christmas Eve, it looks like the band will have to contrive their own celebration (“Silent night, howly night”), Billy remembers that he started making music in the first place for his loved ones. He has no problem bagging the big concert (Fans? What fans? Contract? What contract?) when Dolly herself rolls up in her own bus to offer a ride back to his “Tennessee mountain home” in time for a small show for “the most important audience in the world.” While Billy cuts an endearing figure in Haley’s cartoonish illustrations, his willingness to disappoint first family, then fans may have readers feeling less than cheery.
A holiday outing that doesn’t quite satisfy. (lyrics to Parton’s “Comin’ Home for Christmas”) (Picture book. 5-7)Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2024
ISBN: 9780593755006
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Penguin Workshop
Review Posted Online: Sept. 28, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2024
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