Review by Booklist Review
This thought-provoking friendship story is in praise of pockets--specifically, pockets for girls. Ward showcases the tiny, private storage spaces that are always found on men's and boys' clothes but not always on girls' or women's clothes. We follow one little girl, just starting a new school, as she navigates the school year. From the first day, the ever-changing contents of this girl's pockets help calm her nerves, start and sustain a friendship, and keep tiny objects found on their adventures. Each situation the girl faces starts with the phrase "Pockets are for . . . ," showing items like the stuffed bunny she brings from home, the encouraging note a classmate sends, and the tiny objects she and her new friend collect. The illustrations, made with rolled printmaking inks, cut paper, colored pencils, and acrylic paint, sometimes resemble an old-fashioned sampler and make you want to linger over the girls' found objects. The ending, showing the friends as astronauts of the future, stuffing moon rocks in their spacesuit pockets, is perfect. Fashion- and feminist-forward.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Ward (Jessie: Queen of the Road) writes rhythmic lines in praise of pockets, with images by Magro (Gift & Box) displaying a growing friendship between two children in which the pockets play important roles. One, a pale-skinned child who wears a white patterned tunic, is seen looking shyly into a classroom in a moment when "things are strange and new." A toy rabbit peeks out of a pocket: "Pockets are for hiding.... Small and warm, to tuck inside, until you're not afraid." Soon, a wave from a brown-skinned child with round glasses and a red jumper promises companionship: "Pockets are for folded notes... for snacks, shared between two friends." The children's bond grows as the pouches are used for "small surprises," carrying insects and worms, and storing notes "handmade with purple glitter." Digitally finished multimedia spreads offer appealing characters and handsome patterns of warm color to detail the many uses of pockets--including "discovering together. Each and every day." An author's note concludes. Ages 4--8. Author's agent: Lara Perkins, Andrea Brown Literary Agency. Illustrator's agent: Anne Moore Armstrong, Bright Agency. (Jan.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2--Ward's (Jessie: Queen of the Road) love of pockets comes though in her new picture book. Two girls in the story go about their day collecting memories, bits of nature, and treasures as they play, attend school, and visit friends and family. Into their dress pockets go tangible things like food and acorn hats, but also more ephemeral items such as dreams and love. Pockets are mended with care and carry promises into the future as the friends say goodbye. The mixed-media illustrations have backgrounds that include schools (both inside and out) and holidays familiar to children, like Valentine's Day, the first day of school, and summer vacation. The illustrations display a plethora of tiny pocket-sized things kids love to pick up and carry around, from ladybugs to rocks. This story might ignite a passion for pockets in kids who enjoy collecting things they find in their environments; it could also spark terrific conversations if used in a classroom before a hike or field trip. VERDICT Keeping an eye out for treasure is good practice for staying present and aware, with the caveat that not all things are safe to touch or pick up--and that's not in the book.--Tanya Boudreau
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Two friends spend the school year discovering all the different things that pockets can hold. A tan-skinned girl joins a new school and quickly overcomes her initial shyness when she befriends a Black girl in her class. After exchanging waves and a note, they share adventures, cookies, and a love of bugs. As the seasons pass, the girls, narrating jointly, explain all the things that pockets are good for--"for nervous hands when your voice is feeling small," "for games, played with brand-new friends," "for staying warm when snowflakes start to fall," "for presents--as we say goodbye." The book follows the pair through ups and downs; we see the girls planning their futures as astronauts together and searching for a lost friendship bracelet right up until the last day of school. Attractive illustrations rendered in a cozy palette match the gentle feeling of the text, which borders on saccharine. The story feels more like an adult's idealized, nostalgic look back at childhood than a reflection of a young person's actual experiences. Though the text focuses on the titular pockets, they're small and underutilized on most pages. That, combined with the low stakes and the text's repeatedly broken rhythm, makes for an unsuitable read-aloud. Well intentioned but syrupy. (author's note) (Picture book. 5-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
