721 Children's Lit - week 2 Picture / board books
Kirsch, V.X. From Archie to Zack. New York: Abrams Books For Young Readers, 2020. 40 pages. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781419743672.
Don't judge a book by it's cover! I thought I was choosing an alphabet book until I began reading the reviews, then I took a closer look at the cover before I started to read, noticing the hearts out of Archie's back pack and Zack's pocket. I cannot lie, this is my first encounter with a LGBQ children's book. I was not aware that LGBTQ made themselves known at this young age.
The illustrations provide a delightful sensation of the mood of the book as well as viewing the emotions in the characters faces. The colors are vibrant primary colors using a mix of warm and cool providing a happy feel throughout the story. Yes, the illustrations do extend the text, but does not distract from the words. As readers re-read the book, the short sentences allow for seeing something new each time readers read it. The artist's use of line does express movement across the page and onto the next page. As Horning (p. 96, 2010) suggests, the direction of lines displayed a sense of order in the pages. I would also note, a mirroring of illustration used to show how Archie and Zack think alike, either with their words they say to each other or via notes or how their friends observe them. I will say there is a tendency of the character's bodies having a head bigger than their bodies, and all the body's are thin or slim. In addressing the question, is there anything that would offend me about this book, I am being honest and it is my opine that an LGBTQ topic is too soon for elementary level. Yes, I have heard elementary kids say to one another that they like the same gender person or same gendered kids are holding hands, but it has a best friend or best bud feel to it and does not go further than that. I would expect the same with two friends that are opposite genders, at an elementary level, the relationship does not need to go beyond friendship. As far as which groups would I be willing to share this book, I suppose if I knew my audience is more interested in LGBQ books for their children, I may consider this book as there is a depiction of acceptance of the likeness between Archie and Zack and it is being encouraged from peers, rather than displaying conflicts or hardship from peers.
Jiang, J. Red Kite, Blue Kite. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2016. 32 pages. Tr $18.99. ISBN-13 9781423127536.
This is a powerful book with a powerful message. I wonder if elementary age kids would digest this message deeper than a father and son flying kites. I suppose, there was a sequel, as the child grows older, the memories may be there and will be explained in detail as the child matures into adulthood. Like a feel good movie, I am so glad the father survived labor camp. The illustrations start out beautiful, warm, comforting. Once the bad times started, color became grays, dull, shaded, sad. I feel this depicted the mood of the story. The only signs of happiness and use of vibrant color were seeing the red kite and blue kites fly on those specific days and times exhibiting a quiet survival for the father, and signs of hope for the son to see each other again soon. There are more curved lines used in this book with detail in facial features, soldiers, laborers are dusty, maybe barefoot. Giving readers a feel for what it may have been like to be there in the son's place. I would share this book when talking about slavery and what may have happened to families when children were separated from their parents. This could potentially be a historical fiction resource for students. I would suggest this book is a good one to read with parents or grandparents and may be able to be followed up with supportive discussions and questions asked.
Marcero, D. Out of a Jar. G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers, 2022. 40 pages. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9780593326374.
The pictures and color definitely express the mood of this story. On page 21, all the jarred emotions were starting to remind me of the movie Inside Out. As depicted in this image:
Nice selections. You could develop any of these into a professional review. Some things to remember... It's important to avoid "I" statements in professional reviews. It helps to keep the focus on the book/author and put some professional distance between you and them. And, as the reviewer, it is obviously your opinion. Also, that review journal rarely have the option to add images from the book, sometimes not even the cover, so it's important to practice explaining the art and its importance in the text.
ReplyDeleteAs for adding this book to a collection, it's important to know your community. You mentioned knowing if there were LGBTQ+ patrons but also know if they might need a gentle introduction to people that are different from them, if the book would get challenged, or if its and area of the collection that need diversity.