School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 2--Ivan is an epic skater--in fact, his moves on the board are so jaw-droppingly awesome that even his parents call him Epic. Like the tricks he's mastered on his board, Epic anticipates mastering the transition to his new school and neighborhood. However, finding new friends that are interested in skateboarding is a bit more difficult than expected, so Epic tries a different approach for fitting in: He tries out the other sports the neighborhood kids play. This, Epic learns, is easier in theory than practice, as he discovers that sometimes fitting in is simply being true to himself. This debut picture book from Morrison features his signature characters with highly expressive movements that capture acutely the feeling of living and thriving in the big city. Epic, an Black boy with a crown of natural hair, soars through the neighborhood on his board in a manner that evokes freedom and pure joy. His skateboard tricks, juxtaposed against a backdrop of focused, multicultural kids engaged in activities they enjoy, send the message that there is room for everyone to pursue their passions. VERDICT A beautifully illustrated book about the exhilaration of being yourself. Recommended for all school and public library collections.--Tamela Chambers, Chicago P. L.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Making a strong solo debut, Morrison (R-E-S-P-E-C-T) introduces young Black expert skateboarder Ivan, "the kickflipping, big rail king" who's "been grinding the streets with moves so big, his friends call him EPIC." Facing "a new day in a new neighborhood" after moving with his family, he's "off to find a new crew," with little initial success. He tries to fit in with the local kids, attempting football, soccer, and basketball, until a final ride through the ethnically diverse neighborhood--"in and out of a sidewalk pickup game," past a dance studio, by a barber shop, and to the local bodega--sets Ivan on a route to friendship and community. Text foregrounds onomatopoeia ("KICK PUSH SWISH!"; "KICK PUSH ZWOOSH!"), while Morrison's engaging illustrations alternate between detailed domestic portraiture ("How about one more ride, king?" asks Ivan's expressive father) and street art--tinged landscapes in which dynamic skating poses convey acrobatic motion. Together, words and images elevate this simple story about the importance of being oneself, centering a kid finding his way in a lively neighborhood full of epic movement. Front matter includes an author's note. Ages 3--6. Agent: Lori Nowicki, Painted Words. (Jan.)
Horn Book Review
How can a budding skateboard pro navigate being in a new place and leaving his posse behind? Ivan, a brown-skinned, big-afro-wearing skateboarder, has "moves so big, his friends call him EPIC." But without an audience, what good are amazing moves? He tries playing football, soccer, and basketball to fit in, but these are not his jam; Epic fails miserably at each of them. His dad advises him to be as tenacious about finding new buddies as he is about acquiring new moves -- and eventually he does make friends. Morrison (CSK Illustrator Award winner for R-E-S-P-E-C-T, rev. 7/20) immerses readers in a vibrant urban neighborhood through a diverse group of inhabitants, busy street scenes, and expansive graffiti on some walls; he appeals to skateboarding fans by mentioning such "gnarly tricks" as the "backside flip kick push flaky" and the "50-50 grind." The illustrations' dynamic perspectives -- including a view from above the street on which Epic skates and another from underneath his board -- along with frequent swoosh lines, emphasize the character's perpetual motion. Elliott and Denmon's A Place Inside of Me (rev. 11/20), a Caldecott Honor book about another dedicated skateboarder, would make an excellent companion read. A lively story that encourages kids to use their strengths and talents to find community. Michelle H. Martin March/April 2022 p.(c) Copyright 2022. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
Ivan, a young Black boy with a big, beautiful Afro, is such a skilled street skater that his friends have nicknamed him Epic. When he and his family move to a new inner-city neighborhood, for the first time he finds himself without a clique to cheer him on or learn new skating stunts from. "You never landed a new trick on the first try," his dad reminds him. "Keep an open mind, and you'll meet new friends." In an attempt to fit in with the neighborhood kids, Epic tries his hand at various other sports without success. Seeing his discouragement, his parents suggest that he skate down to the bodega for a treat. On his way there, Epic performs a scintillating series of skateboarding maneuvers, unaware that several kids of various ages are observing him with great interest. Only when he arrives at the bodega does he realize that he's unwittingly found himself a new skating crew. Morrison's upbeat narrative slides along smoothly, mirroring the energy and panache of its protagonist, and at times slips comfortably into African American Vernacular English. Skateboarding terminology is scattered liberally throughout the text, but readers unfamiliar with the jargon will feel the lack of a glossary. Morrison's illustrations--rendered in oil with their trademark graffiti-inspired, urban mannerist style--use interesting perspectives, silhouetting, and continuous narration to create a free-wheeling sense of Epic's, well, epicness. Most characters are Black; a few illustrations include diverse representation. An important reminder that, in the quest for friendship, who you truly are is more than enough. (Picture book. 6-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
Young Ivan, also known as Epic for his superb skateboarding skills, moves to a new neighborhood where he is disappointed that no one notices his tricks. He tries to make friends by attempting football, soccer, and basketball, with painful results. His parents suggest a trip to the bodega (on his skateboard, of course), and his way-cool performance en route produces a crowd of onlookers who seem destined to become his new neighborhood crew. Morrison's energetic, brightly hued paintings are rendered in his signature urban mannerist style that also incorporates graffiti and abstract contemporary techniques. A few of the illustrations' noteworthy elements include the gray vapor trails that track the skateboard's trajectory; colorful, transformed fonts that spotlight specific skateboarding tricks and terms; and inner-city details, such as the Be Fly Barbershop. The use of skating slang (mongo-footed, 50-50 grind, backside fakie) adds authenticity to the story, and the message of being true to yourself and your passions will please young readers. An author's note details Morrison's own (disastrous) skating attempts and his children's amusement.
