Review of Abdul’s Story, by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, illustrated by Tiffany Rose

Contemporary, Picture Book Review 0

Abdul’s Story

by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow

illustrated by Tiffany Rose

Salaam Reads (Simon & Schuster), 2022. 36 pages.
Review written April 20, 2022, from a library book

I usually don’t choose to review picture books that were clearly written to tell a message, but this one came with a story that warmed my heart.

Abdul is a kid who loves to tell stories. But he has trouble trying to write them down. His letters don’t like to stay in straight lines, and sometimes they get turned around. He ends up erasing so much, his pages look like a big smudge. Plus, the stories he reads in books don’t sound much like the stories he tells. He decided his stories aren’t meant to be written down.

But then an author came to his school named Mr. Muhammad. He looked a lot like Abdul. And he read a story about a community that sounds a lot like Abdul’s.

But when Mr. Muhammad encouraged the children to write, Abdul erased so much, trying to make it look right, that he tore a hole in the paper with his eraser.

A moment of truth comes when Mr. Muhammad shows Abdul his own notebook — messy as can be, with nothing in straight lines.

Mr. Mohammed encourages Abdul to fill a messy page without erasing and then look for a story inside it. I like this description of the process:

Over the next few days, Abdul rewrote a less messy mess, then an even less messy mess. He smiled when he read his story to himself.

Abdul still has lots of doubt when it’s time to turn the story in, because he knows there are still mistakes.

But when the writer comes back, he likes Abdul’s story so much, he reads it to the class.

I love the way the book ends, as this is where it won my heart:

When they returned to their writing, Abdul whispered to Mr. Muhammad, “What about my mistakes?”

“Writers make mistakes. We’ll work on them.”

As they worked, Abdul thought:
Some people are writers, and I am one of them.

Yes, it’s a message book. But what a great message to give to kids!

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Disclaimer: I am a professional librarian, but the views expressed are solely my own, and in no way represent the official views of my employer or of any committee or group of which I am part.

What did you think of this book?

*Note* To try to catch up on posting reviews, I’m posting the oldest reviews I’ve written on my blog without making a page on my main website. They’re still good books.

Review of Eyes that Speak to the Stars, by Joanna Ho, illustrated by Dung Ho

Contemporary, Picture Book Review, Starred Review 0

Eyes that Speak to the Stars

by Joanna Ho
illustrated by Dung Ho

Harper, 2022. 36 pages.
Review written April 6, 2022, from a library book
Starred Review

Eyes that Speak to the Stars is a companion picture book to Eyes that Kiss in the Corners, by the same pair of creators, published last year. Both books are lyrical, beautiful, and poetic, and both affirm children of Asian descent and how proud they can be of how they look and who they are. Eyes that Kiss in the Corners features an Asian American girl, and this book features an Asian American boy.

Eyes that Speak to the Stars begins as a boy’s Baba notices that he is feeling sad. He explains that his friend drew a picture of their group of friends — and the picture of the boy had slanted eyes and didn’t look like him at all.

When we got home,
Baba stood with me in front of a mirror and said,
“Your eyes rise to the skies and speak to the stars.
The comets and constellations
show you their secrets,
and your eyes can
foresee the future.
Just like mine.”

The boy’s eyes are just like Baba’s and just like Agong’s. And they are also just like his baby brother Di-Di’s eyes.

When Di-Di’s dyelids finally flutter open,
I orbit his crib,
making funny faces and singing silly songs
until his laugh grows so big
it spreads up his cheeks
and makes his eyes squeeze shut again.

And all four have “eyes that rise to the skies and speak to the stars.” They are powerful and visionary

There’s a lot of lofty symbolism in this book, but the author pulls it off along with the beautiful paintings. This book is about a child celebrating who they are and their own proud heritage. It’s lovely.

And for someone reading this book whose eyes don’t have the same shape, we’ve got a lovely window into a wonderful loving family.

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Disclosure: I am an Amazon Affiliate, and will earn a small percentage if you order a book on Amazon after clicking through from my site.

Disclaimer: I am a professional librarian, but the views expressed are solely my own, and in no way represent the official views of my employer or of any committee or group of which I am part.

What did you think of this book?

*Note* To try to catch up on posting reviews, I’m posting the oldest reviews I’ve written on my blog without making a page on my main website. They’re still good books.

Review of Bracelets for Bina’s Brothers, by Rajani LaRocca, illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat

Mathematical, Picture Book Review, Starred Review 0

Bracelets for Bina’s Brothers

by Rajani LaRocca
illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat

Storytelling Math, Charlesbridge, 2021. 32 pages.
Review written December 28, 2021, from a library book
Starred Review

This is another book from Charlesbridge’s outstanding Storytelling Math series. The books fit math content naturally into a story about kids’ lives. Most of them also have a cultural element which is presented seamlessly.

In Bracelets for Bina’s Brothers, Bina wants to make rakhi bracelets for her three brothers as the traditional gift on Raksha Bandhan, an Indian holiday. Even though her brothers can be annoying and like to tease, she finds out each one’s favorite color and least favorite color.

Bina and her mother get beads at the store, and Bina and her dog make bracelets using an every-other-one pattern. The use different colors for each brother and the third brother gets two beads for each stripe.

It’s a simple story, but it’s an interesting story with fun characters, and it’s a perfect vehicle for talking about alternating patterns with young kids — and maybe progressing to other patterns.

Like the other books in the series, this one has a cultural note at the back and further ideas for exploring the math in the book. This book makes a great jumping-off point.

rajanilarocca.com
chaayaprabhat.com
terc.edu
charlesbridge.com

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Disclosure: I am an Amazon Affiliate, and will earn a small percentage if you order a book on Amazon after clicking through from my site.

Disclaimer: I am a professional librarian, but the views expressed are solely my own, and in no way represent the official views of my employer or of any committee or group of which I am part.

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Review of Powwow Day, by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight

Contemporary, Picture Book Review, Starred Review 0

Powwow Day

by Traci Sorell
illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight

Charlesbridge, 2022. 36 pages.
Review written April 23, 2022, from a library book
Starred Review

I’ve read other children’s books about Powwows, but this one touched my heart especially.

It’s a picture book about a little girl named River who wakes up excited about powwow day.

Then I remember.
No dancing.
No jingle dress competition for me.
Not at this tribal powwow.
“I wish my hair weren’t still so short.” I sigh.
Mama lays out the moccasins that match my dress.
“But everyone wants to see you,” Amber reminds me.
“Why? I can’t dance like I could before I got sick.”
“But you will dance again,” she responds.

We see the powwow through River’s eyes. The Grand Entry. The different dances. The competitions.

I didn’t know that the girl’s jingle dress dance is a healing dance. Her friend dances it especially for River.

The art in this book is especially beautiful. I love the soft colors used. My own little niece recently finished leukemia treatments (which made her lose her hair), so it may have touched me all the more because of that.

As the story ends, River looks forward to dancing in the next powwow. There are three pages at the back giving more information, but the story itself is simple and beautiful and can be read without further explanation.

tracisorell.com
madelyngoodnight.com
charlesbridge.com

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Disclaimer: I am a professional librarian, but the views expressed are solely my own, and in no way represent the official views of my employer or of any committee or group of which I am part.

What did you think of this book?

*Note* To try to catch up on posting reviews, I’m posting the oldest reviews I’ve written on my blog without making a page on my main website. They’re still good books.

Review of Every Child a Song, by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Marc Martin

Contemporary, Picture Book Review 0

Every Child a Song

A Celebration of Children’s Rights

by Nicola Davies
illustrated by Marc Martin

Crocodile Books (Interlink), 2020. 36 pages.
Review written December 29, 2021, from a library book

This beautiful picture book honors the thirtieth anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and it does that by celebrating the beauty of each child who is born.

In pulling out clips, I find myself wanting to quote the whole book. Here are the first two spreads:

When you were born, a song began.

Sometimes it didn’t sound much like a song.
Sometimes no one could hear it.

But it was there in every heartbeat,
every breath; tiny, fragile, and unique.

A melody the world had never heard before.

The book goes on to talk about the love and safety the song needs to grow and about how as you learned and grew, your song soared.

All around you, everywhere,
other songs are singing.

Some are loud,
and some are quiet,

some sing a single note
and some a symphony.

And then we have some pages about what each song should be protected from.

Even among storm and change and danger,
every song must be heard above the noise
and chaos of the world.

And the book ends by celebrating each child’s song.

For together, we raise our voices
for the right of every song to sing out loud, bold and unafraid.

This is a simple picture book with lilting language. The pictures mainly use soaring birds as a metaphor for the songs. There are some hints of danger in the pages about what children should be protected from, enough that an adult reading the book could skip over it or simply explain a little more. There are notes about the UNCRC at the front and the back.

nicola-davies.com
interlinkbooks.com

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Disclosure: I am an Amazon Affiliate, and will earn a small percentage if you order a book on Amazon after clicking through from my site.

Disclaimer: I am a professional librarian, but the views expressed are solely my own, and in no way represent the official views of my employer or of any committee or group of which I am part.

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Review of Little Witch Hazel, by Phoebe Wahl

Fantasy, Picture Book Review, Starred Review 0

Little Witch Hazel

A Year in the Forest

by Phoebe Wahl

Tundra Books, 2021. 92 pages.
Review written December 4, 2021, from a library book
Starred Review

Little Witch Hazel is a lavishly illustrated picture book for young elementary school readers, telling four stories about a tiny witch who lives in the forest along with fairies and gnomes and animal friends.

There’s a story for each season. In Spring, Hazel finds an orphaned egg and cares for what hatches. In Summer, Hazel has a lot of things she needs to do and all her friends are enjoying the wonderful weather, being lazy. In Autumn, Hazel helps the small animals of the forest investigate the frightening sound coming from a hollow stump. And in Winter, Hazel is tending to animal friends and doesn’t notice that a blizzard is coming. There ends up being a nice connection at the end that ties back to the beginning.

That simple description doesn’t communicate how charming this book is. Hazel is not a sweet or delicate little fairy. She’s a little chubby and matter-of-fact, wearing practical clothes instead of gauzy dresses. She gets grumpy when all her friends are taking the day off. But she’s also friendly and helpful and kind.

Here’s the start of the Summer story, “The Lazy Day”:

It was the most beautiful day of the summer, and Little Witch Hazel was busy. She had a million things to do, and it didn’t help that everyone else in the forest seemed to be out enjoying the day.

“Some of us have errands to run!” she muttered as she went to return her library books.

And here’s the beginning of “The Haunted Stump”:

Little Witch Hazel was working in her garden when she first heard the noise.

It was the kind of noise that sent prickles through your whiskers and chilled you right down to your boots.

Towering toadstools! thought Little Witch Hazel, a shiver running down her spine. Whatever could that be?

Little Witch Hazel is someone I would love to have for a friend.

phoebewahl.com

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Find this review on Sonderbooks at: www.sonderbooks.com/Picture_Books/little_witch_hazel.html

Disclosure: I am an Amazon Affiliate, and will earn a small percentage if you order a book on Amazon after clicking through from my site.

Disclaimer: I am a professional librarian, but the views expressed are solely my own, and in no way represent the official views of my employer or of any committee or group of which I am part.

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Review of Hamsters Make Terrible Roommates, by Cheryl B. Klein, illustrated by Abhi Alwar

Animal Characters, Picture Book Review, Starred Review 0

Hamsters Make Terrible Roommates

by Cheryl B. Klein
illustrated by Abhi Alwar

Dial Books for Young Readers, 2021. 36 pages.
Review written December 11, 2021, from a library book
Starred Review

Here’s a funny picture book that teaches great things about conflict resolution and seeing another perspective.

We begin with a picture of two hamsters, one running in a wheel. The dark brown hamster introduces himself:

I’m Henry.

That’s Marvin.

We’re roommates. We’ve been roommates for two hundred and five days.

Henry is not happy about being Marvin’s roommate. Marvin talks all the time, and always wants attention. When Henry tries to hide in the bedding, Marvin finds him.

Henry’s perspective:

He’s ALWAYS TALKING,
while I’m NICE.

I don’t bother HIM.

Why won’t he do the same for ME?

Hamsters make TERRIBLE roommates.

On the two hundred and sixth day, Henry has had enough. He blows his top. He pours out his anger and tells Marvin to leave him alone.

Henry thinks it’s wonderful. Then Marvin very sadly apologizes:

I’m sorry.
I wish I knew you wanted quiet.
I talked to you because I like talking and I wanted you to talk to me.

Henry has a lot to think about. He realizes that different hamsters like different things. The two roommates are able to work out when it’s good to talk and when they should have quiet.

And they actually have fun together! I like when Henry tells Marvin he really is fast on that wheel.

It’s a child-size story on an important topic, infused with lots of humor. It’s a good story, but it will also give kids plenty to discuss.

cherylklein.com
abhialwar.com
penguin.com/kids

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Disclaimer: I am a professional librarian, but the views expressed are solely my own, and in no way represent the official views of my employer or of any committee or group of which I am part.

What did you think of this book?

*Note* To try to catch up on posting reviews, I’m posting the oldest reviews I’ve written on my blog without making a page on my main website. They’re still good books.

Review of Change Sings, by Amanda Gorman

Contemporary, Picture Book Review, Poetry, Starred Review 0

Change Sings

A Children’s Anthem

by Amanda Gorman
pictures by Loren Long

Viking, 2021. 32 pages.
Review written November 16, 2021, from a library book
Starred Review

I’m not usually a fan of picture books that simply try to present an uplifting idea, but this book is something special, and I can’t resist Inaugural Poet Amanda Gorman’s words.

We begin with a girl who looks like a young Amanda Gorman sitting and strumming a guitar.

I can hear change humming
In its loudest, proudest song.

I don’t fear change coming,
And so I sing along.

The pictures show the girl enlisting other kids to help make a difference — both playing instruments and cleaning up city streets and playgrounds.

They end up with a diverse cast doing good things and forming a joyful parade.

And I can’t really do it justice in a description. Check out this book and see if you aren’t uplifted, empowered, and filled with hope.

It’s about coming together, doing good, and making music together where everyone is welcome.

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Disclosure: I am an Amazon Affiliate, and will earn a small percentage if you order a book on Amazon after clicking through from my site.

Disclaimer: I am a professional librarian, but the views expressed are solely my own, and in no way represent the official views of my employer or of any committee or group of which I am part.

What did you think of this book?

*Note* To try to catch up on posting reviews, I’m posting the oldest reviews I’ve written on my blog without making a page on my main website. They’re still good books.

Review of This Story Is Not About a Kitten, by Randall de Sève, illustrated by Carson Ellis

Contemporary, Picture Book Review, Starred Review 0

This Story Is Not About a Kitten

written by Randall de Sève
illustrated by Carson Ellis

Random House Studio, 2022. 36 pages.
Review written January 25, 2023, from a library book
Starred Review
A 2022 Capitol Choices selection

Here’s a heart-warming picture book about a community coming together to rescue a little kitten that’s lost and alone.

Oops! I told you what it’s about. The picture book itself does that with more artistic flair, in a cumulative refrain that tells us what the story is not about. Here’s an example, several pages in:

This story is not about the twins
who brought a box,
or the woman who held the dog
for the dog’s people who listened,
or the dog who stopped when it
heard the kitten,
hungry and dirty,
scared and alone,
meowing sadly,
needing a home.

As more and more people get involved, we see an entire neighborhood interacting to help. And when they figure out who can take the little lost kitten, they all come together with refreshments. And you see new friendships formed because they all worked together to help.

A beautifully simple book with a lyrical refrain, all about the connections built when people work together.

randalldeseve.com
carsonellis.com

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Disclosure: I am an Amazon Affiliate, and will earn a small percentage if you order a book on Amazon after clicking through from my site.

Disclaimer: I am a professional librarian, but the views expressed are solely my own, and in no way represent the official views of my employer or of any committee or group of which I am part.

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Review of The Fox and the Forest Fire, by Danny Popovici

Contemporary, Picture Book Review, Starred Review 0

The Fox and the Forest Fire

by Danny Popovici

Chronicle Books, 2021. 40 pages.
Review written October 2, 2021, from a book sent to me by the publisher
Starred Review

This is a quiet book about a kid who moves to a house deep in the forest with his mother. He’s not happy about it at first, but he learns to love the forest.

Then a fire comes through, and they have to evacuate. When they come back:

Our house is gone,
but we are safe.

While things don’t look like they did before,
the forest knows what to do after a fire.

Most of this story is told in the detailed and beautiful illustrations. First, we see the boy learning to enjoy the forest and feeling at home there. Then the people and animals fleeing the fire, first spotted off in the distance. And finally, the forest coming back to life after the fire.

And how does the fox come into it? On almost every spread set in the forest, you’ll find a bright fox. Usually the fox watches the boy and even enjoys the same pool of water with the boy. After the fire, we know the forest is going to be all right when we see the fox.

A note at the back explains how forests are often strengthened by fire, but how we need to protect them from human-set fires and climate change.

This is a lovely and quiet story about the joy and wonder of a forest.

chroniclekids.com

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Disclosure: I am an Amazon Affiliate, and will earn a small percentage if you order a book on Amazon after clicking through from my site.

Disclaimer: I am a professional librarian, but the views expressed are solely my own, and in no way represent the official views of my employer or of any committee or group of which I am part.

What did you think of this book?

*Note* To try to catch up on posting reviews, I’m posting the oldest reviews I’ve written on my blog without making a page on my main website. They’re still good books.