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WHERE WE CAN HEAR THE GIANTS SING

Name: WHERE WE CAN HEAR THE GIANTS SING
Author: Peter Cheong
ISBN: 9781250907578

by Peter Cheong ; illustrated by Peter Cheong ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 8, 2024

A visually compelling, though at times cryptic, homage to the lure of adventure and the promise of home.

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A child embarks on a fantastical underwater adventure with mermaids.

The tan-skinned, black-haired protagonist befriends a mermaid, who gives the child a necklace. The youngster shows the gift to an adult, who inexplicably recoils and confiscates it. The child secretly finds the necklace, races down the dock, and dives into the water, where the mermaid awaits. In a nod to fairy-tale lore, the necklace gives the child the ability to stay underwater indefinitely. Other mermaids join the two, and the protagonist marvels at the beauty of marine life. But seeing a mermaid parent and child awakens old memories in the youngster. “I’ve had the most wonderful time,” the child says. “But I’m coming back home.” Minimal text describes the basics of the story but at times feels superfluous; the bulk of the narrative is propelled by the striking illustrations. Bold blues, oranges, and greens in textured strokes dominate the dramatic artwork. Though the characters are wonderfully expressive, readers may be confused about some elements of the plot, depending on what details they notice or overlook. Those who start reading after the title page, for instance, may wonder where the necklace came from; they’ll need to flip back to see the earlier pages that show the mermaid giving it to the protagonist.

A visually compelling, though at times cryptic, homage to the lure of adventure and the promise of home. (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: Oct. 8, 2024

ISBN: 9781250907578

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Henry Holt

Review Posted Online: July 19, 2024

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2024

Categories:

CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES | CHILDREN'S FAMILY

- BOOK REVIEW
EVERY NIGHT AT MIDNIGHT
by Peter Cheong ; illustrated by Peter Cheong

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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)