An inspiring, beautifully told book of golden moments to be savored.
A boring rainy day becomes filled with warmth as a grandmother and grandchild travel around town doing various acts of goodwill.
Petite Marie laments the prospect of a day spent inside; today is as soggy as a bowl of cush cush (cornbread). But Gran-moman insists, “Dere’s planty we can do.” She tucks some okra and a jar of tea leaves into her purse, and they head out for a ride past sugar cane fields and pastures before making a series of visits. They offer okra and tea to one neighbor, pick up shrimp from another, and go to a church to help with the food drive. At each stop, people who are clearly familiar with Gran-moman and her generous nature offer extra treats to Petite Marie. By the time they arrive at Gran-popa’s grave, a ray of sunshine peeks through the clouds as Gran-moman remembers her late husband’s wise words about how seemingly little actions matter most. The rain continues to fall, but Petite Marie’s mood has lifted by the time they return home. This quiet story is rich with life, from the small moments and kind deeds that form the fabric of our communities to the remembrance of loved ones who live on in us. Gran-moman, Petite Marie, and the members of their community present Black and speak in a dialect of Louisiana Creole, and the author’s note discusses Black Louisiana Creole culture. Uroda’s soft illustrations use a variety of clever perspective shifts, thoughtful compositions, and cool and warm palettes to immerse us in Petite Marie’s day.
An inspiring, beautifully told book of golden moments to be savored. (cush cush recipe) (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2025
ISBN: 9781499816204
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Little Bee Books
Review Posted Online: May 3, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2025
Nice enough but not worth repeat reads.
Emma deals with jitters before playing the guitar in the school talent show.
Pop musician Kevin Jonas and his wife, Danielle, put performance at the center of their picture-book debut. When Emma is intimidated by her very talented friends, the encouragement of her younger sister, Bella, and the support of her family help her to shine her own light. The story is straightforward and the moral familiar: Draw strength from your family and within to overcome your fears. Employing the performance-anxiety trope that’s been written many times over, the book plods along predictably—there’s nothing really new or surprising here. Dawson’s full-color digital illustrations center a White-presenting family along with Emma’s three friends of color: Jamila has tanned skin and wears a hijab; Wendy has dark brown skin and Afro puffs; and Luis has medium brown skin. Emma’s expressive eyes and face are the real draw of the artwork—from worry to embarrassment to joy, it’s clear what she’s feeling. A standout double-page spread depicts Emma’s talent show performance, with a rainbow swirl of music erupting from an amp and Emma rocking a glam outfit and electric guitar. Overall, the book reads pretty plainly, buoyed largely by the artwork. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Nice enough but not worth repeat reads. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: March 29, 2022
ISBN: 978-0-593-35207-6
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Razorbill/Penguin
Review Posted Online: Feb. 8, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
Brotherly love and Black joy abound in this brilliantly told tribute to the ties that bind.
When Mom and Dad bring baby Rasheed home for the first time, it’s love at first sight for big brother Anthony.
As the boys grow, Anthony teaches his little sibling how to build a tower with blocks (and how to knock it down with a loud “WHOP!!!”), how to ride a bike, and even how to fly (through a well-timed leap from the swings). When thunder and lightning wake them both one night, Anthony assuages Rasheed’s fears with the book’s titular refrain: “I got you.” But one day Anthony goes for a bike ride with his friends, leaving Rasheed alone and hurt. That night, Anthony explains that while he may spend time with his peers, his bond with Rasheed is unbreakable. And as the book comes to a close, with Mom and Dad introducing the boys to their new little sibling, Anthony leaves Rasheed with perhaps the greatest lesson of all: how to be a supportive big brother himself. Narrated by Rasheed, Barnes’ text is elegant in its simplicity, loving yet never saccharine, and always emotionally honest. Using varied perspectives, Knight-Justice’s richly hued, collagelike digital illustrations combine a patchwork of textures and patterns, immersing readers in this affectionate Black family’s world. Greens and blues dominate the pages, bringing to life an idyllic suburban setting.
Brotherly love and Black joy abound in this brilliantly told tribute to the ties that bind. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: July 15, 2025
ISBN: 9780593111451
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Review Posted Online: May 3, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2025
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