Every kid faces challenges every day. And the brave persevere.
McAnulty’s text reads like an inspirational poem about superheroes, while Lew-Vriethoff’s illustrations show a variety of kids doing the right thing in familiar situations. “A brave kid has super-strength” accompanies an illustration of a little redheaded girl with brown skin playing chess with deep focus against an elderly man, surrounded by a diverse gallery of intent faces. A little white boy in pajamas looks bravely under the bed, the text: “a courageous heart.” A black boy sits on the shoulders of a taller, white friend to rescue a cat from a tree, while an olive-skinned teen visits a friend in the hospital: “And fights the toughest battles.” The chess-playing little girl, now with a stuffed bear in her backpack, leads a line of ducklings and a friend across a path of stones on a stream: “A brave kid leads the team.” A cafeteria full of students is the setting when an apparent bully is confronted: “And stands for justice.” “Brave kids can save the world” accompanies a picture of several children picking up trash and discarded bottles in a park. Readers who’ve been spotting the recurring cast members will wonder why the wheelchair athlete is seen only once.
A gentle reminder of everyday challenges and opportunities, told with economy, clarity, and earnestness if not great style. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Oct. 3, 2017
ISBN: 978-0-7624-5782-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Running Press
Review Posted Online: July 17, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2017
Categories: CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES
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BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Bear finds a wonderful toy.
Bear clearly loves the toy bunny that he has found sitting up against a tree in the forest, but he wants to help it return to its home. With a wagon full of fliers and the bunny secure in Bear’s backpack, he festoons the trees with posters and checks out a bulletin board filled with lost and found objects (some of which will bring a chuckle to adult readers). Alas, he returns home still worried about bunny. The following day, they happily play together and ride Bear’s tricycle. Into the cozy little picture steps Moose, who immediately recognizes his bunny, named Floppy. Bear has a tear in his eye as he watches Moose and Floppy hug. But Moose, wearing a tie, is clearly grown and knows that it is time to share and that Bear will take very good care of his Floppy. Yoon’s story is sweet without being sentimental. She uses digitized artwork in saturated colors to create a lovely little world for her animals. They are outlined in strong black lines and stand out against the yellows, blues, greens and oranges of the background. She also uses space to great effect, allowing readers to feel the emotional tug of the story.
A winning tale about finding new friends. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: April 1, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-8027-3559-1
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Review Posted Online: Feb. 19, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2014
Categories: CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES
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Barnes and Brantley-Newton team up for a follow-up to The King of Kindergarten (2019).
From the very first page, it’s clear that young MJ Malone is ready to face the world—and school. Once Mom bestows her with a glittery tiara and dubs her the queen of kindergarten, MJ is determined to fulfill her duties—brighten up every room she enters, treat others with kindness, and offer a helping hand. Barnes infuses each page with humor and a sense of grace as the immensely likable MJ makes the most of her first day. Barnes’ prose is entertaining and heartwarming, while Brantley-Newton’s vivid and playful artwork will be easily recognizable for anyone who’s seen her work (Grandma’s Purse, 2018; Becoming Vanessa, 2021). The illustrator adds verve to the bold young heroine’s character—from the colorful barrettes to the textured appearance of her adorable denim jumper, the girl has style and substance. MJ Malone embodies the can-do spirit every parent hopes to spark in their own children, though even shy kindergarteners will gladly find a friend in her. MJ and her family are Black; her classroom is diverse. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Just the thing to get uncertain youngsters jazzed for a first day—at school or anywhere. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: May 24, 2022
ISBN: 978-0-593-11142-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Review Posted Online: April 27, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2022
Categories: CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES
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