A book to sink your teeth into.
The creators of Soul Food Sunday (2021) reunite for another window into familial tradition, as enjoyable as hot honey butter.
One sleepy Friday morning, a Black grandmother and child (who narrates) follow Granny’s weekly predawn ritual. Piling into a vehicle that’s teeming with supplies, the duo take off for the pier, where admiring onlookers beckon the “fish magnet queen” to a throne befitting the title—an upturned bucket. Here, Granny proves herself worthy of the crown, reeling in catch after catch and offering her grandchild the chance at a similar thrill. Once the bucket brims, dinnertime preparations begin, and the text turns instructive, with thrice-repeated onomatopoeic actions keeping time to the culinary progress. When the sides arrive, brought by an eager array of family members, hushpuppies made by our protagonist steam alongside fish freshly fried by Granny, all ready for sharing. Bingham’s text marries straightforward descriptions and naturalistic dialogue with propulsive, alliterative exclamations. The effect is immersive; readers will feel as though they’re being ushered through the front door and offered a plate. Esperanza’s illustrations serve up a feast for the eyes. Playfully angled perspectives evoke movement; visual details—from Adinkra symbology to proof of Granny’s military service—are meticulous, specific, and in service of worldbuilding so thorough that the work seems biographical. Esperanza captures facial expressions with an ultra-realism elevated by backdrops done in fantastical Technicolor. The result is reminiscent of Kehinde Wiley’s art, every page worthy of framing.
A book to sink your teeth into. (author’s and cook’s note, recipe for hand-rolled honey hushpuppies) (Picture book. 6-9)Pub Date: July 8, 2025
ISBN: 9781419766930
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Abrams
Review Posted Online: April 19, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2025
A strong second outing for Dillard and J.D.
Breakout kid barber J.D. embraces a summer of opportunity.
Readers met J.D. Jones just as he took his hometown of Meridian, Mississippi, by storm, winning himself community acclaim and a chair at the revered Hart and Sons barbershop in series opener J.D. and the Great Barber Battle(2021). What’s next for the haircut prodigy? School’s just getting out, and there’s so much life happening outside—if only one can escape home learning with the grandparents. J.D.’s sister, Vanessa, brings along multitalented mutual friend Jessyka to share an ambitious challenge: “Let’s start a YouTube channel!” Can they get millions of views and wow the whole world? They are already amazing at haircuts and hairstyles—all they need is to learn how to make a great YouTube video. The story models strategies for scripting short videos reflecting the templates of viral YouTube hair tutorials, inviting readers to not only see the journey of the characters, but maybe also practice these skills at home. This book is bound to educate all about some of the most storied and cherished traditions within the Black community. Bringing in Vanessa is a great touch to extend the series across gender, and hopefully she’ll get a chance to lead her own adventures. This book blends skill-building, entrepreneurship, and strong family values to give young Black children visions of what’s possible when they follow their passions and embrace their community.
A strong second outing for Dillard and J.D. (Fiction. 6-9)Pub Date: Aug. 3, 2021
ISBN: 978-0-593-11155-0
Page Count: 128
Publisher: Kokila
Review Posted Online: July 13, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A welcome, well-researched reflection of cultural pride in the early-reader landscape.
The fourth installment in Delacre’s early-reader series centers on the rich musical traditions of Puerto Rico, once again featuring sibling tree frogs Rafi and Rosi Coquí.
Readers learn along with Rafi and Rosi as they explore bomba, plena, and salsa in three chapters. A glossary at the beginning sets readers up well to understand the Spanish vocabulary, including accurate phoneticization for non-Spanish speakers. The stories focus on Rafi and Rosi’s relationship within a musical context. For example, in one chapter Rafi finds out that he attracts a larger audience playing his homemade güiro with Rosi’s help even though he initially excluded her: “Big brothers only.” Even when he makes mistakes, as the older brother, Rafi consoles Rosi when she is embarrassed or angry at him. In each instance, their shared joy for music and dance ultimately shines through any upsets—a valuable reflection of unity. Informational backmatter and author’s sources are extensive. Undoubtedly these will help teachers, librarians, and parents to develop Puerto Rican cultural programs, curriculum, or home activities to extend young readers’ learning. The inclusion of instructions to make one’s own homemade güiro is a thoughtful addition. The Spanish translation, also by Delacre and published simultaneously, will require a more advanced reader than the English one to recognize and comprehend contractions (“pa’bajo-pa-pa’rriba”) and relatively sophisticated vocabulary.
A welcome, well-researched reflection of cultural pride in the early-reader landscape. (Early reader. 7-9)Pub Date: Sept. 17, 2019
ISBN: 978-0-89239-429-6
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Children's Book Press
Review Posted Online: July 27, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2019
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