Crane Jane!

May 15, 2023
Let's hear it for Crane Jane! While listening to this book, the second in the Big Jobs, Bold Women series, following Firefighter Flo! (2022), readers will hear cacophonous noises in Jane's wake given all the rhythmic, onomatopoeic sounds accompanying her efforts as a crane operator at the dock. Jaunty, terse rhymed couplets describe Jane's hectic, exciting workday as she expertly maneuvers her crane to lift, move, and set down heavy cargo--freight containers and trucks--on and off ships. What a joyful din ("TROMP! TROMP!" "CLANG-CLANG!" "WHOOSH! WHOOSH!") her job produces. The sound words generally appear in pairs or trios and are usually set in yellow boldfaced capitals so they stand out, and construction-site and vehicle mavens will be eager to simulate them. Children will be especially intrigued by a scene in which a firetruck, lifted from a ship and caught in a heavy wind, dangles precariously from the crane and is improbably saved by a flock of helpful gulls. The digital illustrations feature bold, eye-popping colors and lots of detailed activity. It's great that kids see a woman, especially a woman of color, carry out her job so skillfully and effortlessly in a predominantly male-dominated profession. Jane has light brown skin and dark braids beneath her pale-green hard hat. Her co-workers and crew are racially diverse. (This book was reviewed digitally.) When it comes to doing heavy lifting, you can count on this tale. (Picture book. 3-6)

COPYRIGHT(2023) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

July 1, 2023
This follow-up to Firefighter Flo! (rev. 1/23) features more spirited rhymes and enjoyable noises to introduce Jane's important work as a crane operator. "Jane's in her cab, controls in hand. / The giant crane's in her command. / CLANG-CLANG! CLANG-CLANG! CLANG-CLANG!" After punching the clock ("KERCHUNK!"), Jane works the crane to move cargo to ships and then shares lunch with a seagull friend ("YEOW!"). The job becomes more stressful when the weather takes a turn and Jane needs to move big trucks off a ship. The bright contrasting colors darken as the wind intensifies, and while Jane moves a final fire truck, the bold shapes and lines of the digital illustrations lurch at alarming angles. The text declares the danger on a red background, but Jane remains focused and careful on her yellow background. In the end Jane needs help, and her seagull friends provide critical ballast where needed. When the fire truck is safely on the ground (with the firefighting team readers may recognize from the previous book), Jane rewards her seagull friends with treats and heads off to bed after a tough job successfully completed ("HOORAY!"). Even very young listeners can follow this exploration of Jane's job and workday. With its inspiring female main character, brush with danger, shout-worthy onomatopoeia, and peaceful bedtime conclusion, the story will likely resonate through many repeat readings. Julie Roach

(Copyright 2023 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

July 1, 2023
This follow-up to Firefighter Flo! (rev. 1/23) features more spirited rhymes and enjoyable noises to introduce Jane's important work as a crane operator. "Jane's in her cab, controls in hand. / The giant crane's in her command. / CLANG-CLANG! CLANG-CLANG! CLANG-CLANG!" After punching the clock ("KERCHUNK!"), Jane works the crane to move cargo to ships and then shares lunch with a seagull friend ("YEOW!"). The job becomes more stressful when the weather takes a turn and Jane needs to move big trucks off a ship. The bright contrasting colors darken as the wind intensifies, and while Jane moves a final fire truck, the bold shapes and lines of the digital illustrations lurch at alarming angles. The text declares the danger on a red background, but Jane remains focused and careful on her yellow background. In the end Jane needs help, and her seagull friends provide critical ballast where needed. When the fire truck is safely on the ground (with the firefighting team readers may recognize from the previous book), Jane rewards her seagull friends with treats and heads off to bed after a tough job successfully completed ("HOORAY!"). Even very young listeners can follow this exploration of Jane's job and workday. With its inspiring female main character, brush with danger, shout-worthy onomatopoeia, and peaceful bedtime conclusion, the story will likely resonate through many repeat readings.

(Copyright 2023 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)