Kevin and his dad - Softcover

As a former Miss Black New York State, Young Ambassador to Europe and student activist, I have had lots of jobs, ranging from model, working in government, actress, to radio reporter to running my own business, establishing a networking group for business professionals says Irene Smalls. But, the job I really like is writing children's books. I write very simple stories about my children, my childhood. I grew up in Harlem in the 1950's. Back then, Harlem was a small southern black community that just happened to be in the north. The dialect, the foods, the mores and the values were southern. Harlem was a ghetto of softness and strength, a community of open doors and open hearts that loved its children. Irene Smalls' first children's book, Irene and the Big Fine Nickel, was inspired by her fond memories of Harlem. Her second book, Jonathan and His Mommy, is a love song for her son. Louise's Gift tells the story of how an unappreciated gift changes a young girl's view of herself. Irene Jennie and the Christmas Masquerade: The Johnkankus is the tale of a slave girl's Christmas. Because You're Lucky is a simple story of how families can change and grow in ways that they are lucky to discover. A Strawbeater's Thanksgiving (Fall 1998) shows one boy's strength and spirit during the terrible days of slavery. Her forthcoming book. (Spring 1999), Kevin and His Dad is the story of a young boy and his Dad making a game of doing homework. I always tell young children I get my ideas from the tip of my nose. I write about the things all around me, the people I love, the things I do everyday. I write all my best stories while dreaming, muses Smalls. When I wake up, I simply refined and further develop the essential idea of the story. There are so many stories and so little time. Irene Smalls graduated from Cornell University with a degree in Black Studies and from New York University with an M.B.A. in marketing and behavioral science. She lives in Boston with her three children: Dawn, Kevin Logan and Jonathan.

PreSchool-Grade 1-While Mom's away one Saturday, Kevin and his dad spend a companionable day together. First, they clean the house, then they have a little batting practice in the park, and, finally, the guys enjoy an action movie followed by a snack and a walk home. The simple language and unobtrusive rhyme of the text is well matched by the soft, realistic illustrations in oils, which show an African-American father and son quietly savoring their time together. Good humor-and a bit of lighthearted silliness that transforms ordinary chores into something special and enjoyable-is shown in such recognizable bits of action as using a feather duster on the nose of their golden retriever, who manages to involve himself in every activity. Soft, sunny tones and large areas of color, applied thinly enough to show the texture of the canvas, convey the action, yet allow readers to focus on the affectionate interaction between father and son rather than only on the tasks being performed. With its easy, rhythmic language and readily recognizable activities, this is a good choice for storytime. And, of course, young dog lovers will follow everything that the golden retriever does.
Marian Drabkin, Richmond Public Library, CA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.