Review by Booklist Review
Tarpley's pleasant, relatable text and Barlow's vivid soft-pastel illustrations combine here to create a heartwarming story about Keyana McGee, who is so excited to put on another one of her big ideas--a backyard movie soiree--that she loses sight of what it means to appreciate family and learns how to recover from unexpected challenges. As Keyana sets up her soiree, she wants to micromanage everything, from the backyard movie theater to every decorative detail. When her cousins' antics disrupt her vision, she is disappointed, but a heart-to-heart with her mom helps Keyana realize she was still successful in bringing her entire family together--and that imperfections are okay! This book is a beauty to behold, with each scene presenting several thoughtful details. Young readers starting to learn from mistakes or relinquish control over situations will benefit from Keyana's story, which serves as a reminder that plans gone awry are not failures and that regardless of how things turn out, it's important for loved ones to spend time together.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A celebration of big ideas, teamwork, and family. Keyana McGee, a young Black girl, loves big ideas and is willing to put in the work to bring them to life. Her latest idea is to create a backyard soiree for her extended family's scheduled movie night. Once she has completed her "movie-star hairstyle," including her "jewel-encrusted princess tiara," of course, she transforms her family's yard into a movie set, with her parents' and younger brother's help. Soon, a multitude of extended family arrives: a "fashionista" great-aunt and her dog, five favorite cousins, two uncles, and a set of grandparents, who bring their cat along. When the night's events take a dramatic turn, Keyana is initially upset, but she and her family work together to implement another of her big ideas…one that might just be more brilliant and meaningful than her original. Tarpley's text captures the lighthearted mood of the story, with vocabulary that matches Keyana's growth mindset and can-do spirit. Pinkney Barlow's whimsical and expressive illustrations, created digitally and finished with a handmade watercolor texture overlay, convey the playful and joyous occasion as well as the family's unwavering commitment to each other. Small details in the illustrations, such as Keyana's hair supplies (e.g., spray bottle and sleeping bonnet) and choice of hairstyles, offer a welcome layer of authenticity to this celebration of a carefree childhood. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A loving depiction of a warm, affectionate Black family. (Picture book. 5-10) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
