Determined, joyous, and necessary.
This appropriately titled picture book aims to encourage self-esteem in young Black readers.
From Afros to Zen, this book serves messages of radical Black love and healing. Each letter has its own spread, both capital and lowercase letters appearing on the verso along with a brief statement that expands on the featured word; opposite is a full-page picture that illustrates it, often expanding the affirmation with its visuals. The Afro picture, for instance, is illustrated by a picture of three Black kids, two in dresses and one in shorts, each wearing their Afros slightly differently—in puffs, with a bow, or unrestrained. They perch on the backs of classroom chairs in front of a chalkboard on which is written diagrams and mathematical equations: These kids take pride in their hair and their brains. Insider knowledge is assumed; “H is for HBCU,” for instance, with no explanation of the initialism deemed necessary. Also understood is the need for affirmation in an unjust world. The “J is for Justice” spread features an illustration of a child holding the scales of justice, the names of Black people who’ve died at the hands of police superimposed on their Afro. The painterly illustrations are sprightly and warm, with rich browns, golden yellows, and deep greens giving a hip, earthy feel that corresponds well with the text. (This book was reviewed digitally with 9-by-18-inch double-page spreads viewed at 52.2% of actual size.)
Determined, joyous, and necessary. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: May 4, 2021
ISBN: 978-0-7624-7560-5
Page Count: 56
Publisher: Running Press Kids
Review Posted Online: March 16, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A solid addition to Rotner’s seasonal series. Bring on summer.
Rotner follows up her celebrations of spring and autumn with this look at all things winter.
Beginning with the signs that winter is coming—bare trees, shorter days, colder temperatures—Rotner eases readers into the season. People light fires and sing songs on the solstice, trees and plants stop growing, and shadows grow long. Ice starts to form on bodies of water and windows. When the snow flies, the fun begins—bundle up and then build forts, make snowballs and snowmen (with eyebrows!), sled, ski (nordic is pictured), skate, snowshoe, snowboard, drink hot chocolate. Animals adapt to the cold as well. “Birds grow more feathers” (there’s nothing about fluffing and air insulation) and mammals, more hair. They have to search for food, and Rotner discusses how many make or find shelter, slow down, hibernate, or go underground or underwater to stay warm. One page talks about celebrating holidays with lights and decorations. The photos show a lit menorah, an outdoor deciduous tree covered in huge Christmas bulbs, a girl next to a Chinese dragon head, a boy with lit luminarias, and some fireworks. The final spread shows signs of the season’s shift to spring. Rotner’s photos, as always, are a big draw. The children are a marvelous mix of cultures and races, and all show their clear delight with winter.
A solid addition to Rotner’s seasonal series. Bring on summer. (Informational picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Oct. 16, 2018
ISBN: 978-0-8234-3976-8
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Holiday House
Review Posted Online: Aug. 13, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2018
Engaging, well-chosen images and a clear, coherent text illuminate the importance of empathy for the world’s inhabitants.
Large color photographs (occasionally composed of montages) and accessible, simple text highlight global similarities and differences, always focusing on our universal connections.
While child readers may not recognize Manzano, the Puerto Rican actress who played Maria on Sesame Street, adults will recognize her as a trusted diverse voice. In her endnote, she explains her desire to “encourage lively conversations about shared experiences.” Starting out with the familiar, home and community, the text begins with “How many WONDERFUL PEOPLE do you know?” Then it moves out to the world: “Did you know there are about 8 BILLION PEOPLE on the planet?” The photo essay features the usual concrete similarities and differences found in many books of this type, such as housing (a Mongolian yurt opposite a Hong Kong apartment building overlooking a basketball court), food (dumplings, pizza, cotton candy, a churro, etc.), and school. Manzano also makes sure to point out likenesses in emotions, as shown in a montage of photos from countries including China, Spain, Kashmir (Pakistan/India), and the United States. At the end, a world map and thumbnail images show the locations of all photos, revealing a preponderance of examples from the U.S. and a slight underrepresentation for Africa and South America.
Engaging, well-chosen images and a clear, coherent text illuminate the importance of empathy for the world’s inhabitants. (Informational picture book. 5-8)Pub Date: Sept. 15, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-4263-3738-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: National Geographic Kids
Review Posted Online: May 2, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2020
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