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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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THE COOL BEAN MAKES A SPLASH

From the I Can Read! series

by Jory John ; illustrated by Pete Oswald ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 26, 2024

Another quirky take on the series theme that it’s cool to be kind.

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The cool beans again step up to do a timorous fellow legume a fava…this time at the pool.

Will a rash decision to tackle the multistory super-slide lead to another embarrassing watery fail for our shy protagonist? Nope, for up the stairs right behind comes a trio of cool beans, each a different type and color, all clad in nothing but dark shades. They make an offer: “It’s not as scary if you go with friends!” As the knobby nerd explains once the thrilling ride down is done, “They all realized that I just needed some encouragement and support.” Just to make sure that both cool and uncool readers get the message, the narrator lets us know that “there are plenty of kind folks who have my back. They’re always there when I need them.” The beany bonhomie doesn’t end at the bottom of the slide, with all gliding down to the shallow end of the pool (“3 INCHES. NO DIVING”) for a splashy finale. This latest early reader starring characters from John and Oswald’s immensely popular Food Group series will be a hit with fans. Fun accessories, such as a bean who rocks pink cat-eye frames, add some pizzazz to the chromatically and somatotypically varied cast.

Another quirky take on the series theme that it’s cool to be kind. (Easy reader. 5-7)