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Ready... Set... Frog!
Katharine Mitropoulos
2023 Finalist
40 Pages
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Children - Animals
Reviewed by Savannah Aldridge for Readers' Favorite
Ready... Set... Frog! written by Katharine Mitropoulos and illustrated by Laura Watson is a modern-day fable about helping others while sticking up for yourself. When Frog learns about an upcoming obstacle race, he is eager to enter. However, it seems that every attempt he makes to practice is interrupted by a friend needing a favor. Mole wants an apple high up in a tree, Giraffe wants help adjusting her hat, and Kitten needs to be rescued from the other side of the pond. Once the race day arrives, Frog is disappointed that he has not been able to train the way he wanted. His mother helps him consider the ways that by helping his friends, Frog was still able to practice race skills such as leaping and climbing. However, she also teaches him that next time, he is allowed to say “no” to others to protect his time.
Katharine Mitropoulos and Laura Watson have created a colorful fable with a satisfying resolution! Ready... Set... Frog! features a menagerie of beautifully-illustrated and friendly characters, from the bespectacled frog family to a fashionable and finicky giraffe. This cast shows the importance of helping others while still taking care of yourself in a way that children will be able to comprehend. Frog is able to help his friends and see the cost it has on his goal, but he is also able to celebrate his important achievements and look forward to balancing time with others and himself in the future. This book is perfect for kids to enjoy during classroom story time or with a grown-up who wants to teach a little one in their life about balance.
Ready... Set... Frog! written by Katharine Mitropoulos and illustrated by Laura Watson is a modern-day fable about helping others while sticking up for yourself. When Frog learns about an upcoming obstacle race, he is eager to enter. However, it seems that every attempt he makes to practice is interrupted by a friend needing a favor. Mole wants an apple high up in a tree, Giraffe wants help adjusting her hat, and Kitten needs to be rescued from the other side of the pond. Once the race day arrives, Frog is disappointed that he has not been able to train the way he wanted. His mother helps him consider the ways that by helping his friends, Frog was still able to practice race skills such as leaping and climbing. However, she also teaches him that next time, he is allowed to say “no” to others to protect his time.
Katharine Mitropoulos and Laura Watson have created a colorful fable with a satisfying resolution! Ready... Set... Frog! features a menagerie of beautifully-illustrated and friendly characters, from the bespectacled frog family to a fashionable and finicky giraffe. This cast shows the importance of helping others while still taking care of yourself in a way that children will be able to comprehend. Frog is able to help his friends and see the cost it has on his goal, but he is also able to celebrate his important achievements and look forward to balancing time with others and himself in the future. This book is perfect for kids to enjoy during classroom story time or with a grown-up who wants to teach a little one in their life about balance.
Recommend this book:
Alastair McAllister Goes to School
Valerie Ramer
2023 Honorable Mention
31 Pages
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Children - Animals
Reviewed by Philip Van Heusen for Readers' Favorite
The first day of school is full of excitement and fear. There are new things to learn, new buildings to explore, a new schedule, and hopefully, new friends. Unfortunately, these exciting things can also cause fear. Fears include what if I can’t learn fast enough, what if I get lost, and what if I mess my schedule up? However, the biggest fear is what if the other kittens don’t like me? Alastair faced all these things and more in Alastair McAllister Goes to School by Valerie Ramer. To make matters worse, Alastair was not like all the other kittens. Alastair learned that different is good. What was different actually turned out to save the day. Read this exciting book and understand how being different can be what attracts others to you. Great book to help your children know that the differently-abled are important.
What if you are different than all the other little kittens? How do you fit in? For example, Alastair is a long-haired cat who starts school with many short-haired kittens. The other kittens look at Alastair and make fun of his differences. Reading this book with your children will give you the opportunity to help your children see the sameness in others instead of the differences. Differently-abled children are the same as other children, but their abilities differ. Teach your children that different is good. The tables turn when Alastair uses one of his differences to protect the other kittens. At the end of the day, Alastair is excited because he was accepted as he is. The illustrations in Alastair McAllister Goes to School are eye-catching. Children will love this book.
The first day of school is full of excitement and fear. There are new things to learn, new buildings to explore, a new schedule, and hopefully, new friends. Unfortunately, these exciting things can also cause fear. Fears include what if I can’t learn fast enough, what if I get lost, and what if I mess my schedule up? However, the biggest fear is what if the other kittens don’t like me? Alastair faced all these things and more in Alastair McAllister Goes to School by Valerie Ramer. To make matters worse, Alastair was not like all the other kittens. Alastair learned that different is good. What was different actually turned out to save the day. Read this exciting book and understand how being different can be what attracts others to you. Great book to help your children know that the differently-abled are important.
What if you are different than all the other little kittens? How do you fit in? For example, Alastair is a long-haired cat who starts school with many short-haired kittens. The other kittens look at Alastair and make fun of his differences. Reading this book with your children will give you the opportunity to help your children see the sameness in others instead of the differences. Differently-abled children are the same as other children, but their abilities differ. Teach your children that different is good. The tables turn when Alastair uses one of his differences to protect the other kittens. At the end of the day, Alastair is excited because he was accepted as he is. The illustrations in Alastair McAllister Goes to School are eye-catching. Children will love this book.
Recommend this book:
Pistachio the Owl
Kristi Shimada
2023 Bronze Medal
35 Pages
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Children - Animals
Reviewed by Kristine Zimmerman for Readers' Favorite
Pistachio the Owl by Kristi Shimada is a sweet story about an owl family. Pistachio is the oldest of the siblings, his sister is Macadamia, and the youngest is Cashew. They are burrowing owls, so instead of living in trees, their homes are in the ground. The three siblings are full of questions and enjoy playing games and exploring. However, because they are still so young, they can only get around by walking. So one day, they decide to venture down to the water even though they've been warned to stay away. What will happen to the young owls? Will they learn a lesson? There are additional facts about burrowing owls at the end and some coloring pages.
Owls are fascinating birds, and kids will enjoy learning more about burrowing owls as they read Pistachio the Owl. I love the owls being named after nuts; what a fun twist. Kristi Shimada's rhyming verses add a nice flow to the story. The illustrations by Eko Setiawan are saturated with color and bring the story to life, especially with those big expressive eyes. The three owlets are subtly different, with a flower for Macadamia and a wayward cowlick for Cashew. Kristi Shimada has smoothly included a moral lesson about honesty in this charming tale. It would be fun to pair Pistachio the Owl with Martin Waddell's Owl Babies, another story about three owlets, for an owl storytime. Owl lovers will enjoy hooting along too.
Pistachio the Owl by Kristi Shimada is a sweet story about an owl family. Pistachio is the oldest of the siblings, his sister is Macadamia, and the youngest is Cashew. They are burrowing owls, so instead of living in trees, their homes are in the ground. The three siblings are full of questions and enjoy playing games and exploring. However, because they are still so young, they can only get around by walking. So one day, they decide to venture down to the water even though they've been warned to stay away. What will happen to the young owls? Will they learn a lesson? There are additional facts about burrowing owls at the end and some coloring pages.
Owls are fascinating birds, and kids will enjoy learning more about burrowing owls as they read Pistachio the Owl. I love the owls being named after nuts; what a fun twist. Kristi Shimada's rhyming verses add a nice flow to the story. The illustrations by Eko Setiawan are saturated with color and bring the story to life, especially with those big expressive eyes. The three owlets are subtly different, with a flower for Macadamia and a wayward cowlick for Cashew. Kristi Shimada has smoothly included a moral lesson about honesty in this charming tale. It would be fun to pair Pistachio the Owl with Martin Waddell's Owl Babies, another story about three owlets, for an owl storytime. Owl lovers will enjoy hooting along too.
Recommend this book:
Baby Dragon's Big Sneeze
A Picture Book About Empathy and Trust for Children Age 3-7
Sheryl Bass
2023 Silver Medal
35 Pages
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Children - Animals
Reviewed by Courtnee Turner Hoyle for Readers' Favorite
Baby Dragon’s Big Sneeze is a children’s book by Sheryl Bass. The book follows a baby dragon as he flies over a town. He seems carefree until he catches a bad cold that makes him sneeze, causing him to breathe fire onto the town. Conscious of his actions, the baby dragon writes a note to the townspeople, promising them that he is a friend, and it was never his intention to cause destruction. Before he can deliver the note, though, a young girl from the village visits his cave, and he explains that he has a bad cold, and no one is around to care for him. The townspeople are called to action, preparing items that will help the baby dragon feel better.
Baby Dragon’s Big Sneeze focuses on themes of friendship and compassion. The baby dragon needed attention to get over his cold, and even though they are angry with him for burning down their buildings, the townspeople show kindness to the dragon. In return, the dragon befriends the townspeople and forms a connection with them. Sheryl Bass has written a powerful story that shows how first impressions can be misleading, and readers will delight in the colorful pages as they read the well-timed rhyming text. This book would be a good addition to the shelves of a child’s bookcase, as well as a great story for a school or public library, as the characters show understanding, and it would be a good conversation-starter for children about empathy.
Baby Dragon’s Big Sneeze is a children’s book by Sheryl Bass. The book follows a baby dragon as he flies over a town. He seems carefree until he catches a bad cold that makes him sneeze, causing him to breathe fire onto the town. Conscious of his actions, the baby dragon writes a note to the townspeople, promising them that he is a friend, and it was never his intention to cause destruction. Before he can deliver the note, though, a young girl from the village visits his cave, and he explains that he has a bad cold, and no one is around to care for him. The townspeople are called to action, preparing items that will help the baby dragon feel better.
Baby Dragon’s Big Sneeze focuses on themes of friendship and compassion. The baby dragon needed attention to get over his cold, and even though they are angry with him for burning down their buildings, the townspeople show kindness to the dragon. In return, the dragon befriends the townspeople and forms a connection with them. Sheryl Bass has written a powerful story that shows how first impressions can be misleading, and readers will delight in the colorful pages as they read the well-timed rhyming text. This book would be a good addition to the shelves of a child’s bookcase, as well as a great story for a school or public library, as the characters show understanding, and it would be a good conversation-starter for children about empathy.
Recommend this book:
The Fish Who Wanted to Dance With the Stars
Barbara Pinke
2023 Gold Medal
39 Pages
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Children - Animals
Reviewed by Michelle Stanley for Readers' Favorite
“You become what you believe.” - Oprah Winfrey. The Fish Who Wanted to Dance With the Stars is a children’s picture book by Barbara Pinke. Pesho the Fish was fascinated with the twinkling stars at nighttime. He told his friends that he wanted to dance with the stars, but everyone except Seaya laughed at him. She encouraged him to believe in himself. Pesho went home even more determined to make his dream a reality. That night, Pesho left home and swam as close as he could get to the surface. A shooting star flew fast across the sky and Pesho wondered if it didn’t want to dance with him. He went home feeling sad and his mother offered advice that helped Pesho overcome the fear and negativity because others had mocked him.
“Nothing is impossible if you make up your mind to do something.” The Fish Who Wanted to Dance With the Stars is a motivational picture book about a fish who had big dreams to become friends with the stars and dance with them. Pesho’s friends laughed at his aspirations, saying it would never happen. Barbara Pinke’s cute story encourages children never to give up, even if others laugh at them. Maybe the ones who laugh also wish they could be as brave as Pesho for wanting to step out of his comfort zone, to explore and try something different. I adored the very bright illustrations and the colors used. I highly recommend this book for children, Never give up!
“You become what you believe.” - Oprah Winfrey. The Fish Who Wanted to Dance With the Stars is a children’s picture book by Barbara Pinke. Pesho the Fish was fascinated with the twinkling stars at nighttime. He told his friends that he wanted to dance with the stars, but everyone except Seaya laughed at him. She encouraged him to believe in himself. Pesho went home even more determined to make his dream a reality. That night, Pesho left home and swam as close as he could get to the surface. A shooting star flew fast across the sky and Pesho wondered if it didn’t want to dance with him. He went home feeling sad and his mother offered advice that helped Pesho overcome the fear and negativity because others had mocked him.
“Nothing is impossible if you make up your mind to do something.” The Fish Who Wanted to Dance With the Stars is a motivational picture book about a fish who had big dreams to become friends with the stars and dance with them. Pesho’s friends laughed at his aspirations, saying it would never happen. Barbara Pinke’s cute story encourages children never to give up, even if others laugh at them. Maybe the ones who laugh also wish they could be as brave as Pesho for wanting to step out of his comfort zone, to explore and try something different. I adored the very bright illustrations and the colors used. I highly recommend this book for children, Never give up!
Recommend this book:
My Tiny Pet Elephant
Jessica Dailey
2023 Gold Medal
27 Pages
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Children - Animals
Reviewed by Ana-Maria Leasa for Readers' Favorite
My Tiny Pet Elephant by Jessica Dailey is a children’s book about a little girl and her tiny elephant friend. The tale is a beautiful combination of the author’s narrative and Gabby Correia’s illustrations. Each page shows the adorable adventures that the tiny elephant and the little girl enjoy together. From elephant kisses that tickle, to messy and funny breakfast adventures where a cereal bowl can be easily transformed into a swimming pool, helping your best friend choose the best clothes to wear, playing all sorts of fun games like hiding and seek, and building castles, the book is full of delightful exploits.
I can't get over how well the story and illustrations merge in My Tiny Pet Elephant by Jessica Dailey. Each page spoke to me, and although there is only a brief text to accompany the images, the message they convey is better than a thousand words. The colors used for the illustrations are vibrant and cheerful, making them stand out. The way Dailey uses a colorful, oversized font to highlight the word "elephant" gives the impression that she is teaching the children to remember it. I found it pleasing that the book doesn’t only focus on the story but also interacts with the reader through the fun facts about elephants and the activities to be found at the end of the book.
My Tiny Pet Elephant by Jessica Dailey is a children’s book about a little girl and her tiny elephant friend. The tale is a beautiful combination of the author’s narrative and Gabby Correia’s illustrations. Each page shows the adorable adventures that the tiny elephant and the little girl enjoy together. From elephant kisses that tickle, to messy and funny breakfast adventures where a cereal bowl can be easily transformed into a swimming pool, helping your best friend choose the best clothes to wear, playing all sorts of fun games like hiding and seek, and building castles, the book is full of delightful exploits.
I can't get over how well the story and illustrations merge in My Tiny Pet Elephant by Jessica Dailey. Each page spoke to me, and although there is only a brief text to accompany the images, the message they convey is better than a thousand words. The colors used for the illustrations are vibrant and cheerful, making them stand out. The way Dailey uses a colorful, oversized font to highlight the word "elephant" gives the impression that she is teaching the children to remember it. I found it pleasing that the book doesn’t only focus on the story but also interacts with the reader through the fun facts about elephants and the activities to be found at the end of the book.
Recommend this book:
Bee, Honey Bunny and Me
Yucky, Yummy Carrots
Lavelle Carlson
2022 Finalist
31 Pages
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Children - Animals
Reviewed by Tiffany Ferrell for Readers' Favorite
In Bee, Honey Bunny and Me: Yucky, Yummy Carrots by Lavelle Carlson, we are introduced to a little girl named Leni who hated carrots. No matter how hard her mother tried, she just didn’t want them at all. Leni was called ‘The Bunny Whisperer’ because even though she loved nature, her favorite animals were bunnies. To encourage the girl to eat her vegetables, we are told the story of a bunny rabbit that had a similar issue. Honey Bunny doesn’t want to eat her carrots either, despite Mommy Bunny telling her that they are good for her and will help her to grow strong. When Honey Bunny still refuses to eat her carrots, her mother begins to think of ways that she can get her baby to eat her food. While searching for tricks, she comes upon a group of bees making honey. They suggested that the mother take some of their honey and put it on the carrots. Surprisingly, this made them taste a lot better so Honey no longer thought they were yucky.
I thought Bee, Honey Bunny and Me: Yucky, Yummy Carrots by Lavelle Carlson was so cute and it deals with several issues. Many children are picky eaters so the parents reading this book more than likely know firsthand what the mother bunny was going through. It also creates awareness about bees and the many good things they do. With bees becoming endangered, it’s really important to educate yourself and your kids about that situation and others like it. The illustrations are also beautifully done and they fit perfectly with the storyline. I think Lavelle Carlson has done an amazing job and I can’t wait to read what she writes next!
In Bee, Honey Bunny and Me: Yucky, Yummy Carrots by Lavelle Carlson, we are introduced to a little girl named Leni who hated carrots. No matter how hard her mother tried, she just didn’t want them at all. Leni was called ‘The Bunny Whisperer’ because even though she loved nature, her favorite animals were bunnies. To encourage the girl to eat her vegetables, we are told the story of a bunny rabbit that had a similar issue. Honey Bunny doesn’t want to eat her carrots either, despite Mommy Bunny telling her that they are good for her and will help her to grow strong. When Honey Bunny still refuses to eat her carrots, her mother begins to think of ways that she can get her baby to eat her food. While searching for tricks, she comes upon a group of bees making honey. They suggested that the mother take some of their honey and put it on the carrots. Surprisingly, this made them taste a lot better so Honey no longer thought they were yucky.
I thought Bee, Honey Bunny and Me: Yucky, Yummy Carrots by Lavelle Carlson was so cute and it deals with several issues. Many children are picky eaters so the parents reading this book more than likely know firsthand what the mother bunny was going through. It also creates awareness about bees and the many good things they do. With bees becoming endangered, it’s really important to educate yourself and your kids about that situation and others like it. The illustrations are also beautifully done and they fit perfectly with the storyline. I think Lavelle Carlson has done an amazing job and I can’t wait to read what she writes next!
Recommend this book:
, by Amy Jensen, is a 38-page-long illustrated book for kids. It is more of a serious story about a dog named Chuckie, who must say goodbye to his sister, Neslee. This book is based on a true story and includes a list of tips at the end for those who have lost someone th...){kind=link}
Chuckie Says Goodbye
A Story About Pet Loss (Chuckie the Chocolate Lab Book 3)
Amy Jensen
2022 Honorable Mention
36 Pages
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Children - Animals
Reviewed by Bruce Arrington for Readers' Favorite
Chuckie Says Goodbye: A Story About Pet Loss (Chuckie the Chocolate Lab Book 3), by Amy Jensen, is a 38-page-long illustrated book for kids. It is more of a serious story about a dog named Chuckie, who must say goodbye to his sister, Neslee. This book is based on a true story and includes a list of tips at the end for those who have lost someone they loved.
Let’s face it: losing a beloved pet is like losing a relative, and it hurts. But I found this book to be a sensitive reflection (and from a dog’s point of view) of how much love went into a member of the family, much like the way we love our pets. No matter what mistakes are made along the way, or how much trouble they can cause, we still love them to pieces. And when their health declines we do everything in our power to help. The loss of a pet can be devastating for adults, and perhaps even more so for children who may find it difficult to process their emotions during this difficult time. But this book takes the reader gently by the hand and guides them through times like these. I found the nine tips for loss to be excellent advice as these aim to speed the healing process we all go through during times like those. The raw emotions we feel are pointed in a positive direction for comfort and healing. Chuckie Says Goodbye by Amy Jensen is an important addition to any home that has pets. Highly recommended.
Chuckie Says Goodbye: A Story About Pet Loss (Chuckie the Chocolate Lab Book 3), by Amy Jensen, is a 38-page-long illustrated book for kids. It is more of a serious story about a dog named Chuckie, who must say goodbye to his sister, Neslee. This book is based on a true story and includes a list of tips at the end for those who have lost someone they loved.
Let’s face it: losing a beloved pet is like losing a relative, and it hurts. But I found this book to be a sensitive reflection (and from a dog’s point of view) of how much love went into a member of the family, much like the way we love our pets. No matter what mistakes are made along the way, or how much trouble they can cause, we still love them to pieces. And when their health declines we do everything in our power to help. The loss of a pet can be devastating for adults, and perhaps even more so for children who may find it difficult to process their emotions during this difficult time. But this book takes the reader gently by the hand and guides them through times like these. I found the nine tips for loss to be excellent advice as these aim to speed the healing process we all go through during times like those. The raw emotions we feel are pointed in a positive direction for comfort and healing. Chuckie Says Goodbye by Amy Jensen is an important addition to any home that has pets. Highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Lala. A Different Kind of Lizard
Lala. Una lagartija diferente
Susana Illera Martínez
2022 Bronze Medal
44 Pages
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Children - Animals
Reviewed by Kristine Zimmerman for Readers' Favorite
Susana Illera Martínez's new book, Lala: A Different Kind of Lizard/ Una Lagartija Diferente is a story that celebrates individuality. Lala's family consists of her mom, dad, and two sisters. Lala goes to school and plays at the pond, but Lala has an unusual friend, a spider named Ari. Her sisters tease her and tell her she shouldn't be friends with her food. Unlike the rest of her family, Lala doesn't eat insects but is a vegetarian instead. She's kept this hidden from her parents until one evening when the truth comes out. Lala runs away from home with her friend Ari, afraid that her parents won't accept her. She and Ari meet a surprising creature that shares some wisdom with them. What will happen to Lala and Ari?
Susana Illera Martínez's bilingual English and Spanish book will be a crowd pleaser. Lala is an engaging character with a sweet and gentle heart. The illustrations by Natalia Jiménez Osorio are bright and colorful. Lala has a jaunty lily pad-like hat and her friend Ari, the spider, is depicted with two large eyes, one small eye, and colorful, striped legs. Kids will identify with Lala's worries about being different and being accepted. The wisdom shared at the end is very powerful both for adults and kids to hear. Lala: A Different Kind of Lizard/ Una Lagartija Diferente will make a perfect read-aloud during storytime or in the classroom. Hopefully, there are more stories in the works about Lala and her best friend, Ari!
Susana Illera Martínez's new book, Lala: A Different Kind of Lizard/ Una Lagartija Diferente is a story that celebrates individuality. Lala's family consists of her mom, dad, and two sisters. Lala goes to school and plays at the pond, but Lala has an unusual friend, a spider named Ari. Her sisters tease her and tell her she shouldn't be friends with her food. Unlike the rest of her family, Lala doesn't eat insects but is a vegetarian instead. She's kept this hidden from her parents until one evening when the truth comes out. Lala runs away from home with her friend Ari, afraid that her parents won't accept her. She and Ari meet a surprising creature that shares some wisdom with them. What will happen to Lala and Ari?
Susana Illera Martínez's bilingual English and Spanish book will be a crowd pleaser. Lala is an engaging character with a sweet and gentle heart. The illustrations by Natalia Jiménez Osorio are bright and colorful. Lala has a jaunty lily pad-like hat and her friend Ari, the spider, is depicted with two large eyes, one small eye, and colorful, striped legs. Kids will identify with Lala's worries about being different and being accepted. The wisdom shared at the end is very powerful both for adults and kids to hear. Lala: A Different Kind of Lizard/ Una Lagartija Diferente will make a perfect read-aloud during storytime or in the classroom. Hopefully, there are more stories in the works about Lala and her best friend, Ari!
Recommend this book:
Over the Rainbow
Rebecca Yee
2022 Bronze Medal
37 Pages
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Children - Animals
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
Have you ever heard of the rainbow bridge? It’s a special bridge that takes beloved pets to their forever home beyond this world. A little girl grows up with her best friend, a lovely black dog. They were both young together. They shared a special bond that only strengthened over the years. So, when Mommy suggested that it was time to let her best friend cross over the rainbow bridge to a place where she could run, jump, and play with other four-legged besties forever, the girl was sad. She struggled to understand and accept. Mommy said: “All good dogs are needed there...with wings to show new pals the way.” Mommy also said: “She’ll never leave you,” and “Forever in your heart she’ll stay...Her love will always see you through...even on those darkest days.” No one wants to say goodbye to their BFF, their fur-ever bestie, but Rebecca Yee reminds us in Over the Rainbow that it’s good to know they’ll be waiting for us when our turn comes to join them.
Rebecca Yee’s picture book, Over the Rainbow, is a sweet, compassionate look at the special bond that exists between pets and their fur-ever family. Told in rhyming verse and with beautiful, colorful illustrations, this story leads the reader through the growing-up years, through the ties that strengthen over time to the inevitable and sad realization that it’s time to let go. It’s also okay to be sad, and the little girl in the story is very sad. The heart-breaking occurrence we never want to happen is only a temporary change of bonding, for we’ll see these friends again and they are always in our hearts. Children who have lost a beloved pet and those who are still learning and growing in that special link will warm to this story and they’ll shed some tears, too, I’m sure. At the end of the story, the author introduces the reader to her special friend and how her crossing over the rainbow bridge saddened her. There’s also a list of suggested activities to help heal the pain of loss. The best suggestion, of course, is the one the author used; writing a story or a poem. Told with love and heartwarming care, this book will help heal the wounds left behind.
Have you ever heard of the rainbow bridge? It’s a special bridge that takes beloved pets to their forever home beyond this world. A little girl grows up with her best friend, a lovely black dog. They were both young together. They shared a special bond that only strengthened over the years. So, when Mommy suggested that it was time to let her best friend cross over the rainbow bridge to a place where she could run, jump, and play with other four-legged besties forever, the girl was sad. She struggled to understand and accept. Mommy said: “All good dogs are needed there...with wings to show new pals the way.” Mommy also said: “She’ll never leave you,” and “Forever in your heart she’ll stay...Her love will always see you through...even on those darkest days.” No one wants to say goodbye to their BFF, their fur-ever bestie, but Rebecca Yee reminds us in Over the Rainbow that it’s good to know they’ll be waiting for us when our turn comes to join them.
Rebecca Yee’s picture book, Over the Rainbow, is a sweet, compassionate look at the special bond that exists between pets and their fur-ever family. Told in rhyming verse and with beautiful, colorful illustrations, this story leads the reader through the growing-up years, through the ties that strengthen over time to the inevitable and sad realization that it’s time to let go. It’s also okay to be sad, and the little girl in the story is very sad. The heart-breaking occurrence we never want to happen is only a temporary change of bonding, for we’ll see these friends again and they are always in our hearts. Children who have lost a beloved pet and those who are still learning and growing in that special link will warm to this story and they’ll shed some tears, too, I’m sure. At the end of the story, the author introduces the reader to her special friend and how her crossing over the rainbow bridge saddened her. There’s also a list of suggested activities to help heal the pain of loss. The best suggestion, of course, is the one the author used; writing a story or a poem. Told with love and heartwarming care, this book will help heal the wounds left behind.
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