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Recommend this book:
Catalina Plays The What?
Antonia Aviles
2025 Bronze Medal
43 Pages
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Children - Educational
Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite
Catalina Plays The What? is a heartwarming children’s book written by Antonia Aviles, with illustrations by Jasmine T. Mills. It follows the story of Catalina, a young girl doing a show-and-tell presentation about her favorite instrument, the double bass. Catalina nervously starts her presentation but with the help of her grandfather, she gains confidence teaching her classmates why the instrument is special. She passionately explains the double bass's various names, its unique characteristics, and its role in music. She talks about its use in classical, Jazz, and blues music, engaging her classmates and sparking their curiosity. Catalina narrates how her grandfather taught her to play the instrument and their shared love for music. Finally, she plays the double bass for her class, sharing a piece she has been practicing for a long time.
Catalina Plays The What? is a beautiful story that teaches young readers about the double bass. It has confidence, family bonds, the joy of sharing knowledge, and the importance of music. Catalina’s presentation is realistic and relatable, and it will inspire children to explore their interests, especially in playing musical instruments, and encourage them to be creative. Antonia Aviles’ narration is engaging, with heartwarming messages about overcoming fears, the power of music to connect people across generations, and the joy of learning something new. Jasmine T. Mills' colorful illustrations are vibrant and appealing. The inclusion of diverse characters from different ethnicities enriches the narrative, highlighting the universal nature of music and the shared experiences that can transcend cultural boundaries. I would love to read more books featuring Catalina's classmates talking about their favorite musical instruments. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a delightful children's story that educates young readers about the beauty of music.
Catalina Plays The What? is a heartwarming children’s book written by Antonia Aviles, with illustrations by Jasmine T. Mills. It follows the story of Catalina, a young girl doing a show-and-tell presentation about her favorite instrument, the double bass. Catalina nervously starts her presentation but with the help of her grandfather, she gains confidence teaching her classmates why the instrument is special. She passionately explains the double bass's various names, its unique characteristics, and its role in music. She talks about its use in classical, Jazz, and blues music, engaging her classmates and sparking their curiosity. Catalina narrates how her grandfather taught her to play the instrument and their shared love for music. Finally, she plays the double bass for her class, sharing a piece she has been practicing for a long time.
Catalina Plays The What? is a beautiful story that teaches young readers about the double bass. It has confidence, family bonds, the joy of sharing knowledge, and the importance of music. Catalina’s presentation is realistic and relatable, and it will inspire children to explore their interests, especially in playing musical instruments, and encourage them to be creative. Antonia Aviles’ narration is engaging, with heartwarming messages about overcoming fears, the power of music to connect people across generations, and the joy of learning something new. Jasmine T. Mills' colorful illustrations are vibrant and appealing. The inclusion of diverse characters from different ethnicities enriches the narrative, highlighting the universal nature of music and the shared experiences that can transcend cultural boundaries. I would love to read more books featuring Catalina's classmates talking about their favorite musical instruments. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a delightful children's story that educates young readers about the beauty of music.
Recommend this book:
The Survival Squad
Friends, Fear, and a Jungle Journey
Marcy Pusey
2025 Silver Medal
34 Pages
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Children - Educational
Reviewed by Shari Marshall for Readers' Favorite
What is better than animals going to a party and learning along the way? With adorable full-page illustrations by Farrukh A. Ahmed, Marcy Pusey’s picture book, The Survival Squad: Friends, Fear, and a Jungle Journey, is a sweet story about friendship and the power of teamwork. Three friends, Owl, Tiger, and Meerkat, help each other travel through the jungle. Aptly named the Survival Squad, they work together to navigate several potentially dangerous situations—raging rivers, snakes, and more—to celebrate a happy ending together.
The Survival Squad is an entertaining read. It highlights the themes of collaboration, friendship, courage, and problem-solving. However, author Marcy Pusey uses the characters of Owl, Tiger, and Meerkat to represent the body/brain and its physiological reactions to threats. This story is an age-appropriate tool for opening conversations with younger children about these natural survival mechanisms. The author introduces an interactive component before the story to ask readers to identify Tiger’s examples of flight, fight, freeze, and fawn. The facts page after the narrative explains each character as a representation of parts of the brain and their role in fear responses. The friends do not encounter only danger; there are moments of smiling and silliness along the way, like when the group meets a prankster mouse. The narrative and illustrations together create a cohesive and light-hearted feel. The Survival Squad: Friends, Fear, and a Jungle Journey is a recommended read and learning tool for children, parents, educators, and therapists.
What is better than animals going to a party and learning along the way? With adorable full-page illustrations by Farrukh A. Ahmed, Marcy Pusey’s picture book, The Survival Squad: Friends, Fear, and a Jungle Journey, is a sweet story about friendship and the power of teamwork. Three friends, Owl, Tiger, and Meerkat, help each other travel through the jungle. Aptly named the Survival Squad, they work together to navigate several potentially dangerous situations—raging rivers, snakes, and more—to celebrate a happy ending together.
The Survival Squad is an entertaining read. It highlights the themes of collaboration, friendship, courage, and problem-solving. However, author Marcy Pusey uses the characters of Owl, Tiger, and Meerkat to represent the body/brain and its physiological reactions to threats. This story is an age-appropriate tool for opening conversations with younger children about these natural survival mechanisms. The author introduces an interactive component before the story to ask readers to identify Tiger’s examples of flight, fight, freeze, and fawn. The facts page after the narrative explains each character as a representation of parts of the brain and their role in fear responses. The friends do not encounter only danger; there are moments of smiling and silliness along the way, like when the group meets a prankster mouse. The narrative and illustrations together create a cohesive and light-hearted feel. The Survival Squad: Friends, Fear, and a Jungle Journey is a recommended read and learning tool for children, parents, educators, and therapists.
Recommend this book:
The Not-So-Lazy Schwa
Phonics Read-Alouds Series
Yvette Manns
2025 Silver Medal
31 Pages
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Children - Educational
Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite
The Not-So-Lazy Schwa by Yvette Manns, with vibrant illustrations by Ana K. Blu, is a delightful and educational phonics read-aloud that brings the often-overlooked “schwa” sound to life. Schwa, the main character, starts as a laid-back figure who doesn’t feel like he fits in with the other letters. When he tries to join the consonants, his extra “uh” sound disrupts their standard pronunciation, leaving Schwa feeling out of place. But when he ventures to Vowel Valley, he discovers how his relaxed sound can actually help words flow more smoothly. This charming story cleverly introduces the schwa sound, the most common vowel sound in spoken English, in a way that is engaging and easy for young readers to grasp. Through Schwa’s adventures, readers learn how this “lazy” sound, often overlooked, plays an essential role in helping words sound natural and comfortable to say. The colorful illustrations bring Schwa’s journey to life, while the phonics-based storytelling helps children connect the dots between letters, sounds, and the words they use daily.
As an educator, I found The Not-So-Lazy Schwa by Yvette Manns to be a brilliant fusion of phonics education and entertaining storytelling. The playful narrative and engaging illustrations make it a standout tool for teaching phonics concepts like vowel sounds, syllable stress, and the unique role of the schwa. I especially appreciated how the story highlights Schwa’s journey from feeling like an outsider to recognizing his vital contribution to language. This message resonates with children learning to embrace their strengths. The tips and fun activities included at the end of the book are wonderful resources for parents, teachers, and caregivers looking to extend the learning. I also loved the idea of National Schwa Day, which encourages children to celebrate the joy of reading and phonics with fun, stress-free activities like pajama days and word hunts. This book will leave both children and adults appreciating the magic of the humble “uh” sound.
The Not-So-Lazy Schwa by Yvette Manns, with vibrant illustrations by Ana K. Blu, is a delightful and educational phonics read-aloud that brings the often-overlooked “schwa” sound to life. Schwa, the main character, starts as a laid-back figure who doesn’t feel like he fits in with the other letters. When he tries to join the consonants, his extra “uh” sound disrupts their standard pronunciation, leaving Schwa feeling out of place. But when he ventures to Vowel Valley, he discovers how his relaxed sound can actually help words flow more smoothly. This charming story cleverly introduces the schwa sound, the most common vowel sound in spoken English, in a way that is engaging and easy for young readers to grasp. Through Schwa’s adventures, readers learn how this “lazy” sound, often overlooked, plays an essential role in helping words sound natural and comfortable to say. The colorful illustrations bring Schwa’s journey to life, while the phonics-based storytelling helps children connect the dots between letters, sounds, and the words they use daily.
As an educator, I found The Not-So-Lazy Schwa by Yvette Manns to be a brilliant fusion of phonics education and entertaining storytelling. The playful narrative and engaging illustrations make it a standout tool for teaching phonics concepts like vowel sounds, syllable stress, and the unique role of the schwa. I especially appreciated how the story highlights Schwa’s journey from feeling like an outsider to recognizing his vital contribution to language. This message resonates with children learning to embrace their strengths. The tips and fun activities included at the end of the book are wonderful resources for parents, teachers, and caregivers looking to extend the learning. I also loved the idea of National Schwa Day, which encourages children to celebrate the joy of reading and phonics with fun, stress-free activities like pajama days and word hunts. This book will leave both children and adults appreciating the magic of the humble “uh” sound.
Recommend this book:
, Hiccup and his friends must learn the rules of pool safety before they can...){kind=link}
Hiccup's Safe Splash Spectacular
Safe Waters, Happy Hoppers: A Toddler's Guide to Pool Play
Dave W Ball
2025 Gold Medal
27 Pages
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Children - Educational
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
“With grown-ups close, we laugh and play,/ Keeping us safe in every way.” Sometimes all we want to do is play and have fun. But there are times when we must place safety first. In Dave W Ball’s Hiccup’s Safe Splash Spectacular (I love the alliteration in this title), Hiccup and his friends must learn the rules of pool safety before they can dive in and have some fun. First and foremost, there must always be an adult present. And, then there are the basics, like no running around the pool, no diving in the shallow end, and being observant of the others in the pool to make sure everyone is safe and having fun.
Dave W Ball’s picture book, Hiccup’s Safe Splash Spectacular: Safe Waters, Happy Hoppers: A Toddler’s Guide to Pool Play, is a great pool safety adventure for young readers. Told in rhyming verse and accompanied by bright, bold, and colorful illustrations, this story takes young readers on a tour of a backyard pool, listing all the safety rules that must be followed. The rhymes are entertaining and easy to remember, making the safety lessons fun to learn. Key to the rules is the importance of adult supervision at all times, both around the pool and during other activities as well. This is a great resource for kids to splash, play, and learn about water safety. At the end of the book is an interactive coloring exercise where young readers can color their part of the story. Entertaining and educational.
“With grown-ups close, we laugh and play,/ Keeping us safe in every way.” Sometimes all we want to do is play and have fun. But there are times when we must place safety first. In Dave W Ball’s Hiccup’s Safe Splash Spectacular (I love the alliteration in this title), Hiccup and his friends must learn the rules of pool safety before they can dive in and have some fun. First and foremost, there must always be an adult present. And, then there are the basics, like no running around the pool, no diving in the shallow end, and being observant of the others in the pool to make sure everyone is safe and having fun.
Dave W Ball’s picture book, Hiccup’s Safe Splash Spectacular: Safe Waters, Happy Hoppers: A Toddler’s Guide to Pool Play, is a great pool safety adventure for young readers. Told in rhyming verse and accompanied by bright, bold, and colorful illustrations, this story takes young readers on a tour of a backyard pool, listing all the safety rules that must be followed. The rhymes are entertaining and easy to remember, making the safety lessons fun to learn. Key to the rules is the importance of adult supervision at all times, both around the pool and during other activities as well. This is a great resource for kids to splash, play, and learn about water safety. At the end of the book is an interactive coloring exercise where young readers can color their part of the story. Entertaining and educational.
Recommend this book:
What Did You Do At School Today?
C.C. Lacavera
2025 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Children - Educational
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
What Did You Do At School Today? by C.C. Lacavera is a delightful and engaging children's book that invites young readers to explore their daily school experiences in a fun and imaginative way. Through playful rhymes and colorful scenarios, the book encourages children to reflect on their day, whether they learned, played, created art, or made new friends. Each page prompts kids to think about their sensory experiences, like what they saw, touched, and heard, making it an interactive read. The questions about familiar activities, such as drawing, counting, or playing games, feel like a warm conversation between parent and child.
What Did You Do At School Today? is an excellent way to help children articulate their experiences while sparking creativity. The whimsical nature of the book stands out, with kids imagining flying to the moon, climbing rainbows, or meeting pirates. These fantasy elements blend seamlessly with the real-life school environment, showing how learning and imagination can go hand-in-hand. The text’s repetition helps build a sense of rhythm, making it an ideal read-aloud book for young readers. C.C. Lacavera’s book is a charming tool for parents to connect with their children about school and open discussions playfully and invitingly. The colorful illustrations complement the text ideally. They encourage curiosity and foster positive attitudes toward school and learning, instilling a sense of confidence in parents about their children's educational journey. It’s a must-read for parents looking to make after-school conversations more engaging and fun. It's an excellent book to add to a home or classroom library.
What Did You Do At School Today? by C.C. Lacavera is a delightful and engaging children's book that invites young readers to explore their daily school experiences in a fun and imaginative way. Through playful rhymes and colorful scenarios, the book encourages children to reflect on their day, whether they learned, played, created art, or made new friends. Each page prompts kids to think about their sensory experiences, like what they saw, touched, and heard, making it an interactive read. The questions about familiar activities, such as drawing, counting, or playing games, feel like a warm conversation between parent and child.
What Did You Do At School Today? is an excellent way to help children articulate their experiences while sparking creativity. The whimsical nature of the book stands out, with kids imagining flying to the moon, climbing rainbows, or meeting pirates. These fantasy elements blend seamlessly with the real-life school environment, showing how learning and imagination can go hand-in-hand. The text’s repetition helps build a sense of rhythm, making it an ideal read-aloud book for young readers. C.C. Lacavera’s book is a charming tool for parents to connect with their children about school and open discussions playfully and invitingly. The colorful illustrations complement the text ideally. They encourage curiosity and foster positive attitudes toward school and learning, instilling a sense of confidence in parents about their children's educational journey. It’s a must-read for parents looking to make after-school conversations more engaging and fun. It's an excellent book to add to a home or classroom library.
Recommend this book:
Nuestra Hermosa Familia
Our Beautiful Family
Ayoku Joseph
2024 Finalist
26 Pages
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Children - Educational
Reviewed by Kristine Zimmerman for Readers' Favorite
Nuestra Hermosa Familia/ Our Beautiful Family by Ayoku Joseph is an inviting introduction to those learning English or Spanish. Each page includes several simple sentences in both English and Spanish, so you will find the corresponding phrase adjacent to it no matter which language you are trying to learn. It starts with Mary/Maria and John/Juan who are twins. They introduce the members of their immediate family, including their pets, a dog/perro, and a cat/gata. Then they move on to their extended family, including aunts/tias, uncles/tios, cousins/primos, and grandparents/abuelos. The final spread includes a family tree with pictures. It also encourages the reader to identify "Who is in your family? / Quienes son tu familia?"
Learning another language is a beneficial skill no matter what your age. As an adult, I'm working on learning Spanish, so I was delighted to find that I could read Nuestra Hermosa Familia/Our Beautiful Family in both languages. Young children will quickly pick up the vocabulary, especially the words that are repeated, like sister/hermana. The text highlights corresponding words in each language so you know which words go together. The illustrations by Medie Big are filled with scenes of everyday family life. They show a multicultural, loving family enjoying fun activities together. Ayoku Joseph has written a simple yet amusing story that will engage young language learners. As our world becomes more diverse, a basic knowledge of other languages will serve us well. Nuestra Hermosa Familia/ Our Beautiful Family is an entertaining introduction to some common vocabulary in both English and Spanish.
Nuestra Hermosa Familia/ Our Beautiful Family by Ayoku Joseph is an inviting introduction to those learning English or Spanish. Each page includes several simple sentences in both English and Spanish, so you will find the corresponding phrase adjacent to it no matter which language you are trying to learn. It starts with Mary/Maria and John/Juan who are twins. They introduce the members of their immediate family, including their pets, a dog/perro, and a cat/gata. Then they move on to their extended family, including aunts/tias, uncles/tios, cousins/primos, and grandparents/abuelos. The final spread includes a family tree with pictures. It also encourages the reader to identify "Who is in your family? / Quienes son tu familia?"
Learning another language is a beneficial skill no matter what your age. As an adult, I'm working on learning Spanish, so I was delighted to find that I could read Nuestra Hermosa Familia/Our Beautiful Family in both languages. Young children will quickly pick up the vocabulary, especially the words that are repeated, like sister/hermana. The text highlights corresponding words in each language so you know which words go together. The illustrations by Medie Big are filled with scenes of everyday family life. They show a multicultural, loving family enjoying fun activities together. Ayoku Joseph has written a simple yet amusing story that will engage young language learners. As our world becomes more diverse, a basic knowledge of other languages will serve us well. Nuestra Hermosa Familia/ Our Beautiful Family is an entertaining introduction to some common vocabulary in both English and Spanish.
Recommend this book:
 by Heather Marie is an adorable picture book for young children. Sisters Pickle Juice and Patty Cakes head out on an adventure to find some yummy ice cream. Along the way, they are faced with several obstacles that test their sisterhood. From dodging c...){kind=link}
Pickle Juice and Patty Cakes Ice Cream Adventure
The Adventures of Pickle Juice and Patty Cakes
Heather Marie
2024 Honorable Mention
30 Pages
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Children - Educational
Reviewed by Amy Louise Hill for Readers' Favorite
Pickle Juice and Patty Cakes Ice Cream Adventure (The Adventures of Pickle Juice and Patty Cakes) by Heather Marie is an adorable picture book for young children. Sisters Pickle Juice and Patty Cakes head out on an adventure to find some yummy ice cream. Along the way, they are faced with several obstacles that test their sisterhood. From dodging cats to avoiding falling into holes in the ground, will the sisters be able to finally enjoy their long-awaited ice cream? Find out in this fun book.
Pickle Juice and Patty Cakes Ice Cream Adventure was a pleasure to read. From the moment I began reading, I knew I was going to enjoy the storyline, because who doesn't like books about cute doggies? The author has chosen to tell Pickle Juice and Patty Cakes's story through the use of rhyme, which works perfectly throughout. If the storyline isn't enough to draw you in, the professional and colorful illustrations by the talented Hanif Roihan certainly will. Heather Marie has also chosen to add an educational aspect to her book, teaching children the important lessons of being kind, generous, and never giving up on your dreams. I'm sure there are many more to pick up on throughout the book, but I'll not spoil this for young readers. So if you are looking for your child's next bedtime story, then look no further; this incredible book will entertain any youngster's mind. Keep up the great work, Heather. I hope to read more from you soon.
Pickle Juice and Patty Cakes Ice Cream Adventure (The Adventures of Pickle Juice and Patty Cakes) by Heather Marie is an adorable picture book for young children. Sisters Pickle Juice and Patty Cakes head out on an adventure to find some yummy ice cream. Along the way, they are faced with several obstacles that test their sisterhood. From dodging cats to avoiding falling into holes in the ground, will the sisters be able to finally enjoy their long-awaited ice cream? Find out in this fun book.
Pickle Juice and Patty Cakes Ice Cream Adventure was a pleasure to read. From the moment I began reading, I knew I was going to enjoy the storyline, because who doesn't like books about cute doggies? The author has chosen to tell Pickle Juice and Patty Cakes's story through the use of rhyme, which works perfectly throughout. If the storyline isn't enough to draw you in, the professional and colorful illustrations by the talented Hanif Roihan certainly will. Heather Marie has also chosen to add an educational aspect to her book, teaching children the important lessons of being kind, generous, and never giving up on your dreams. I'm sure there are many more to pick up on throughout the book, but I'll not spoil this for young readers. So if you are looking for your child's next bedtime story, then look no further; this incredible book will entertain any youngster's mind. Keep up the great work, Heather. I hope to read more from you soon.
Recommend this book:
, mucus from the nose, ear wax, and the worst of all—sweat! But these things should not be ewwy because we cannot survive without them. What would happen if there was no mucus in the nose to stop dirt and germs from getting in, or if there was no saliva in the mouth...){kind=link}
It's Not EWWWW...It's YOU!
Sharon Leya, Janne Maru
2024 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Children - Educational
Reviewed by Ann Linus for Readers' Favorite
Sometimes our body does things that are just disgusting, like producing gas (fart), mucus from the nose, ear wax, and the worst of all—sweat! But these things should not be ewwy because we cannot survive without them. What would happen if there was no mucus in the nose to stop dirt and germs from getting in, or if there was no saliva in the mouth to help break down food and aid swallowing? It’s Not Ewwww…It’s YOU is a brilliant book that means just what it says. The ewwy things your body does keep you going. Read this book by Sharon Leya to learn about more ewwy things and their role in your body.
It’s Not Ewwww…It’s YOU unfolds as a quick, honest lecture from Professor Ewe (not Ew) to her mammalian friends. The lecture starts in a classroom, but the scene changes to demonstrate the different ewwy things Professor Ewe speaks about. The animated drawings by Janne Maru made the story even more lively and colorful. This book’s narrative is just as colorful as its fonts, and its subject matter is unique. I liked everything about this little book by Sharon Leya, but I was most impressed with the lesson it taught. I learned about biology and body appreciation. I also learned that everything is relative. The lessons in this story are important to both adults and children, and the concepts are explained in very simple terms that shouldn’t be a challenge for young readers. I recommend this book.
Sometimes our body does things that are just disgusting, like producing gas (fart), mucus from the nose, ear wax, and the worst of all—sweat! But these things should not be ewwy because we cannot survive without them. What would happen if there was no mucus in the nose to stop dirt and germs from getting in, or if there was no saliva in the mouth to help break down food and aid swallowing? It’s Not Ewwww…It’s YOU is a brilliant book that means just what it says. The ewwy things your body does keep you going. Read this book by Sharon Leya to learn about more ewwy things and their role in your body.
It’s Not Ewwww…It’s YOU unfolds as a quick, honest lecture from Professor Ewe (not Ew) to her mammalian friends. The lecture starts in a classroom, but the scene changes to demonstrate the different ewwy things Professor Ewe speaks about. The animated drawings by Janne Maru made the story even more lively and colorful. This book’s narrative is just as colorful as its fonts, and its subject matter is unique. I liked everything about this little book by Sharon Leya, but I was most impressed with the lesson it taught. I learned about biology and body appreciation. I also learned that everything is relative. The lessons in this story are important to both adults and children, and the concepts are explained in very simple terms that shouldn’t be a challenge for young readers. I recommend this book.
Recommend this book:
Carla the Conqueror
Anna Maria DiDio
2024 Bronze Medal
37 Pages
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Children - Educational
Reviewed by David Korson for Readers' Favorite
Fear of public speaking is a common phobia, and this is especially true for individuals who aren’t fluent in the local language. In Carla the Conqueror by Anna Maria DiDio, we meet a young immigrant from Colombia who only learned to read and write in English a year ago. She is understandably nervous when she is given an assignment to read a story in front of her classmates. During practice sessions, Carla makes mistakes that add to her concerns. As her assignment date approaches, Carla’s anxiety leads to negative physical manifestations and situational avoidance. But Carla does not give up; her determination is greater than her apprehension. She practices with a helpful teacher to overcome her fears and fulfill her assignment by reading aloud to the entire class.
Anna Maria DiDio tactfully considers an emotion that all of us have experienced at one time or another; anxiety. Through Carla’s story, young readers are comforted by the knowledge that their fears are normal, and they are gently urged to courageously face distressing situations that might limit them. The colorful illustrations breathe life into each page, beautifully depicting the emotions of the characters and providing realistic details for each setting. I appreciate that the story not only benefits children who are nervous to read aloud but also helps us all develop empathy and compassion for individuals who struggle with a new language or similar anxieties. A relatable and empowering story of overcoming the fear of reading aloud to others, Carla the Conqueror delivers a powerful message of bravery and perseverance.
Fear of public speaking is a common phobia, and this is especially true for individuals who aren’t fluent in the local language. In Carla the Conqueror by Anna Maria DiDio, we meet a young immigrant from Colombia who only learned to read and write in English a year ago. She is understandably nervous when she is given an assignment to read a story in front of her classmates. During practice sessions, Carla makes mistakes that add to her concerns. As her assignment date approaches, Carla’s anxiety leads to negative physical manifestations and situational avoidance. But Carla does not give up; her determination is greater than her apprehension. She practices with a helpful teacher to overcome her fears and fulfill her assignment by reading aloud to the entire class.
Anna Maria DiDio tactfully considers an emotion that all of us have experienced at one time or another; anxiety. Through Carla’s story, young readers are comforted by the knowledge that their fears are normal, and they are gently urged to courageously face distressing situations that might limit them. The colorful illustrations breathe life into each page, beautifully depicting the emotions of the characters and providing realistic details for each setting. I appreciate that the story not only benefits children who are nervous to read aloud but also helps us all develop empathy and compassion for individuals who struggle with a new language or similar anxieties. A relatable and empowering story of overcoming the fear of reading aloud to others, Carla the Conqueror delivers a powerful message of bravery and perseverance.
Recommend this book:
Porter and Midge: Paws for Safety
A Kid's Guide to Safe Dog Interactions
Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada
2024 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Children - Educational
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
Porter and Midge: Paws for Safety by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada is A Kid's Guide to Safe Dog Interactions. Meet Lora and CJ and their lovable pets, Porter and Midge. Porter is a Mastiff, and Midge is a Greater Swiss Mountain dog, and they and their owners want to teach you how to approach and interact with dogs of all breeds and sizes. This is an illustrated rhyming story that shows children how to be calm, ask permission from owners before touching their pets, and how to “tell” a dog they are safe with you. If your kids love dogs and they want to learn how to become responsible owners, this is the book for you.
Porter and Midge: Paws for Safety by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada is a fantastic book to teach kids how to interact safely with dogs. Too often, we see children running up to strange dogs and stroking or grabbing hold of them without a thought for the animal or their own safety. Written in rhyme, this story has some lovely illustrations to teach kids the right way to approach and pet a dog, not just a strange one but their own family pets, too. This isn’t just for kids, though. Too many parents allow their kids to approach strange dogs and then berate the owner when the dog snaps, without a thought for the fact that their kid’s actions may have scared the animal. I wish there were more books like this; they are such valuable reading material and really should be introduced to kids at school as well as at home.
Porter and Midge: Paws for Safety by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada is A Kid's Guide to Safe Dog Interactions. Meet Lora and CJ and their lovable pets, Porter and Midge. Porter is a Mastiff, and Midge is a Greater Swiss Mountain dog, and they and their owners want to teach you how to approach and interact with dogs of all breeds and sizes. This is an illustrated rhyming story that shows children how to be calm, ask permission from owners before touching their pets, and how to “tell” a dog they are safe with you. If your kids love dogs and they want to learn how to become responsible owners, this is the book for you.
Porter and Midge: Paws for Safety by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada is a fantastic book to teach kids how to interact safely with dogs. Too often, we see children running up to strange dogs and stroking or grabbing hold of them without a thought for the animal or their own safety. Written in rhyme, this story has some lovely illustrations to teach kids the right way to approach and pet a dog, not just a strange one but their own family pets, too. This isn’t just for kids, though. Too many parents allow their kids to approach strange dogs and then berate the owner when the dog snaps, without a thought for the fact that their kid’s actions may have scared the animal. I wish there were more books like this; they are such valuable reading material and really should be introduced to kids at school as well as at home.
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