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A SONG SO BLACK, SO PROUD!

Name: A SONG SO BLACK, SO PROUD!
Author: R.J. Owens
ISBN: 9781534112704

by R.J. Owens ; illustrated by Keisha Okafor ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 15, 2023

A fun and informative examination of a pivotal song in Black history.

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This unique look at James Brown’s “Say It Loud—I’m Black and I’m Proud” is told from the perspective of the song itself.

“I’ve been flowing strong since I was born in 1968,” the tune informs readers, “Like the Mississippi River running up and down the States.” Black people of various shades appear in the illustrations. Infused with energy and life, text and art explain that the song is a testament to Black history and pride. Owens and Okafor celebrate protest and activism. “I’m free to inhale, exhale, / take a breath, breathe / Free to take a stand / on two feet or one knee,” the text asserts, accompanied by an image of a child standing beside an athlete kneeling. Author and illustrator also speak to the song’s continued relevance (“I’m topping charts on Spotify, I’m on the evening news. / I’m tumbling out of Usher’s mouth / and rolling with the times”). Backmatter notes that Brown, eager for his message of Black pride to resonate with young people, arranged for children to sing the chorus, making it a fitting topic for a picture book. The illustrations pop with striking yellows, pinks, greens, and blues; the refrain (“I’m a song so black, so proud. / Sing it strong! Sing it loud!”) is presented in large text against arresting, bright backgrounds; little ones will eagerly join in, chanting it aloud. (This book was reviewed digitally; this review was updated for factual accuracy.)

A fun and informative examination of a pivotal song in Black history. (author’s note, timeline, photographs) (Informational picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: Aug. 15, 2023

ISBN: 9781534112704

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press

Review Posted Online: May 24, 2023

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2023

Categories:

CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES | CHILDREN'S POETRY

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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)