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THE UMBRELLA

Name: THE UMBRELLA
Author: Lisa Lebedovich
ISBN: 978-1-772290-52-3

by Lisa Lebedovich ; illustrated by Lisa Lebedovich ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 1, 2021

This sweet, humorous story respects and encourages children’s emotional intelligence.

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When he realizes a little rain cloud is following him around, Sebastian responds by carrying an umbrella everywhere.

Sebastian is inside his home when he notices the cloud. He finds a large, red umbrella to carry around to protect himself from rain. The umbrella covers his head and shoulders completely and so keeps him dry, but it also keeps him from playing games, meeting new friends, talking to people, or even seeing the sky. One day, while playing kick-the-acorn in the park, Sebastian encounters a girl lying in the grass reading a book. She invites him to see a comet, but he says he can’t because of his umbrella. She asks why he is carrying an umbrella when it’s a sunny day with not a cloud in the sky—and indeed, even his little gray cloud has disappeared. Sebastian can finally put his umbrella away and look at the sky with a new friend. The book’s opening holds potential for both humor and profundity, and whichever line pulls the reader in will not disappoint. Curiosity and suspense propel the narrative, and the sudden change in circumstance invites readers to consider what roles feelings and relationships play in Sebastian’s environment. Crisp, simple illustrations show Sebastian, who is White (as is his new friend), in a variety of settings, with compositions that highlight key moments in his journey.

This sweet, humorous story respects and encourages children’s emotional intelligence. (Picture book. 4-9)

Pub Date: June 1, 2021

ISBN: 978-1-772290-52-3

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Simply Read Books

Review Posted Online: April 13, 2021

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2021

Categories:

CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES

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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)