Twelve Dinging Doorbells

Starred review from September 1, 2022

PreS-Gr 2-On the day of a family's holiday reunion, the dinging doorbell heralds each new guest. A sweet potato pie, a pair of selfie queens, and a trio of posh siblings are just the beginning of the many attendees. With every ding, the gathering grows increasingly crowded and noisy as players yell, and toddlers squeal. Though having so many people in one place can feel overwhelming, family's still family and everyone's having fun. It also helps when there's a slice of sweet potato pie left. This picture book, with its lyrics a take on the familiar tune "The Twelve Days of Christmas," is a celebration of African American families and culture. Brown-skinned people in colorful attire grace each spread. The illustrator combined collage art with digital renderings to produce dynamic images of the gathering. VERDICT This vibrant celebration of African American families, fun, and culture will be a great addition to library collections.-Myiesha Speight

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from September 12, 2022
Revamping “The 12 Days of Christmas” to sweetly bustling effect, Fryer Brown pens a lively refrain recounting a Black family gathering’s doorbell dings, each of which heralds the arrival of more relatives and dishes: “two selfie queens... three posh sibs... four pounds of chitlins... BAKED MACARONI AND CHEEEEEESE!” In Glenn’s citrus-toned illustrations, the child narrator, who sports a magenta dress and green hairbow, regards the growing crowd while awaiting “a sweet potato pie just for me!” As the home becomes increasingly jam-packed and ever more festive (“six toddlers squealing... seven brothers repping... eight players yelling... nine women whisp’ring...”), even the promised sweet potato pie seems imperiled—until a beloved elder comes through. It’s a lovingly chaotic portrayal with a pleasingly ample feel. Ages 4–8.

September 15, 2022
Preschool-Grade 2 Taking its cue from the festive tune "12 Days of Christmas," this delightful book sees a large Black family gathering to share a holiday meal. With each ring of the doorbell, a wonderful surprise is revealed behind the door. Will it be a sweet potato pie? Baked macaroni and cheese? Dancers? Relatives galore? Yes to all of this and so much more! As in the original song, the text builds cumulatively, resulting in an ever-lengthening recitation of all the wonderful people and delicious dishes present. The illustrations are eye-catching and bright, with bold yellows, greens, oranges, and purples lending a happy warmth and celebratory energy to the events. Glenn's cut-paper collages grow increasingly busy as more family members arrive, yet she manages to create a distinct personality for each while portraying a family full of love. Children from large families will relate to this boisterous holiday scene, and all will feel cheered by the warmth of their spirit. A terrific addition to any #RepresentationMatters collection, and a fun way to reinforce early math concepts.

COPYRIGHT(2022) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

November 1, 2022
"At the first dinging doorbell this holiday I see... / a sweet potato pie just for me!" In this delightful takeoff on "The Twelve Days of Christmas," a little Black girl's house begins to fill with family, friends, music, dancing, and food. The celebration brings, among others, "seven brothers repping," "six toddlers squealing," and "LOTS OF MACARONI AND CHEEEEESE." The growing (mostly happy) chaos is cleverly reflected in a subtly changing text and especially in the illustrations, which employ unusual perspectives and dynamic angles to great effect. A warm, funny, original book -- and don't worry, our little girl gets her pie in the end. Martha V. Parravano

(Copyright 2022 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

Starred review from September 1, 2022
Soul food and larger-than-life personalities populate the pages of this catch-all family celebration. Beginning and ending with "a sweet potato pie just for me," this colorful picture book modeled after "The Twelve Days of Christmas" follows a young Black child as doorbells ring and the house fills with relatives. Counting up from the first dinging doorbell to the dizzying 12th, people arrive--"two selfie queens," "three posh sibs"--and dishes pile up ("four pounds of chitlins" and the highlight, "BAKED MACARONI AND CHEEEEEESE!"). Toddlers and aunties and fraternity brothers crowd in. As the night wears on, the view of the house expands to include a long table of food, round tables for games of spades, and a dance floor. The narrator's disappointment when the sweet potato pie is eaten turns the repeating verses on their heads; a change in language mirrors the shift in attitude familiar to anyone who's had enough of family for one night. Brown cleverly turns an old tune into a modern, energetic romp. Glenn's bright art makes inspired use of perspective and a broad palette to emphasize the joys and chaos of large family gatherings. Though the book is a funny riff on a familiar Christmas song, there aren't any Yuletide-specific references, nor does it appear to be set during winter, making this delightful and dynamic story perfect for any time of year. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A new classic that will ease children through any holiday season. (Picture book. 3-7)

COPYRIGHT(2022) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

July 1, 2022
"At the first dinging doorbell this holiday I see... / a sweet potato pie just for me!" In this delightful takeoff on "The Twelve Days of Christmas," a little Black girl's house begins to fill with family, friends, music, dancing, and food. The celebration brings, among others, "seven brothers repping," "six toddlers squealing," and "LOTS OF MACARONI AND CHEEEEESE." The growing (mostly happy) chaos is cleverly reflected in a subtly changing text and especially in the illustrations, which employ unusual perspectives and dynamic angles to great effect. A warm, funny, original book -- and don't worry, our little girl gets her pie in the end.

(Copyright 2022 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)