Reviews

'Twas the Night Before Pride by Joanna McClintick

mareeeza74's review against another edition

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informative inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

davidbythebay's review against another edition

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funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

An absolutely sweet story/poem about what Pride means and what it represents. In beautiful couplets it shows a family preparing for the Pride march the next day and tells the story of the first Pride and the Stonewall riots. Obviously, as a children's book, this doesn't go into great detail about Stonewall and it doesn't name the important people who participated and led the riots, but it is nonetheless a sweet story about how Pride is all about celebrating who we are. I am me, the one and only.

onceuponabookcase's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No
A rhyming story in the style of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, 'Twas the Night Before Pride by Joanna McClintick and illustrated by Juana Medina is the gorgeous story of a family preparing to go to Pride the next day. The older child is excited, as they remember previous Prides they've attended. As it's baby Sammy's first pride, together the two mums and older sibling tell Sammy about about the history of Pride, teaching about the Stonewall riot. The history is told honestly but carefully; it's not sugar-coated, but it's not too brutal. There's reference to homophobia, through simple words and illustrated facial expressions. As such, I think it's a really beautiful way to introduce and talk about how LGBTQ+ are discriminated against, while also telling a joyful story.

All of the Prides remembered are beautifully illustrated by Medina. People of colour, disabled people, older people, and people wearing hijab are represented stunning scene are scene. There is so much going on in these illustrations, so much to see. There's a great deal of detail, and it's the kind of book where you'll see something new each time you read it. What's really cool, I think, is how the people's faces are quite androgynous, and you can't exactly tell or easily guess someone's gender; there's no stereotyping here. I think this is just awesome, as it could make a great talking point around gender stereotypes and assumptions. There are signs and banners held up in every Pride depicted, and there's a great focus on Pride as protest as well as celebration. I adored that there's a Black Lives Matter banner in one scene.

I absolutely adored this book, and it's a great story as well as fun way to discuss Pride and it's history, and celebrate the joy with young children.
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domiri's review against another edition

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informative lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

bleach226's review against another edition

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hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

A wonderful children’s book about Pride and Pride origins

nerdybookworm23's review against another edition

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emotional informative inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

rosage's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

okay so this book was the cutest thing i’ve ever read. i wish i had books like this growing up. i have a few friends who are having or just had babies and i am so excited to get this for them! 

danileah07's review against another edition

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inspiring fast-paced

5.0

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stacyroth's review against another edition

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informative lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

A young child looks forward to attending a Pride celebration the following day with their two mothers and baby sibling.  This book recounts the reasons to look forward to Pride and talks about how it got started at an age-appropriate level.  The narration for the audiobook was good, and there was background music to make up for the lack of pictures.  I enjoyed the audiobook, but I will be buying a physical copy of this book to give to my nieces!  This book is a wonderful tool to talk to kids about various forms love can take. 

Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an audio ARC of this book. 

amelias's review against another edition

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emotional informative reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0