rss-bridge 2026-03-01T01:50:01.612868832+00:00

YOU ARE THE LAND

As a baby, the protagonist is embraced by her grandmother (“her petals wrap around me and keep me safe”), who “teaches her to be strong like the branches of an ancient cedar tree.” As she learns to talk, her grandfather (“like an ocean”) teaches her to be “courageous like a thunderous waterfall.” As she learns to walk, her mother (“like a valley”) shows her how to be “gentle like a warm spring day” and instills in her an appreciation for the hills (“your relatives”) and the Earth (“our mother”). And when she begins to run, her father (“like the sun”) teaches her to “dream big and shine like a brilliant rainbow.” As they sing to her, the family emphasizes that her connection brings with it a duty to serve as a place keeper, a guardian of the Earth. Littlebird (Oregon’s Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde) weaves together multiple themes; this is simultaneously a story of intergenerational bonds, a tale of growing up and building self-confidence, and an appreciation of our planet and its resources. Relying on daring colors that resemble those seen in nature and in powwow regalia, Littlebird’s sweeping illustrations pair with invigorating text; soaring butterflies, birds, and bees crisscross the pages, uniting the girl with the land.

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YOU ARE THE LAND

Steph Littlebird

illustrated by

Steph Littlebird

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RELEASE DATE: Feb. 24, 2026

A powerful look at Indigenous identity and a loving reminder that “everyone can be a place keeper.”

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A Native girl grows, nurtured by her family—and by the land.

A powerful look at Indigenous identity and a loving reminder that “everyone can be a place keeper.”
(author’s note)
(Picture book. 6-10)

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Pub Date: Feb. 24, 2026

ISBN: 9798217003495

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books

Review Posted Online: Feb. 2, 2026

Kirkus Reviews Issue: tomorrow

Categories:

CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES |

CHILDREN'S FAMILY

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LITTLE DAYMOND LEARNS TO EARN

Daymond John

illustrated by

Nicole Miles

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RELEASE DATE: March 21, 2023

It’s hard to argue with success, but guides that actually do the math will be more useful to budding capitalists.

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How to raise money for a coveted poster: put your friends to work!

John, founder of the FUBU fashion line and a Shark Tank venture capitalist, offers a self-referential blueprint for financial success. Having only half of the $10 he needs for a Minka J poster, Daymond forks over $1 to buy a plain T-shirt, paints a picture of the pop star on it, sells it for $5, and uses all of his cash to buy nine more shirts. Then he recruits three friends to decorate them with his design and help sell them for an unspecified amount (from a conveniently free and empty street-fair booth) until they’re gone. The enterprising entrepreneur reimburses himself for the shirts and splits the remaining proceeds, which leaves him with enough for that poster as well as a “brand-new business book,” while his friends express other fiscal strategies: saving their share, spending it all on new art supplies, or donating part and buying a (math) book with the rest. (In a closing summation, the author also suggests investing in stocks, bonds, or cryptocurrency.) Though Miles cranks up the visual energy in her sparsely detailed illustrations by incorporating bright colors and lots of greenbacks, the actual advice feels a bit vague. Daymond is Black; most of the cast are people of color. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

It’s hard to argue with success, but guides that actually do the math will be more useful to budding capitalists.

(Picture book. 7-9)

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Pub Date: March 21, 2023

ISBN: 978-0-593-56727-2

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Random House

Review Posted Online: Dec. 13, 2022

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2023

Categories:

CHILDREN'S CONCEPTS |

CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES

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J.D. AND THE FAMILY BUSINESS

###
From the J.D. the Kid Barber series

, Vol. 2

J. Dillard

illustrated by

Akeem S. Roberts

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RELEASE DATE: Aug. 3, 2021

A strong second outing for Dillard and J.D.

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Breakout kid barber J.D. embraces a summer of opportunity.

Readers met J.D. Jones just as he took his hometown of Meridian, Mississippi, by storm, winning himself community acclaim and a chair at the revered Hart and Sons barbershop in series opener J.D. and the Great Barber Battle(2021). What’s next for the haircut prodigy? School’s just getting out, and there’s so much life happening outside—if only one can escape home learning with the grandparents. J.D.’s sister, Vanessa, brings along multitalented mutual friend Jessyka to share an ambitious challenge: “Let’s start a YouTube channel!” Can they get millions of views and wow the whole world? They are already amazing at haircuts and hairstyles—all they need is to learn how to make a great YouTube video. The story models strategies for scripting short videos reflecting the templates of viral YouTube hair tutorials, inviting readers to not only see the journey of the characters, but maybe also practice these skills at home. This book is bound to educate all about some of the most storied and cherished traditions within the Black community. Bringing in Vanessa is a great touch to extend the series across gender, and hopefully she’ll get a chance to lead her own adventures. This book blends skill-building, entrepreneurship, and strong family values to give young Black children visions of what’s possible when they follow their passions and embrace their community.

A strong second outing for Dillard and J.D.

(Fiction. 6-9)

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Pub Date: Aug. 3, 2021

ISBN: 978-0-593-11155-0

Page Count: 128

Publisher: Kokila

Review Posted Online: July 13, 2021

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2021

Categories:

CHILDREN'S FAMILY

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