Big Red Lollipop
07 Sep 2011 11 Comments
in Multicultural, Rukhsana Kahn, Sibling Rivalry Tags: Friendship, Humor, Multicultural, Sibling Rivalry
I attended the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) 40th annual conference in August. I returned with some favorite picture and middle grade books, and YA fiction that I will share in coming months.
Big Red Lollipop, is written by Rukhsana Khan and illustrated by Sophie Blackall. Khan won a Golden Kite Award for the text of her picture book at the SCBWI conference in August. A gifted storyteller, Rukhsana Khan gave one of the most inspiring and humorous acceptance speeches by telling her real-life story of siblings rivalry and cultural differences, and how she brought this winning story to life. Blackall’s illustrations beautifully compliment and capture the many emotions in the story.
Rubina races home after school, with her first birthday party invitation. Her mother asks Rubina, “What is a birthday party?” Rubina explains that “it’s when they celebrate the day they are born.” There is cake and ice cream, games and toys. In the background her little sister Sana, screams that she wants to go. Not understanding the custom, her mother tells Rubina she can go if she takes her little sister. Rubina knows the other girls will make fun at her and never invite her again. Taking Sana to the party isn’t too bad and they leave with a gift bag of small toys, chocolates and a Big Red Lollipop. Sana eats her lollipop on the way home, but Rubina carefully saves lollipop on top of the refrigerator for the next morning. Guess who spots the lollipop the next morning? But, the worst thing that happens is that Rubina doesn’t get any invitations to birthday parties for a long time. Then one day Sana runs home from school with an invitation to a birthday party and is told that she must take her little sister Maryam. This is a charming book about sibling rivalry, friendship and compassion that take some unexpected twists and turns. I have added this book to my book shelf.
Kahn has authored many multi-cultural picture books including Silly Chicken, Ruler of the Courtyard and The Roses in My Carpet. Her newest book, Wanting Mor is a middle grade book I plan to review soon.
Sep 07, 2011 @ 04:20:32
Lovely post Pat. After being in her workshop at the SCBWI in August I bought the Wanting Mor, so will be looking forward to your review. I believe it took her 5 months to write Wanting Mor.
Sep 07, 2011 @ 08:52:09
Thank you. I really love her story because there are so many lessons told in such a beautiful manner, that kids will want to read it again and again. And, it was fun listening to Khan tell the story. Think it’s one of my favorite picture books this year. I like the fact that the protaganonist has a cleft lip — hard to find children’s books on the subject. Big problem in India and I imagine the middle east.
Sep 07, 2011 @ 15:10:28
I so loved Rukhsana’s acceptance speech at SCBWI. I wish I had bought this book. Our city’s library system doesn’t have even one copy. I’m going to suggest they purchase it — I know there are many children it would speak to. Thanks for reminding me with this review, Pat!
Sep 07, 2011 @ 20:18:57
Her speech was one of my favorites. Oh, to be such a great storyteller. My library had the book, none of her others. I purchased two others on Amazon. Will give a copy to my granddaughter for Christmas.
Sep 12, 2011 @ 05:24:40
The course sounds really good… and the book has me intrigued… going to look up this author:)
Sep 12, 2011 @ 09:19:25
Thank you for stopping by, Tania. The Big Red Lollipop is a great book about sibling rivalry — and Khan is a master story teller. Kids will just love the book and want it read again and again. I purchased her book, but my library also has a copy. Great gift book with astrong message.
You mentioned “course.” Not sure if you mean the Writer’s Campaign-Builders Campaign, or my work with author/editor Emma Walton Hamilton and the Children’s Book Hub, I mention in my profile. The campaign runs for two months, but the Children’s Book Hub is a virtual literary community on-line. Emma does two teleseminars with authors, agents, publsihers etc. monthly, and a supportive community for both unpublished and published writers.
Patricia
Sep 12, 2011 @ 09:13:10
This sounds like a great book! I love surprises in books and have lots of experience with sibling rivalry!
Carla
Sep 12, 2011 @ 10:09:44
Carla, this is a very funny real-life story told by such a master storyteller. I highly recommend Kahn’s book as it tackels sibling rivalry and helps children understand cultural differences. Kids will just love this book. Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate your comment.
Patricia
Sep 16, 2011 @ 00:21:00
Thank you Rukhsana. I appreciate your sharing my review on your blog.
Pat