Publishers Weekly Review
"Each and every day," strong-willed young Sam, who has glossy black pigtails, finds that "inside feels too small." Only briefly intimidated by the hail of flying toys that she begins flailing about, Sam's parent straps Sam into a stroller ("SNAP! The buckle clicks. WHOOSH! The straps pull tight") and launches the Strollercoaster. In their instantly identifiable comic book style, Raúl the Third and colorist Elaine Bay (the World of ¡Vamos! books) imagine the two careening through a cityscape crammed with sensory delights--colorful buildings, waving neighbors, Spanish-language signage, "Fresh sneakers. Sweet smells. Shouts from the basketball court." Steep hills on the route provide a place for Sam's parent to reach maximum speed (the wind "sounds like the noisiest noise, and Sam feels like she's flying!!"). It all works magic on the girl's terrible mood. Ringler (School Surprise!) is full of insight about the travails of toddlerhood, while Raúl the Third and Bay's visual invention powers a dream of an urban landscape that gives joy to its community. Ages 4--8. Author's agent: Kirsten Hall, Catbird Productions. Illustrator's agent: Jennifer Laughran, Andrea Brown Literary. (May) |
School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1--A routine outing transforms into a grand adventure with the help of a little imagination. Around the same time every day, which parents and caregivers will irrefutably recognize, "the inside feels too small for Sam," a young and energetic toddler. After only a brief commotion and minor tantrum, Sam's father has the child secured and ready for a ride on the "strollercoaster." The illustrators deploy their signature vibrant, comics-art style, brimming with details as father and child embark on a sensational sensory-filled jaunt around their city. Throughout their journey that is reminiscent of a roller coaster ride, readers will see signage in Spanish, delightful storefronts, active neighbors of many races, and of course, tunnels and hills to maximize strollercoaster speed. The pair return home just in time for a nap. Readers are sure to plan their own strollercoaster trips after finishing this one. VERDICT A joyful and oh-so relatable tale that will entertain and inspire readers.--Olivia Gorecke, Cape May Cty. Lib., Ocean View, NJ |