Whether a mirror or window for readers, this culturally rich story exemplifies the importance of self-advocacy.
Sometimes kids must speak out until adults listen.
In this follow-up to Wanda (2021), co-authored by Mathabo Tlali and also set in South Africa, the protagonist and her mom go to O’Natural, a hair salon for children run by Aunty Ada. Wanda has brought a picture of a complicated, “pineapple-looking,” braided hairstyle she wants, but Aunty Ada dismisses Wanda’s wishes because the salon is busy. Aunty Ada slathers Vaseline and then cream on Wanda’s hair, and it starts to burn. She and Nkiruka, another girl, protest, but Ada tells them “ubuhle buyasetyenzelwa,” isiXhosa (a South African Bantu language) for “One works hard for beauty,” and insists that the straightening chemicals remain in their hair longer despite the pain. Both girls confide that their teachers call their hair a bird’s nest when they wear it natural, and together they sing a protest song to get Aunty Ada to wash out the relaxer. The two are successful, their determination conveying a crucial lesson both to Aunty Ada and to readers about bodily autonomy. This story sheds light on a common beauty practice of chemically straightening Black hair—a process that often causes painful scalp burns. This brightly colored picture book, dominated by pinks and purples, showcases the beauty of brown skin and natural Black hair, as well as the versatility of hair, and spotlights beauty practices common throughout the African diaspora. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Whether a mirror or window for readers, this culturally rich story exemplifies the importance of self-advocacy. (glossary) (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Sept. 20, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-62371-811-4
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Crocodile/Interlink
Review Posted Online: Aug. 16, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2022
Another quirky take on the series theme that it’s cool to be kind.
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)Pub Date: March 26, 2024
ISBN: 9780063329560
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Feb. 17, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2024
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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
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