Review by Booklist Review
Schofield-Morrison captures the joy of becoming a "big boy" as a child spends a day at the playground. Fearlessly exploring the slides and swings and braving a few bumps along the way, the boy has a range of adventures that encapsulates the felicity of childhood. Knight-Justice's charming, vibrant illustration style captures the worry-free existence of being a child, incorporating bright colors and intriguing textures. As the boy makes a friend at the park with whom he can share wonderful experiences, Big Boy Joy also celebrates Black boy joy, as the two kids explore the playground and make memories. Perfect for young children who are starting to come into their own with independence, playing with others, and forming friendships, Big Boy Joy offers a festival of color and movement as readers explore the playground together, from the sandbox to the field to imaginative dreams of outer space.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
In a rhythmic ode to "big boy joy," a Black child narrates playground hijinks, casually modeling "big boy" behaviors amid lively moments of play. After the child zooms gaily around, a bottom-of-the-slide crash leads to tears before the child's own caring language ensues: "I can help. I can ask nicely, 'Can I play with you?'" Snack time elicits an opportunity to share, and a caretaker's "Time to go!" results in an easygoing departure. Onomatopoeic prose from Schofield-Morrison and color block--like mixed-media illustrations from Knight-Justice limn the locale's energy, along the way subtly suggesting that big feels, full-fledged fun, and thoughtful behavior can exist hand in hand in hand . Background characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 3--5. (June)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
An active child spends a busy day at a city playground. Narrating in first person, the youngster--a self-proclaimed "big boy"--lists his many abilities: He can run fast, walk slow, climb high, and "GO! GO! GO!" He can "SLIDE, SLIP, and CRASH!" Oops. A run-in with another child leads to tears, but after the narrator apologizes, the two of them play with their toy dinosaurs, share a snack, and pretend to soar through outer space. Though a few adults appear, they're largely relegated to the sidelines, keeping a watchful eye but allowing the youngsters to do what kids do best--have fun. Indeed, Schofield-Morrison depicts a refreshingly child-centric world, where little ones have the freedom to try new things, make mistakes, and solve their own problems. Minimal words (with plenty of onomatopoeia exuberantly presented in vibrant colors) and bold, simple images tell a story perfectly paced for toddlers and preschoolers. Knight-Justice zeroes in on details sure to please young audiences: a close-up of the protagonist intently turning the wheel on a toy vehicle, the drops of water sprayed by a sprinkler. Though tall buildings loom in the background, their appealing green space is filled with trees, plants, and bushes. Lettering on the protagonist's sneakers, the slide, and the fence encircling the playground will encourage kids to identify letters they know. Both youngsters are Black. Empowering and fun, like all the best outings.(Picture book. 2-5) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
