John's Turn

(Hardback)

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Description

E. B. White Read-Aloud winner Mac Barnett celebrates individuality in a story told with tenderness and subtlety.

Its Johns big day at school todaya performance for Sharing Gifts time. His bag is carefully packed and prepared, his classmates are ready, and the curtain is waiting to open. John is nervous, looking out at all the other children staring back at him. But he takes a big breath and begins. Mac Barnetts compassionate text and Kate Berubes understated and expressive art tell the story of a kid who finds the courage to show others his talent for dancing.

Reviews

Employing sweet humor and sensory detail, Barnett (What Is Love) and Berube (Second Banana) convey the unexpected beauty of a school performance. . . in a breathlessly kinetic, wordless sequence, spreads show John turning, leaping, and landing, light as a feather. . . The storys collective, omniscient voice and graceful illustrations, wonderfully reminiscent of The Philharmonic Gets Dressed, portray a community that stays open and curiousand a child who shares their effort with brave vulnerability.
Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Barnett and Berube offer a sensitive story about a boy grappling with stage fright and insecurity. . . . Barnett and Berube bring mastery of craft as well as an understanding of human nature to offer a fresh take on a familiar trope.

The Horn Book (starred review)

Berubes warmly colored illustrations capture how Johns apprehension turns to confidence and even elation as he dances; his facial expressions and body language are spot-on. Much of this perfectly paced book is devoted to Johns performance, including five elegantly and economically composed, almost wordless spreads. . . . John faces down his fear to share his gift with determination, beauty and a style that is all his own. A true gift, indeed.




BookPage (starred review)

The quiet text tells the story simply, though during the lively, eight-page dance sequence featuring images of John in motion, two words suffice: 'He danced.' Berubes sensitive drawings, created with ink and paint, capture the look and ambiance of the elementary-school setting as well as Johns emotions. A respectful, wonderfully childlike introduction to ballet.

Booklist

Berubes simple ink-and-paint illustrations have minimal background details, allowing readers to focus squarely on John and his emotions. It is truly wonderful to see a boy character in a childrens book so enthusiastic about, and accomplished at, ballet. Any child, though, who has a talent to share or struggles with performance anxiety will find a role model in John. . . . A lovely, empowering book about having the courage to express ones individuality.

Kirkus Reviews

Dappled textures and simple lines of the ink and watercolor art play well with perspective. . . Viewers who struggle with stage fright and embracing their hobbies may gain some confidence from Johns journey and the books welcoming, inclusive tone.
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

This wonderful childrens book is filled with tender illustrations and a lovely story about a boy who is waiting for his turn at Friday Assembly where they have a Sharing Gifts portion. I just loved this book, especially the ending.
Book Riot

Author Bio

Mac Barnett is the author of numerous books for children, including A Polar Bear in the Snow, illustrated by Shawn Harris; Just Because, illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault; President Taft Is Stuck in the Bath, illustrated by Chris Van Dusen; and several books illustrated by Jon Klassen, including Sam & Dave Dig a Hole, which received a Caldecott Honor and an E. B. White Read-Aloud Award; The Wolf, the Duck, and the Mouse; and the shape trilogy. Mac Barnett lives in California.

Kate Berube is the author-illustrator of Hannah and Sugar, which won the Marion Vannett Ridgway Award and the Oregon Book Award for Childrens Literature, and Maes First Day of School, which was a finalist for the Oregon Book Award for Childrens Literature. Kate Berube lives in Oregon with her family.