Parker CurryCritiques

Parker and Gia are inseparable best friends who are disappointed when Parker and her family go on a road trip vacation, parting the two friends temporarily. Parker decides to stay close with her friend by writing her letters during all of their adventures. As the family travels to interesting places around the U.S., Parker dutifully reports back.

This is a super sweet book. Even though the vocabulary is limited, sentences are short, and font is large, this book has more of a story than many other introductory level early readers. I think a lot of that is because the illustrations and social conventions fill in the rest.

Children will identify with having a close friend, and the friendship depicted here is quite lovely. The illustrations are open and inviting, using bold lines and rich colors. The characters reflect diverse backgrounds, making that another good reason to have this book on the shelf in a classroom or library.

The final page of the book has some really interesting information; it talks about the epistolary relationship between authors Zora Neale Hurson and Dorothy West, which allows for a very brief introduction to the Harlem Renaissance. It was an unexpected surprise to get this miniature history lesson. The call to action at the end invites children to write letters to family members or friends, which is still an important skill to hone.

If you are looking for a really basic beginning reader with BIPOC representation, this is a good one. I loved how simple the text was. It truly is a Level 1 reader!

But I found myself meh about the whole thing. Is it too simple?

Here's the deal. I get the message of this book: how a chance event of seeing someone looking just like you.......it can change your life forever. I get it. And truthfully, it's an inspiring message for girls.

However, I thought the book was disjointed. I didn't appreciate the word bubbles for dialogue. I thought not enough time was spent on Parker discovering Michele Obama's portrait and everything else that occurred after the fact. That was what I was expecting.

Dancing joy mixes with sibling adventures to showcase a heart-warming balance, which beams from every page.

Parker loves her brother and sister, and enjoys spending time with them, but when a new girl at the ballet school makes each step and plie shine, Parker realizes that she'll need to practice more if she wants to achieve her dreams of becoming an amazing ballerina, someday. Unfortunately, that means she doesn't have as much time to play with her siblings...not to mention that they even get in the way. When the day of the recital finally arrives, she's surprised to see that the new girl, despite her talent, is afraid to go onto the stage. But maybe, that's exactly when having wonderful siblings might give the extra, needed edge.

Parker's energy and joy for life (as well as ballet) are impossible to miss, making her easy to like and connect with. Her love for her siblings and the fun they have playing together is inspiring. Even when they 'bother' Parker during her practice, there isn't even the touch of ill-feelings. Rather, Parker misses having the time to spend with them. So, this is a book with positive vibes pure.

The dance scenes with Parker will make ballet and dance fans smile. The basic terms are mentioned and the illustrations fit right along, allowing young ballet hopefuls to easily see themselves dancing, too. But then, this is a book, which also rotates around Parker's joy for dance. Even when the new girl is more advanced, Parker doesn't harbor negative thoughts. Rather, it pushes her to do better herself and realize that it takes practice to achieve something...and that it's not a right or handed over on a silver platter. The only thing, which made me raise an eyebrow, is the way in which the problem of stage fright was solved. It is caring and makes the heart feel warm, but I'm not sure it would go over well with most dance teachers.

The illustrations are pretty, pink, and bring across the atmosphere and emotions wonderfully. The depictions of Parker and the others give everything a positive glow and inspire the entire way through.

The text is kept short, making it great for a read-aloud with even more impatient listeners. At the end, there is a short biography of each true-to-life ballet dancer, which has been shown in posters on the walls in the illustrations. This can be used in discussions with the listeners or is great as extra information for the caretaker.
I received an ARC, am giving this one 4.5-stars, and rounding up.

I enjoyed this book and admire the fact that it is based off of a true story. While it may include a few unnecessary details, the text did a good job of detailing a memorable experience for young Parker Curry. The picture book ultimately expresses the importance of representation for all races and reputable female role models for little girls. After visiting a large portrait painting of Michelle Obama, a picture of Parker Curry at the museum goes viral because of the look of complete admiration on her face. Representation helps Parker to believe and understand that she can do big things with her life just like Michelle Obama. I would definitely recommend reading this book to little girls!

A lovely picture book about the power art and representation on a child's worldview.½

Nice enough, but did not quite capture the power of the story that swept the internet and caught my attention for a moment.

Parker is a girl full of life, who loves to dance. When her mother takes her to the museum, she discovers all sorts of wonderful paintings with her friend and sister. They have so much fun. Just when mother tells them its time to leave, Parker sees a portrait which makes her stop and take it in as it effects her in ways she'd never expect.

I love the energy Parker has. She's such a cute girl packed with life. It's delightful to follow her as she puts on her boots and stomps to the museum with her sister. Young listeners will feel a connection to her right away. The museum is presented as a place full of adventure and discovery. Several artworks, which can be found at the National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum, are presented...but not in a boring way. Each is presented as if it comes off of the page, giving it a sense of fun and excitement. There's a short description of each one in the back of the book as well.

There are two messages in these pages. The first does a terrific job at showing how exciting an art museum can be. Paintings can be a joy to discover and there are some that will leave an impression. The second highlights Michelle Obama and shows how her portrait affected little Parker using single word thoughts to let the emotions and impressions flow. At the end of the book, there is a note from the artist of the painting. I, personally, would have liked, at least, a short biography of Michelle Obama, since the book does center around her and young listeners won't necessarily know who she is, especially as time goes on.

The illustrations are as lively as Parker herself and do a terrific job at bringing across the artwork in the museum. They make this book a joy to read. I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed taking the adventure with Parker quite a bit. So, I'm leaving my honest thoughts.

"This book is based on the viral photograph of African American toddler Parker Curry, who, during a visit to the National Portrait Gallery, became mesmerized by Amy Sherald’s portrait of Michelle Obama, who she thought was a queen.

One rainy afternoon, Parker’s mother (co-author Jessica Curry) makes the suggestion that they visit the museum, little sister Ava in tow. At the museum, they see Parker’s friend Gia and her mother. The three girls dance through the halls of the museum noticing horses, flowers, and feathers in the famous works of art. Just before they leave, Parker notices the portrait of Michelle Obama, stops in her tracks, and that viral photographic moment is born. Parker’s thoughts about what she sees when she looks at Michelle Obama are assumed by her expressive gaze, well captured by illustrator Jackson. The reimagined images of the paintings are brilliant. In one, Einstein seems to be looking down on Parker and Gia, who laugh at his “bushy mustache,” and ballerinas in “frilly white tutus” step out of the frame to join the girls as they dance down a hall. (The actual titles of the paintings are included in the backmatter.) One illustration shows a diverse group of children engaging in various activities, which invites young readers to imagine a world of possibilities for themselves, the way Parker does.

A delightful story that speaks powerfully to the importance of representation. (Picture book. 3-7)" From Kirkus, www.kirkusreviews.com