Peppy encouragement for intrepid youngsters who find themselves in over their heads.
A boy summons strength and courage as he faces a big obstacle.
One Saturday during his South Asian family’s weekly trip to the rec center, young Shivi announces that he wants to try the climbing wall. “Are you sure?” asks Amma. “I’m Hanuman!” Shivi tells his mother, referring to the Hindu monkey god, whose many powers include a special talent for climbing. Plus, Shivi’s been practicing his dangling, springing, and diving on the swings and the jungle gym, so he’s sure he’s ready. Shivi is thrilled when his parents agree—at least until he’s faced with the reality of how high the wall is for a small boy without magical powers. Shivi then admits how frightened he feels. Only after his parents help him with the rope and harness and remind him how similar he is to Hanuman does Shivi regain his bravery. The book’s vibrant palette and energetic illustrations—in which the green-furred Hanuman capers and cavorts—perfectly complement the sweetly relatable story. Shivi’s evolution is both endearing and believable. Although Shivi’s Amma and Abba are ultimately the ones who set him on the right path, his burgeoning belief in himself is a well-earned and heartwarming payoff. (This review has been updated for factual accuracy.)
Peppy encouragement for intrepid youngsters who find themselves in over their heads. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: March 11, 2025
ISBN: 9781250325334
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Review Posted Online: Feb. 1, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2025
Halloween is used merely as a backdrop; better holiday titles for young readers are available.
A ghost learns to appreciate his differences.
The little ghost protagonist of this title is unusual. He’s a quilt, not a lightweight sheet like his parents and friends. He dislikes being different despite his mom’s reassurance that his ancestors also had unconventional appearances. Halloween makes the little ghost happy, though. He decides to watch trick-or-treaters by draping over a porch chair—but lands on a porch rail instead. A mom accompanying her daughter picks him up, wraps him around her chilly daughter, and brings him home with them! The family likes his looks and comforting warmth, and the little ghost immediately feels better about himself. As soon as he’s able to, he flies out through the chimney and muses happily that this adventure happened only due to his being a quilt. This odd but gently told story conveys the importance of self-respect and acceptance of one’s uniqueness. The delivery of this positive message has something of a heavy-handed feel and is rushed besides. It also isn’t entirely logical: The protagonist could have been a different type of covering; a blanket, for instance, might have enjoyed an identical experience. The soft, pleasing illustrations’ palette of tans, grays, white, black, some touches of color, and, occasionally, white text against black backgrounds suggest isolation, such as the ghost feels about himself. Most humans, including the trick-or-treating mom and daughter, have beige skin. (This book was reviewed digitally with 11-by-16.6-inch double-page spreads viewed at 66.2% of actual size.)
Halloween is used merely as a backdrop; better holiday titles for young readers are available. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-7352-6447-2
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Tundra Books
Review Posted Online: July 13, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2020
BOOK REVIEW
A friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share.
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)Pub Date: March 25, 2025
ISBN: 9780063387843
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Clarion/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Jan. 18, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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