Erin Danielle Russell

When extended family gathers, a biracial child must figure out a menu that will satisfy everyone’s taste buds.

Hana is excited to learn that Grandpa and Grandma Williams, who are Black and live in South Carolina, and Harabeoji and Halmoni, who are from South Korea, will soon visit. Hana, who’s always wished both sets of grandparents could be closer, wants to plan a special dinner. What should they serve? Daddy suggests pizza or tacos. Mommy proposes something French. Each possibility is dismissed by Hana as “not special enough” or “too hard.” After Daddy encourages Hana not to give up, the child ponders. Hana remembers making a yummy pot of gumbo with Grandpa and Grandma Williams and cooking “sweet, sour, and spicy” kimchi-jigae with Harabeoji and Halmoni. Inspired, Hana starts cooking and even begins to dance as the pot bubbles and simmers with the various flavors mixing. All the grandparents arrive to a table set with condiments from both cuisines. Is it Korean food? Is it soul food? Hana proclaims, “It’s Seoul food!” As everyone raves about the kimchi gumbo and the grandparents make plans to visit one another, Hana reveals that love is the “ingredient that brings us all together.” Charming cartoon illustrations are layered with a warm palette and textured lines, while the delightfully child-centered story is sure to resonate with young readers.

A delectable celebration of a bicultural identity. (glossary, recipe for kimchi gumbo) (Picture book. 5-8)

-Kirkus Review… (más)

Two star pranksters go head-to-head, and the results demand gasps, giggles and fun.

Kaylee is a serious prankster. She pranks in the morning and at night. No one is safe from her. But when she decides to pull one over on the Tooth Fairy, something unexpected happens—the Tooth Fairy is a prankster herself. The two battle it out, leading to disaster and something more.

The cover and title already demand attention, not only thanks to the little girl's sinister smile, but glitter abounds on both sides. This isn't a pink, glittery book. Rather, it gets pretty gritty. Kaylee isn't one to trust, and the first pages make that clear. Her pranks aren't harmful or spiteful, but she's got a slightly devious side. It makes it hard to like her and almost brings a sense of justice when the tooth fairy fights back. It's clever and silly in a slightly devious way.

The battle which follows is funny and a chaotic disaster. While I, as a mom, wasn't sure what to think of the back and forth, my daughter loved it. The Tooth Fairy definitely looses her sweetness in this book, and shows a slightly naughty side. While the pranks mount, they are never mean or hateful, even when they end in near disaster. But it's exactly this which turns the story around and leads to a more encouraging ending.

This isn't a loving, warm, sweet book. . .not at first, but it does have an important message and will have young listeners laughing.

I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed it enough to want to leave my honest thoughts.… (más)