Publishers Weekly
09/05/2022
“I know big sisters,” Lee says. “Zora, the boss, she’s mine. I go wherever she goes, and we are always home before dark. Those are the rules.” At their local library, the siblings, portrayed as Black, learn embroidery; Zora sews a flower that earns compliments from their parents, whereas Lee makes a “mess” and discovers a hole in his pocket. When Lee wakes in the middle of the night, the quiet and lack of oversight grant him the space to practice what he’s learned: he embroiders a smiling moon, mends the hole in his pocket, and reattaches a missing ear to Zora’s stuffed bear. The final act results in a big hug and thanks from Zora... before she orders him to get ready for another outing. “I fixed her bear, and she’s back to being the boss,” Lee’s wry first-person narration reads. In collage, acrylic, and pen and pencil art, Harrison (Nana Akua Goes to School) focuses on settings that range from the public and communal to the private and personal. Edwards (A Hat for Mrs. Goldman) highlights the funny, loving sibling dynamic—as well as the triumph of learning and applying a brand-new skill. Craft instructions conclude. Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Lori Kilkelly, LK Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Regina Brooks, Serendipity Literary. (Oct.)
From the Publisher
"Harrison’s illustrations are the star here, in no small part because she’s a self-taught artist grounded in African American folk traditions: The pleasure of making isn’t just for the elite or highly trained." —New York Times Book Review
★ "A captivating picture book.” —Booklist, starred review
★ "A gorgeous, powerful exploration of a loving sibling relationship.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"A wonderful read-aloud." —The Horn Book
Kirkus Reviews
★ 2022-10-12
A young Black boy discovers the joy of sewing on a trip to the local library with his big sister.
It’s clear why 6-year-old Lee calls his elder sister, Zora, the boss. Zora embodies confidence: She gives directions to Lee and others and enforces the rules they must both follow when out and about away from home. One day, Lee walks with Zora to a local library, where they are taught to sew. Zora takes to sewing easily, while Lee struggles to avoid pricking himself with the needle and to create what he desires. When the children return home, Zora proudly shows her creation to their parents, but Lee chooses to wait to show them his work. Later that night, awakened by a noise and unable to sleep, Lee practices sewing in the quiet of his bed and completes the craft from earlier in the day, developing a useful skill that later ushers in a tender moment between him and the boss. Appropriately reminiscent of textiles, the collage, acrylic, pen, and pencil illustrations consist of a variety of vibrant hues. The imagery offers depth, texture, and movement, complementing the vivid and engrossing text and bringing to life the strong bond between Lee and Zora. Lee’s family is Black; the other kids at the library are racially diverse. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Though simple, a gorgeous, powerful exploration of a loving sibling relationship. (instructions for making Lee's Smiling Moon) (Picture book. 5-8)
