Part storybook, part pep talk to anyone with a dream in reach.
Introductory text shares history and context for the fourth publication of this circus story, with a theme of staying true and pursuing what feels right.
The title reveals itself promptly as Petronius the clown defiantly declares “No!” when asked to perform by the ringmaster. Five circus animals follow suit, and the group bluntly quits. After discussing their grievances around a campfire, they realize it isn’t so much the circus they dislike as their lack of autonomy. Even though this existential realization might stir up deeper questions in adults, it’s presented as a straightforward plot point and could help children express their own interests or desires for change in daily life. Each scene methodically moves the six “circus rebels” toward their goal of opening their own circus “for children and poets.” Classically inspired illustrations from Kuhlmann depict a rich red drape behind the circus stage. Petronius is a quintessential clown, with a collar, red nose, powder-white face, and pointed hat. Even though this is a fresh set of illustrations for the 1961 story, the cars and fashion stem from the time of initial publication. There is no noticeable skin tone or body type diversity when people are present. Anyone fearful of clowns or critical of the circus at large will pass on this book. Those who turn the pages will find a sweet mix of action and reflection as they cheer on the earnest gaggle of performers. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Part storybook, part pep talk to anyone with a dream in reach. (Picture book. 5-8)Pub Date: Oct. 4, 2022
ISBN: 978-0-7358-4476-6
Page Count: 32
Publisher: NorthSouth
Review Posted Online: June 7, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
It’s a slam dunk
Lucy discovers that the way to learn to play basketball is with friends on a neighborhood court.
Lucy loves playing in the park, and one day she and her friends join their friend Ava and her cousin in their new favorite sport: basketball. Pro player Jermaine, aka “Coach J,” teaches all the basics—footwork, quick passes, dribbling, and a variety of shots. But he also encourages the players to keep trying when they miss, stresses the value of teamwork, and focuses on fun as they learn and later play a practice game. At the end of the workout, Coach J invites the young players to watch him and his team play. Written in loose rhyming couplets, the text has many near rhymes and inconsistent meter. While the storyline is predictable, the book is a good introduction to basketball terms, and young basketball players and fans will appreciate reading about themselves. Vivid silhouetted figures against a white background portray male and female players of several races; Lucy herself is white while Ava and Coach J are black. One young player competes from a wheelchair. A half page of backmatter explains the history of basketball, the NBA and its players, and wheelchair basketball, and one entry also explains the three-on-three basketball that the children play. The book publishes in a simultaneous French edition translated by Rachel Martinez.
It’s a slam dunk . (Picture book. 5-8)Pub Date: Sept. 3, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-4598-1697-8
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Orca
Review Posted Online: May 7, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2019
A predictable ballet tale for die-hard Copeland fans or as an introduction to Coppélia.
A young ballerina takes on her first starring role.
Young Misty has just begun taking ballet when her teacher announces auditions for the classic ballet Coppélia. Misty listens spellbound as Miss Bradley tells the story of the toymaker who creates a doll so lifelike it threatens to steal a boy’s heart away from his betrothed, Swanilda. Paired with a kind classmate, Misty works hard to perfect the steps and wins the part she’s wanted all along: Swanilda. As the book closes, Misty and her fellow dancers take their triumphant opening-night bows. Written in third person, the narrative follows a linear structure, but the storyline lacks conflict and therefore urgency. It functions more as an introduction to Coppélia than anything else, despite the oddly chosen title. Even those unfamiliar with Copeland’s legendary status as the first black principal ballerina for the American Ballet Theatre will predict the trite ending. The illustrations are an attractive combination of warm brown, yellow, and rosy mahogany. However, this combination also obscures variations in skin tone, especially among Misty’s classmates. Misty and her mother are depicted with brown hair and brown skin; Miss Bradley has red hair and pale skin. Additionally, there’s a disappointing lack of body-type diversity; the dancers are depicted as uniformly skinny with extremely long limbs. The precise linework captures movement, yet the humanity of dance is missing. Many ballet steps are illustrated clearly, but some might confuse readers unfamiliar with ballet terminology. (This book was reviewed digitally with 10.5-by-18-inch double-page spreads viewed at 48% of actual size.)
A predictable ballet tale for die-hard Copeland fans or as an introduction to Coppélia. (Picture book. 5-8)Pub Date: Sept. 29, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-399-54764-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Putnam
Review Posted Online: June 15, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2020
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