I'm certainly not the only person who is quick to grab a copy of a new book from S.A. Cosby. Having read three of his books, I know to expect snappy wI'm certainly not the only person who is quick to grab a copy of a new book from S.A. Cosby. Having read three of his books, I know to expect snappy writing, flawed characters, and gritty scenes of violence as well as a plot that could have been ripped from today's headlines. Roland Carruthers is enjoying a successful career as a financial planner in Atlanta when his sister, Neveah, summons him home. It seems that their father is in the hospital after a car crash. Once back in Jefferson Run, Virginia, where his father runs a crematory, Roland quickly realizes that the crash was no accident and that his brother, Dante, is in big trouble. As Roland sorts through the mess, trying to find a way to fix everything and thwart the thugs who want their money back as well as a heaping measure of revenge, Roland concocts a plan using his connections and money skills to thwart them. However, as his plan unfolds, he finds himself taking action in ways that are just as bad as those of the Black Baron Boys. Of course, he justifies his deeds because he's saving his family. Clearly, he's haunted by a childhood trauma when his mother disappointed, and the responsibility for that death is hinted at early on. Fast paced, gripping, and troubling, this is another winner from Cosby. ...more
The Samuelson family is a lot like most families. On the surface, all is well until the oldest son, Ellis, recently graduated from college, dies in a The Samuelson family is a lot like most families. On the surface, all is well until the oldest son, Ellis, recently graduated from college, dies in a freak accident. Not surprisingly, his death affects all the family members in different ways, and each ones tries to cope however they can. But as the novel proceeds, readers start to see the cracks in the veneer of the family's happiness, and secrets about each one start to spill out. Although some parts of this story are expected--Sib's secret alcoholism and a liaison, for instance--others are not, and readers are left to ponder the small and large moments that shape us and how joy is still possible amid tragedy. Well written and compelling, the novel [3.5 for me!] contains characters that are easy to embrace and about whom we want to know more. I'm glad to have discovered this author. ...more
While I appreciate the positivity of this board book [2.5 for me!], the connection between the text on the left-hand pages and the text on the right-hWhile I appreciate the positivity of this board book [2.5 for me!], the connection between the text on the left-hand pages and the text on the right-hand pages isn't as strong and clear as it could be. The idea of pride being associated with speaking up, having important ideas, and being kind or helping seems to stretch the notion too much. The notion that "pride is love" is reassuring, but the line that "Pride is knowing" with a period, followed by "You have nothing to hide" sort of leaves readers hanging even while the bright, celebratory artwork is pleasing to the eyes. ...more
Any readers who worry about their fathers being weird will find reassurance in this picture book. The child in this story has a unicorn for a father. Any readers who worry about their fathers being weird will find reassurance in this picture book. The child in this story has a unicorn for a father. Naturally, this has its pros and cons, and the plot concerns some of those, along with plenty of sparkles and stickers. It would have been more impressive if there had been a little more meat to the plot. But anyone who likes unicorns will get a kick out of this one. ...more
This picture book will delight the youngsters in your life who prefer their stories with a little bit of bite and gentle sarcasm. While it might seem This picture book will delight the youngsters in your life who prefer their stories with a little bit of bite and gentle sarcasm. While it might seem absurd for a snail to turn into a vampire, that's exactly what happens here. It's not clear exactly how, but Bob is infected, and his life changes immediately. Suddenly, the foods he enjoyed weren't tasty, and he had strange new feelings. But as he quickly discovers, being a vampire has plenty of advantages, including meeting new friends. Created with ink and Photoshop, the illustrations pop with color and action--well, as much action as a vampire snail can manage. All in all, this clever romp of a story offers readers plenty of fun in which to sink their teeth. ...more
It would be best to read the previous two titles in this, the Peapod Farm series, in order to appreciate the emotions and dynamics of the characters iIt would be best to read the previous two titles in this, the Peapod Farm series, in order to appreciate the emotions and dynamics of the characters in this one [3.5 for me!]. As Jen and Andy continue to struggle a bit with their relationship as sisters as part of a new family, they experience some conflicts, including one about clothing, crushes, responsibility, and their place in the world. The personal drama is interwoven with small but important moments such as maple sugaring, Andy's study of the Torah for her coming of age ceremony, farm tasks, building a snow cave, cutting a Christmas tree, and lighting a menorah. Knisley always somehow manages to blend humor and somber moments perfectly. ...more
In this graphic novel Jim Panzee's ignorance of animal tracks, something he should have learned in school, prompts his friends to encourage him to heaIn this graphic novel Jim Panzee's ignorance of animal tracks, something he should have learned in school, prompts his friends to encourage him to head back to the classroom. Although he's not the best student in the world, Jim tries hard, and soon, he actually likes SOME parts of school. However, making mistakes leaves him frustrated--until his best friend, Norman, reminds him that it's possible to learn from his mistakes. This is another good addition to the popular series, which continues to develop effectively the character of Jim and those around him....more
The third book in this relatable and wonderfully diverse graphic novel series, this is a must-have for middle-school classrooms. Milo Castillo comes fThe third book in this relatable and wonderfully diverse graphic novel series, this is a must-have for middle-school classrooms. Milo Castillo comes from a long line of talented dancers, including his father and his abuela. But dancing doesn't come naturally to him, and after a handful of embarrassing dance-related incidents, Milo is even less confident about dancing. Blaming his problems on a curse, he decides that he will avoid the activity at all costs. But when his beloved abuela moves in, she takes him under her wing and helps him gain confidence and add his own special touches. The illustrations are crisp and fresh, and there are even a couple of interesting subplots involving his abuela's driving when she shouldn't be and one friend's crush on another classmate. The Brinkley Snowball Soiree will never be the same after Milo busts out his moves....more
While this relatable book's message and gentle reminder about what it means to be persistent and tenacious is important, especially given how so many While this relatable book's message and gentle reminder about what it means to be persistent and tenacious is important, especially given how so many individuals today seem to avoid any task that is considered to be hard, I really wish the protagonist hadn't been named Tenacious. To me, that just seemed to make everything about the story to be more obvious than it had to be. At any rate, despite that qualm, I appreciated how the author provides early examples of how she has been tenacious and then identifies the one skill that is eluding her. Several pages of illustrations, which have been created digitally with handprinted textures, show her trying and failing to stay on that bike for very long. Initially ignoring the advice of her sister, Sage, who is in a wheelchair, she eventually follows it, trying "her hardest AND her smartest" (unpaged), as her sister suggests, visualizing her steps and making adjustments until she succeeds. Tenacious turns out to be quite tenacious. There are many youngsters who will see themselves in her failures and perhaps follow her example in trying again and again and again. It isn't always easy to persevere....more
When Mina's friends fail to follow her family's rule about removing shoes when indoors, she feels embarrassed. Annoyed by this practice, she complainsWhen Mina's friends fail to follow her family's rule about removing shoes when indoors, she feels embarrassed. Annoyed by this practice, she complains to her mother, who reminds her that it's a cultural tradition and that their home is sacred. After she explains this to her friends, they, in turn, share some of the unique practices of their families and homes. They also offer some wild ideas about how to help remind them to take off their shoes when visiting Mina. Cleverly, Mina comes up with just the right touch for their next visit. Many youngsters may relate to Mina's dilemma, feeling torn between fitting in and honoring her family, and this book will reassure them that this problem can be solved. The text works well in delivering this positive message, and the illustrations, created with pastels and pencils, are soft and comforting, which seems appropriate, given the thorny topic addressed in the book. I'd add this title to a collection of books that have shoes as their centerpiece. ...more
Life, of course, is filled with challenges, some harder than others. For Willow, the young bear protagonist in this picture book, there are so many scLife, of course, is filled with challenges, some harder than others. For Willow, the young bear protagonist in this picture book, there are so many scary things in life, including water and the dark, that she keeps herself closed off and hidden in her house. But when she learns about some wildflower fields, she pushes down those fears in order to see them. This requires some travel, and not unexpectedly, she runs into problems along the way. But each juncture, someone offers a helping hand and joins her on her journey. The best line in the book is its triumphant last one: "The world was beautiful, and Willow was in it" (unpaged). Willow's story serves as an example for others who might be just as scared of taking a risk or stepping out of their comfort zone as she is, making it a good choice to share in a classroom. Not only is this a positive message, but it's delivered in an engaging fashion as well as being complemented by refreshingly original illustrations, filled with rich tones and created with paint and paper textures that have been combined with digital media. ...more
The trio of wombats in this picture book [3.5 for me! are my kind of animals. Word-lovers, they share the joy of unique words with a duckling who happThe trio of wombats in this picture book [3.5 for me! are my kind of animals. Word-lovers, they share the joy of unique words with a duckling who happens to be in their path, changing her life. She's so enthused by their energy, intensity, and vocabulary, that she just has to share these new words with her family. Initially reluctant and definitely confused, they eventually succumb to the delights of these wonderful words, and the wombats head on their way, eager to spread word joy to the next animal they happen to meet. There are clever puns ["duck-tionary" and "verbivore" (for instance) that will entertain young readers. With its colorful illustrations filled with trees, water, and forest scenes, created with pen-and-ink, acrylic, watercolor, and digital techniques, this picture book would be a great resource and example, for budding writers, writers' workshop or a short lesson on word choice. ...more
Luminous, lifelike illustrations, created with acrylic, oil paint, cut paper collage, pen, marker, and embroidery thread, accompany a tender story of Luminous, lifelike illustrations, created with acrylic, oil paint, cut paper collage, pen, marker, and embroidery thread, accompany a tender story of familial love and cultural richness in this picture book. The narrator, a young Black boy, relates an important event in his family's lives as they head to a store to select the Kente cloth for his baby brother, JoJo. A weaver working on a loom invites him to help, and together, they fashion the gift. Even though the boy makes a mistake in one place, the weaver reassures him that the cloth and pattern are beautiful. Such an empowering experience--and book! The back matter offers additional information about Kente and its significance in Ghanan culture as well as the meaning of the colors used in the cloth. Add this one to a collection of books about cultures and families. ...more
Splashy Procreate illustrations accompany a strong message of empowerment in this picture book. With several relatable, child-friendly examples, the tSplashy Procreate illustrations accompany a strong message of empowerment in this picture book. With several relatable, child-friendly examples, the text and artwork demonstrate the many ways that differences exist in the world. The first example shows two apples, side by side on facing pages. Their shapes are exactly the same, but one wears glasses and is a different color from the first apple. The second example highlights that same apple and a Dalmatian, who couldn't be less alike. From there, readers see examples of different sizes, shapes, reactions to feelings, and even means of self-expression. The drumbeat of different being something positive, desirable, and yes, "totally cool" (unpaged) flows through every line and page of this book, a good choice for the first day of school or as a reminder of the pleasures of living in a world where there are so many unique, different individuals and pursuits....more
Mao Mao, a panda, is like many of us, striving for perfection. While there's absolutely nothing wrong with making sure things are done right, Mao Mao Mao Mao, a panda, is like many of us, striving for perfection. While there's absolutely nothing wrong with making sure things are done right, Mao Mao takes it to extremes. But his world view is challenged with the arrival of Olivia, a rather free-spirited, messy new classmate. She's energetic, loud, and loves stickers rather than precision, which is Mao Mao's preference. When Mao Mao blows his top, though, she finds beauty in his messiness. And Mao Mao? He realizes that there's something to be said about being messy, noisy, and even clumsy. As the last double-page of the book proclaims with one letter [the R] turned backward, perfect is in the eye of the beholder. Colorful Procreate artwork featuring a diverse group of classmates, including humans and animals, and with an octopus teacher named Mr. 8, as seen in the front endpapers, add to the enjoyment and humor of this one even as it delivers an important message. ...more
There won't be a parent alive who will be unable to relate to this particular story. Ojo, the book's young protagonist, loves to draw. Of course, any There won't be a parent alive who will be unable to relate to this particular story. Ojo, the book's young protagonist, loves to draw. Of course, any parent would be proud of that budding talent, and his are, of course. That is, they're proud until things get out of hand when his father gives him his own markers so that he won't mess with his sister's materials. Inspired, he draws all over his mother's shopping list, the newspaper before his father can read it, his sister's school uniform, and even on a vender's display. His family's growing frustration is depicted effectively in the Procreate illustrations, even showing his mother in a blue and white tie-dyed dress as she holds the markers aloft and scolds him. After his drawings in the sand are washed away by a storm, his sister comes to the rescue with a plan that might channel his creativity in the right direction--and on the right material. This simple, accessible story, based on the experiences of the Nigerian author/illustrator, is told in an engaging, humorous way. ...more
Attractive Photoshop illustrations accompany a story about two siblings who couldn't be more different. Appropriately (and perhaps confusingly) named Attractive Photoshop illustrations accompany a story about two siblings who couldn't be more different. Appropriately (and perhaps confusingly) named Yesterday and Tomorrow, Tomorrow is eager to start the day and anticipate the next activity while Yesterday is far more reluctant and takes the slower approach to life, sharing small moments and treasures at school while Tomorrow bustles around and has big dreams. The two realize that maybe it's a good day to live in the moment after they make a new friend in the form of Today. This picture book has a good message for readers, but I wonder if some of this will go over the heads of its intended audience. ...more
Most of us probably consider Thanksgiving to be a thoroughly American holiday, and while to some extent, that's true, this picture book depicts ChuseoMost of us probably consider Thanksgiving to be a thoroughly American holiday, and while to some extent, that's true, this picture book depicts Chuseok, Korean Thanksgiving, through the ideas of a young girl who wants to learn more about the holiday and share it with her best friends. Su-Jin, the granddaughter, is thoughtful enough to realize that her grandmother may be feeling homesick and missing her cultural traditions since this is her first year away from Korea. By embracing her grandmother's knowledge and being open to what she has to share, Su-Jin helps the woman feel valued. The text and colorful illustrations depict the foods, crafts, and the lunar calendar to count down the days until the arrival of the harvest moon. All of this is presented in a warm, inviting fashion, making this picture book a possible choice for a collection consisting of books about cultures or holidays as well as one with a gentle reminder that it's possible (and even desirable) to blend cultural traditions. ...more
I often feel a sense of anxiety and disappointment when a beloved classic is adapted or modernized. I need not have worried as in the hands of ColleenI often feel a sense of anxiety and disappointment when a beloved classic is adapted or modernized. I need not have worried as in the hands of Colleen AF Venable and illustrator Honie Beam, Barbara Park's oh, so real protagonist, Junie B. Jones, she springs fully to life in all her humorous, sometimes misguided glory. In this particular installment, Junie B. Jones is excited about her first day of school, but rumors about the yellow school bus prompt her to avoid it all costs. Naturally, this leads to all sorts of complications. If they aren't already familiar with Junie B. Jones, today's youngsters will surely fall in love with her through this depiction. Older folks who haven't read anything for pleasure in two decades will remember from their childhood this particular book's enticingly funny title and the idea of a "stupid smelly bus." ...more
Oh, how easy it is to be blinded by the fame and celebrity of someone else, especially when that person seems to be a friend. In the latest installmenOh, how easy it is to be blinded by the fame and celebrity of someone else, especially when that person seems to be a friend. In the latest installment of a blended Black family living in New York City, Sunday Saunders, who has far too many great ideas but who suffers from a lack of self-confidence, is determined to host a community musical with auditions and performances from various neighbors. But she doesn't know how to pull everything together, especially since she refuses the help of her sisters, Bo, Lil, and Lee, in favor of the promised assistance of television star Talitha Thomas, who has just moved into the neighborhood. Sunday's not the best at planning and organizing although she's creative and innovative, and readers will recognize early on that Talitha is more talk than action and that she's into the project for her own purposes. Even the book's title gives away what is essentially happening. Reading this humorous book with its realistic characters felt like pulling a warm blanket around me on a cold summer night. There's plenty of Black girl magic and familial and community love sprinkled throughout its pages. ...more