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From Kirkus

December 15, 2023
A Native mother and child experience the thrill of a powwow. "On the morning of a hot summer day, / you heard the powwow drums over the hill." The parent and child journey until they reach the site of the powwow. The mother unwraps the child from a cradle board, and the two participate in the sacred community ceremony. Infused with Indigenous joy, the narrative combines stylized text told from the perspective of the mother addressing her child, Lakota words, and vivid images. Cultural touchstones, including ribbon skirts and beaded hapans (moccasins), are lovingly depicted in Dorion's swirling, boldly colored art. When the child dons powwow regalia, the mother exclaims, "Lila wast�!" (Lakota for "very good/very proud," according to a helpful glossary). Relatively spare narration allows young readers to follow the fanciful images and repeating onomatopoeia as this Native family begins to waci--dancing and celebrating life "for our loved ones and relatives." Though this emotive tale will resonate most with children familiar with the atmosphere of a powwow, young people of all backgrounds will appreciate it. In an author's note, Speidel (Lakota/Cree) calls the story "a celebration of my Lakota culture," while in an illustrator's note, Dorion says that she "combined Lakota patterns...with design elements from my own M�tis culture." An exuberantly illustrated tribute to the powwow tradition of waci. (Picture book. 3-6)

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From Kirkus

December 1, 2023
A young immigrant processes her grandmother's move back to China. In the painterly art, Molly is shown wearing winter gear as she drags a suitcase in a moonlit snowy landscape. When her mother catches up to her, Molly agrees to return home but tearfully admits she misses her Nainai. "Molly's grandmother has always been right next to Molly," the gentle narration explains. We see a toddler-aged Molly and Nainai, portrayed with bright, softly blurred layers of colors in their apartment in China. Chen marks all the milestones the two shared. "She was here" when the family flew from China to Canada, their new home. "She was here" when Molly enjoyed the foods she loves best--jiaozi and baozi (an accompanying image depicts Nainai lovingly looking on). "She was here when Molly drifted into sleep" (we see the two cuddled up in bed reading a bedtime story). "But now she is not here." Huang employs darker hues as the story reveals that Nainai had to return to China when her six-month visa expired. But Molly starts adjusting to Nainai's absence, sending her a letter adorned with hearts. The next day the duo talk via video chat for the first time, and Nainai's voice brings Molly comfort. Precise, repetitive stanzas and tenderly depicted scenes help young readers follow Molly's emotional journey. A beautifully quiet guide to navigating absence. (Picture book. 5-8)

COPYRIGHT(2023) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.