Mini Picture Book Review: All the Way to Havana, After the Fall, & A Different Pond

Series: N/A
# of Pages: 40
Publication: August 29, 2017
Source: Library Copy
Genre: Picture Book, SC Book Award Nominee
Goodreads | Amazon 

Together, a boy and his parents drive to the city of Havana, Cuba, in their old family car. Along the way, they experience the sights and sounds of the streets--neighbors talking, musicians performing, and beautiful, colorful cars putt-putting and bumpety-bumping along. In the end, though, it's their old car, Cara Cara, that the boy loves best

This was definitely a great picture book and step into understanding the cultural differences of those that live in poverty and those that are more fortunate. While this book does not directly address the history of Cuba, it does show that due to the economic and political struggles of Cuba many individuals learn to become more creative with their resources which is why it is easy to find cars from the 60s still running and functioning on the streets of Cuba. The author made a great notation in the back that stated that while many individuals of wealth would have already given up on the cars that were older, she chose to focus the book around the family car and its history to show how Cubans have been willing to hold on to older items and use random things to fix them because it is a necessity and that getting rid of items isn't really an option. I loved the contrast that was exhibited between socioeconomic classes. The artwork was beautiful and felt as though it was realistic (which makes sense because the illustrator took pictures while visiting Cuba for inspiration). I would definitely recommend this book if you are searching for a way to teach children about the differences between countries and cultures. Plus, this has great representation of Afro-Cubans.

Series: N/A
# of Pages: 40

Publication: October 3rd, 2017

Source: Library Copy
Genre: Picture Book/SC Picture Book Award Nominee
Goodreads | Amazon 

My name is Humpty Dumpty. I'm famous for falling off a wall. (You may have heard about it.) But that's only half the story... Because I decided to get back up. And when I did, something amazing happened. This story is about my life... AFTER THE FALL. Inspiring and unforgettable, this epilogue to the beloved classic nursery rhyme will encourage even the most afraid to overcome their fears, learn to get back up--and reach new heights.

This was so stinking cute! Everyone is familiar with the story of Humpty Dumpty and how he fell and was put back together, but this book explores what happens after that tragic incident. Like most of us who experience tragic events, Humpty Dumpty had a difficult time dealing with heights after the accident. He appeared to have anxiety and a certain level of fear when he had to do any activity that required him to climb off the ground. However, he comes to realize that he has to overcome these fears when he misses being able to see the city and birds from high locations. I loved that this picture book essentially encourages readers to face their fears and to get back up whenever life seems to put them down. I'm currently going through a lot in my personal life and it has been very discouraging; however, even in reading this picture book I have learned that eventually we all have to overcome whatever is challenging us. It's a book filled with encouragements and happy endings and I love that children have the opportunity to learn more about the story of Humpty Dumpty and how he overcomes his fear of heights. The artwork is also amazing. I recommend that people of all ages check out this picture book.

Series: N/A
# of Pages: 32
Publication: August 1st, 2017
Source: Library Copy
Genre: Picture Book, Caldecott Honor
Goodreads | Amazon 

As a young boy, Bao Phi awoke early, hours before his father's long workday began, to fish on the shores of a small pond in Minneapolis. Unlike many other anglers, Bao and his father fished for food, not recreation. A successful catch meant a fed family. Between hope-filled casts, Bao's father told him about a different pond in their homeland of Vietnam.

This....I didn't know what to expect when I decided to read this picture book. I think that it's phenomenal. Not only was the artwork vibrant and beautifully in line with the text, but it told of deeper stories of immigrants, refugees, and the attitudes that Americans can sometimes have of those who are simply trying to make a better life for their families. One of the most captivating aspects of the this book is that it is based on Bao Phi's experiences with his father. They immigrated to the United States either during or after the Vietnam War and had to not only work multiple jobs, but also had to deal with blame that was inflicted upon them for the US's involvement in the war. 

When I opened the picture book I thought that it was just going to tell the story of a little boy and his father who go fishing together, but I quickly learned that they were not going fishing for recreational purposes, but to make sure they had food on the table. They then emerge into the story of how his father misses Vietnam and fishing in a different pond and how the war cost him and his family so much. This was one of the most powerful picture books that I've read in a long time and it definitely gave me a new appreciation for those who give up everything for their families just so they can create a new life. I also respect parents and family members who share the darkest parts of their lives with their children not because the want to frighten them, but so they have an understanding of where the come from.