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Recommend this book:
The Snow Monster
Jodi Dee
2024 Finalist
36 Pages
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Children - General
Reviewed by Amy Louise Hill for Readers' Favorite
The Snow Monster by Jodi Dee is a picture book for young children that tells an unusual story of a young girl named Amia who made a wish on her birthday. Amia loved snow and her wish was to be able to eat all the snow in the world. Amia couldn't believe that her wish had been granted and headed outside to use her new superpower. But unfortunately for Amia, her neighbors reacted badly to her eating all the snow as there wasn't any left for the other children to play in. Amia was banned from going outside in the winter and had to spend her birthdays indoors, watching the other children playing happily outdoors. One day, the town went into emergency mode, and Amia's power was needed to save her neighbors. What do you think happened to the neighborhood? Find out in this charming book.
The Snow Monster by Jodi Dee was a pleasure to read. It is unlike any other story that I've encountered, and that's what kept me interested. I was more intrigued with each page I read. I loved every word and I know children will too. The writing is simple yet descriptive, which allows you to easily imagine the scenes in your head. The illustrations by Chandrani Das are adorable and gave me a Christmassy feel. This book will make the perfect bedtime story or boredom breaker. Children are going to love it and I hope I get the chance to read more from this incredible author soon. Keep up the great work, Jodi, and stay creative.
The Snow Monster by Jodi Dee is a picture book for young children that tells an unusual story of a young girl named Amia who made a wish on her birthday. Amia loved snow and her wish was to be able to eat all the snow in the world. Amia couldn't believe that her wish had been granted and headed outside to use her new superpower. But unfortunately for Amia, her neighbors reacted badly to her eating all the snow as there wasn't any left for the other children to play in. Amia was banned from going outside in the winter and had to spend her birthdays indoors, watching the other children playing happily outdoors. One day, the town went into emergency mode, and Amia's power was needed to save her neighbors. What do you think happened to the neighborhood? Find out in this charming book.
The Snow Monster by Jodi Dee was a pleasure to read. It is unlike any other story that I've encountered, and that's what kept me interested. I was more intrigued with each page I read. I loved every word and I know children will too. The writing is simple yet descriptive, which allows you to easily imagine the scenes in your head. The illustrations by Chandrani Das are adorable and gave me a Christmassy feel. This book will make the perfect bedtime story or boredom breaker. Children are going to love it and I hope I get the chance to read more from this incredible author soon. Keep up the great work, Jodi, and stay creative.
Recommend this book:
Guinea Pig Power
Ben St. James
2024 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Children - General
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Immerse yourself in a tale of superheroes unlike any other with Ben St. James' Guinea Pig Power. The story follows two cute little guinea pigs, Fuxwald and Rex. These two live blissful lives in their cozy little cage and seem just like other sweet guinea pigs. However, Fuxwald and Rex share a secret. After their mom tucks them in safe and sound each night, the two friends leave their cage, don capes, and venture into the night to do their duty as superheroes. You see, they have superpowers that they acquired after snacking on a special lab-made treat. Now they use those powers to fight crime, rescue kittens from trees, and stop angry squirrels from brawling. Afterward, they return home for a well-earned sleep.
Guinea Pig Power is a fun-filled adventure that gently reminds us how everyone has their own hidden abilities they can use to make the world a better place to live. Hilarious and endearing in equal measure, this picture book was an absolute joy to read. Ben St. James has created two extraordinary superheroes you can't help but love. Fuxwald and Rex are an adorable pair. These characters are not only funny but also very likable and entertaining. James' hand-drawn illustrations bring out their lively personalities and make the story even more immersive. Children are going to love this book, especially the two unlikely superheroes and their extraordinary adventures. Who doesn't like guinea pigs, right? So pick up this book and prepare yourself for an adventurous ride full of humor, heart, and lots of fun.
Immerse yourself in a tale of superheroes unlike any other with Ben St. James' Guinea Pig Power. The story follows two cute little guinea pigs, Fuxwald and Rex. These two live blissful lives in their cozy little cage and seem just like other sweet guinea pigs. However, Fuxwald and Rex share a secret. After their mom tucks them in safe and sound each night, the two friends leave their cage, don capes, and venture into the night to do their duty as superheroes. You see, they have superpowers that they acquired after snacking on a special lab-made treat. Now they use those powers to fight crime, rescue kittens from trees, and stop angry squirrels from brawling. Afterward, they return home for a well-earned sleep.
Guinea Pig Power is a fun-filled adventure that gently reminds us how everyone has their own hidden abilities they can use to make the world a better place to live. Hilarious and endearing in equal measure, this picture book was an absolute joy to read. Ben St. James has created two extraordinary superheroes you can't help but love. Fuxwald and Rex are an adorable pair. These characters are not only funny but also very likable and entertaining. James' hand-drawn illustrations bring out their lively personalities and make the story even more immersive. Children are going to love this book, especially the two unlikely superheroes and their extraordinary adventures. Who doesn't like guinea pigs, right? So pick up this book and prepare yourself for an adventurous ride full of humor, heart, and lots of fun.
Recommend this book:
Belle and Chloe
Reflections in the Mirror
Isabela Sardas, Ph.D.
2024 Bronze Medal
60 Pages
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Children - General
Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite
Belle and Chloe: Reflections in the Mirror by Isabela Sardas, Ph.D. is a moving, enlightening story about the devastating impact of trauma on a victim and their family. It adeptly explores how victims and families can heal and move forward from traumatic events. Belle and Chloe are twin sisters who love doing everything together. They play outside with their pets and share the same friend group at school. One day while helping their mother prepare dinner, Belle reaches for the soup boiling on the stove. She is suddenly covered by the hot soup and is rushed to hospital soon after. After treatment, Belle begins the gruelling journey of healing and learning to accept and embrace her new self. The devastating event affects her relationship with Chloe and has a life-changing impact on her family. Together, the family seeks healing while helping Belle in her recovery process.
This is a poignant children’s story that deftly examines the emotional reactions surrounding trauma and the essential role friendship and family plays during recovery. It includes encouraging messages about self-acceptance and developing a positive self-image after a traumatic event. The story is told in a straightforward way that will help children understand the effects of trauma and be able to apply the lessons contained in the book. I loved that the parents seeks professional help for Belle and for the family, which helps them begin the process of healing and equips them with ways of coping and recovering. I appreciated the excellent illustrations included that helped tell the story. Belle and Chloe: Reflections in the Mirror by Isabela Sardas, Ph.D. is an incredibly empowering work with useful lessons for recovering from trauma. It will be a helpful resource for any family dealing with the impact of a traumatic event.
Belle and Chloe: Reflections in the Mirror by Isabela Sardas, Ph.D. is a moving, enlightening story about the devastating impact of trauma on a victim and their family. It adeptly explores how victims and families can heal and move forward from traumatic events. Belle and Chloe are twin sisters who love doing everything together. They play outside with their pets and share the same friend group at school. One day while helping their mother prepare dinner, Belle reaches for the soup boiling on the stove. She is suddenly covered by the hot soup and is rushed to hospital soon after. After treatment, Belle begins the gruelling journey of healing and learning to accept and embrace her new self. The devastating event affects her relationship with Chloe and has a life-changing impact on her family. Together, the family seeks healing while helping Belle in her recovery process.
This is a poignant children’s story that deftly examines the emotional reactions surrounding trauma and the essential role friendship and family plays during recovery. It includes encouraging messages about self-acceptance and developing a positive self-image after a traumatic event. The story is told in a straightforward way that will help children understand the effects of trauma and be able to apply the lessons contained in the book. I loved that the parents seeks professional help for Belle and for the family, which helps them begin the process of healing and equips them with ways of coping and recovering. I appreciated the excellent illustrations included that helped tell the story. Belle and Chloe: Reflections in the Mirror by Isabela Sardas, Ph.D. is an incredibly empowering work with useful lessons for recovering from trauma. It will be a helpful resource for any family dealing with the impact of a traumatic event.
Recommend this book:
The Girl Who Makes a Million Mistakes
A Growth Mindset Book for Kids to Boost Confidence, Self-Esteem and Resilience
Brenda Li
2024 Silver Medal
36 Pages
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Children - General
Reviewed by Tiffany Ferrell for Readers' Favorite
In The Girl Who Makes A Million Mistakes, we are introduced to a little girl named Millie who can never seem to get things right, no matter how hard she tries. From missing the cup when she’s pouring a drink to using too much glue in a project, poor Millie just can’t win. This affects the sports that she participates in at school. Millie wants more than anything to be an athlete, but she messes up there. During a school race, instead of leaping over each hurdle, she ends up running straight through them. She jumps and falls on her face, then on her bottom, making mistakes with each hurdle. But this little girl is determined and makes sure that she practices so the next time she races she will be ready and win, which she does.
I found The Girl Who Makes A Million Mistakes: A Growth Mindset Book for Kids to Boost Confidence, Self-Esteem and Resilience such a wonderful read. Millie, the small star of the book, is very relatable and the story conveys such a strong message to our children: to never give up. People make mistakes but you keep on going. Even though Millie messes up repeatedly and comes close to giving up, she never does. Instead, she practices and finally succeeds thanks to her hard work. The illustrations are also so beautiful and fit perfectly with the storyline. Brenda Li has done an amazing job with this book and I cannot wait to read more of her work.
In The Girl Who Makes A Million Mistakes, we are introduced to a little girl named Millie who can never seem to get things right, no matter how hard she tries. From missing the cup when she’s pouring a drink to using too much glue in a project, poor Millie just can’t win. This affects the sports that she participates in at school. Millie wants more than anything to be an athlete, but she messes up there. During a school race, instead of leaping over each hurdle, she ends up running straight through them. She jumps and falls on her face, then on her bottom, making mistakes with each hurdle. But this little girl is determined and makes sure that she practices so the next time she races she will be ready and win, which she does.
I found The Girl Who Makes A Million Mistakes: A Growth Mindset Book for Kids to Boost Confidence, Self-Esteem and Resilience such a wonderful read. Millie, the small star of the book, is very relatable and the story conveys such a strong message to our children: to never give up. People make mistakes but you keep on going. Even though Millie messes up repeatedly and comes close to giving up, she never does. Instead, she practices and finally succeeds thanks to her hard work. The illustrations are also so beautiful and fit perfectly with the storyline. Brenda Li has done an amazing job with this book and I cannot wait to read more of her work.
Recommend this book:
This Day I Hold Dear
Ellissa Schwartz
2024 Gold Medal
36 Pages
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Children - General
Reviewed by Golder Hazelton for Readers' Favorite
This Day I Hold Dear by Ellissa Schwartz offers a tender affirmation of the unconditional nature of a parent’s love for a child and a timely reminder to parents to treasure every moment of the here and now because those beloved children do not stay children for long. Written in a series of easily accessible rhyming quatrains and gorgeously illustrated in pen and ink by Sophia Riley, This Day I Hold Dear follows children and beloved animals through the natural cycle of seasons. It gently reminds adult and child readers alike that time and change are inevitable and that a strong connection to the natural world maximizes our chances for lasting happiness in the face of changes we cannot control.
This is an ideal read-together book for children and parents or other caregivers. In a world of uncertainty, confusion, and rapid change, Ellissa Schwartz has created an essential oasis of words which, when paired with Sophia Riley’s beguiling and sensitively rendered illustrations, is sure to help build precious memories to be shared and passed down for generations to come. The message is timeless and vital, and Schwartz’s passion for reminding children that “Whatever you dream, I want you to know you are loved from your head to the tip of your toe” blooms brilliantly on every page. This Day I Hold Dear by Ellissa Schwartz is a worthy candidate for every child’s library and offers a poignant message ideally suited to building a lifetime of precious memories across generations.
This Day I Hold Dear by Ellissa Schwartz offers a tender affirmation of the unconditional nature of a parent’s love for a child and a timely reminder to parents to treasure every moment of the here and now because those beloved children do not stay children for long. Written in a series of easily accessible rhyming quatrains and gorgeously illustrated in pen and ink by Sophia Riley, This Day I Hold Dear follows children and beloved animals through the natural cycle of seasons. It gently reminds adult and child readers alike that time and change are inevitable and that a strong connection to the natural world maximizes our chances for lasting happiness in the face of changes we cannot control.
This is an ideal read-together book for children and parents or other caregivers. In a world of uncertainty, confusion, and rapid change, Ellissa Schwartz has created an essential oasis of words which, when paired with Sophia Riley’s beguiling and sensitively rendered illustrations, is sure to help build precious memories to be shared and passed down for generations to come. The message is timeless and vital, and Schwartz’s passion for reminding children that “Whatever you dream, I want you to know you are loved from your head to the tip of your toe” blooms brilliantly on every page. This Day I Hold Dear by Ellissa Schwartz is a worthy candidate for every child’s library and offers a poignant message ideally suited to building a lifetime of precious memories across generations.
Recommend this book:
Wild Thing and The Bagel
Erin L. Neal
2023 Finalist
46 Pages
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Children - General
Reviewed by Adanna Ora for Readers' Favorite
Dogs are the most popular pets in the world. There are also a lot of things to learn from them. Erin L. Neal highlights this in Wild Thing and the Bagel. A chocolate Labrador describes his experience with his human parents, including how he was adopted and treated in their house. Soon after, a new dog named Bagel joins him. What will Wild Thing’s reaction be? Will he see this new dog as a threat? Will they get along or cause trouble for their owners? Wild Thing and the Bagel is a fable beautifully told by Erin L. Neal in which we are exposed to a typical day in a dog’s life from the dog’s perspective. The author uses her real-life experiences with her pets to tell this story. Angie Buckman wrote the foreword, which shares the author's love of pets and affirms the goal of this book, which is to learn from the lives of pets.
In several ways, Wild Thing and the Bagel is a one-of-a-kind book. One reason for this is telling the story through the dog’s narration. I enjoyed the storytelling style; it is easy to read and understand, especially with a first-person point of view. One can also learn positive values like love, patience, friendship, and companionship. Using characters from her own life, Erin L. Neal makes the story more relatable. The images that help tell the story are also beautifully done. I loved this story because it brings to our awareness the nature of dogs and the fun of having a dog as a pet. I recommend it for every child, as it will build their imaginations and teach them wonderful things as well.
Dogs are the most popular pets in the world. There are also a lot of things to learn from them. Erin L. Neal highlights this in Wild Thing and the Bagel. A chocolate Labrador describes his experience with his human parents, including how he was adopted and treated in their house. Soon after, a new dog named Bagel joins him. What will Wild Thing’s reaction be? Will he see this new dog as a threat? Will they get along or cause trouble for their owners? Wild Thing and the Bagel is a fable beautifully told by Erin L. Neal in which we are exposed to a typical day in a dog’s life from the dog’s perspective. The author uses her real-life experiences with her pets to tell this story. Angie Buckman wrote the foreword, which shares the author's love of pets and affirms the goal of this book, which is to learn from the lives of pets.
In several ways, Wild Thing and the Bagel is a one-of-a-kind book. One reason for this is telling the story through the dog’s narration. I enjoyed the storytelling style; it is easy to read and understand, especially with a first-person point of view. One can also learn positive values like love, patience, friendship, and companionship. Using characters from her own life, Erin L. Neal makes the story more relatable. The images that help tell the story are also beautifully done. I loved this story because it brings to our awareness the nature of dogs and the fun of having a dog as a pet. I recommend it for every child, as it will build their imaginations and teach them wonderful things as well.
Recommend this book:
The Verbal Bully
Brown Bear & Oofie Present
Masami S.C.
2023 Honorable Mention
44 Pages
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Children - General
Reviewed by Rosie Malezer for Readers' Favorite
The Verbal Bully is a title from The Brown Bear and Oofie series for young readers. Both written and illustrated by Masami S.C., the tale of The Verbal Bully deals with the harshness of a bully’s words. As Brown Bear celebrates the beautiful day outside, her best friend, Oofie, cries. Oofie tells Brown Bear that she is no longer permitted to play with the other dogs because she looks different. Brown Bear teaches Oofie that looks are of no consequence and that the best way to defeat a verbal bully is with a quick and clever retort or, better still, to ignore the bully completely. After Brown Bear’s encouraging words, Oofie finds herself smiling, determined to assert her confidence to all bullies in the future.
I was quite impressed by the powerful message that The Verbal Bully provides to the young children of today. Masami S.C. has produced a very empowering, uplifting book filled with wisdom and confidence-building, as well as bright and colorful illustrations which bring the story to life. My heart sank as I watched Oofie’s tears flow. Although it has been some decades since I was in school, bullying tends to not only interfere in the confidence of young people, but also of teenagers and adults. Bullies knock you down in order to make themselves feel better, yet they are showing the world how obnoxious, cowardly and sad they truly are. As Oofie takes back her confidence and feels strength coursing through her thanks to her friend, she finally feels empowered to confront the verbal bully when they next strike.
A glossary of words is included at the back of the book so that children can learn what the terms in the book mean. I like the positive and up-beat attitude in the dialogue of The Verbal Bully and recommend it to young readers aged 5-8 years. The Verbal Bully would also be ideally stocked in school libraries, social offices and health centers, so that children can learn that you do not need to sink to a bully’s level in order to overcome the hurt they cause.
The Verbal Bully is a title from The Brown Bear and Oofie series for young readers. Both written and illustrated by Masami S.C., the tale of The Verbal Bully deals with the harshness of a bully’s words. As Brown Bear celebrates the beautiful day outside, her best friend, Oofie, cries. Oofie tells Brown Bear that she is no longer permitted to play with the other dogs because she looks different. Brown Bear teaches Oofie that looks are of no consequence and that the best way to defeat a verbal bully is with a quick and clever retort or, better still, to ignore the bully completely. After Brown Bear’s encouraging words, Oofie finds herself smiling, determined to assert her confidence to all bullies in the future.
I was quite impressed by the powerful message that The Verbal Bully provides to the young children of today. Masami S.C. has produced a very empowering, uplifting book filled with wisdom and confidence-building, as well as bright and colorful illustrations which bring the story to life. My heart sank as I watched Oofie’s tears flow. Although it has been some decades since I was in school, bullying tends to not only interfere in the confidence of young people, but also of teenagers and adults. Bullies knock you down in order to make themselves feel better, yet they are showing the world how obnoxious, cowardly and sad they truly are. As Oofie takes back her confidence and feels strength coursing through her thanks to her friend, she finally feels empowered to confront the verbal bully when they next strike.
A glossary of words is included at the back of the book so that children can learn what the terms in the book mean. I like the positive and up-beat attitude in the dialogue of The Verbal Bully and recommend it to young readers aged 5-8 years. The Verbal Bully would also be ideally stocked in school libraries, social offices and health centers, so that children can learn that you do not need to sink to a bully’s level in order to overcome the hurt they cause.
Recommend this book:
What I Love About You
Lisa Fletcher
2023 Bronze Medal
32 Pages
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Children - General
Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite
What I Love About You by Lisa Fletcher is a short, simple, and heartwarming storybook inspired by the book, The Blessing: Giving the Gift of Unconditional Love and Acceptance. Here we see a mother who engages her children to play a game by telling each of them what she loved about them on that particular day. The scenario takes place at bedtime. But before going to sleep, the mom invites her kids to a game of paying compliments, where each begins with the phrase, I love the way, I love how, or I love that. I loved that you were so polite and I love your beautiful smile is one example. It is a game that is not limited to bedtime. Rather, it is an exercise of using words to help shape the values of young children.
While What I Love About You is not much of a story but more of an experience shared by one parent, mother and author Lisa Fletcher has a noble intention of showing you how words can make an impact in the lives of children. Any parent is sure to have had the experience of dealing with bickering siblings, children with low self-esteem, or other personal issues that their kids are going through that hamper their wellbeing. While words have the power to soothe, heal, and even empower, it is not enough. The compelling illustrations in this book similarly demonstrate that quality time should go hand in hand with this game. Any parent with young children would find this game helpful, and perhaps, with children being open to new ideas, they may well develop a long-lasting enjoyment for this game.
What I Love About You by Lisa Fletcher is a short, simple, and heartwarming storybook inspired by the book, The Blessing: Giving the Gift of Unconditional Love and Acceptance. Here we see a mother who engages her children to play a game by telling each of them what she loved about them on that particular day. The scenario takes place at bedtime. But before going to sleep, the mom invites her kids to a game of paying compliments, where each begins with the phrase, I love the way, I love how, or I love that. I loved that you were so polite and I love your beautiful smile is one example. It is a game that is not limited to bedtime. Rather, it is an exercise of using words to help shape the values of young children.
While What I Love About You is not much of a story but more of an experience shared by one parent, mother and author Lisa Fletcher has a noble intention of showing you how words can make an impact in the lives of children. Any parent is sure to have had the experience of dealing with bickering siblings, children with low self-esteem, or other personal issues that their kids are going through that hamper their wellbeing. While words have the power to soothe, heal, and even empower, it is not enough. The compelling illustrations in this book similarly demonstrate that quality time should go hand in hand with this game. Any parent with young children would find this game helpful, and perhaps, with children being open to new ideas, they may well develop a long-lasting enjoyment for this game.
Recommend this book:
Otto: The Not-So-Little Giant
David Mulholland
2023 Silver Medal
24 Pages
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Children - General
Reviewed by Philip Van Heusen for Readers' Favorite
Are you different? Do you have a child that does not seem to fit in? Many people struggle with a part of themselves that is not like everyone else. David Mulholland, in Otto: The Not-So-Little Giant, tackles the struggles those who are different endure. Otto lives in a land populated by giants, but he is not large like all the other giants. Being different causes issues like being bullied or having fun made of you. Otto has a great friend named Lizzie. Lizzie is a normal giant but accepts Otto just as he is. They have enjoyable adventures together. While everyone else calls him little Otto, Lizzie calls him Otto. Otto’s dad reminds him that he is special, not different. Can Otto, the smallest giant ever, do anything to help the regular giants? Read and learn how Otto’s small size made him a giant hero.
Otto’s mom, Gertie, reminds her son, 'you are perfect just the way you are.' Everyone needs to hear this wisdom and pay attention to it. If we constantly seek to be something or someone we are not, we will live a life of disappointment. Otto: The Not-So-Little Giant by David Mulholland teaches children to accept themselves for themselves. This is a vital lesson for children to learn. Otto learns that being a giant is so much more than being big. He realizes that what is important is what you do each day and what you do for others. Several concerns are addressed to help children learn to cope and thrive. One has to do with bullying; Otto knows not to retaliate at being bullied. Also, children reading this book learn to accept themselves. Acceptance should not depend on being alike. We are each different, and that is what makes us special.
Are you different? Do you have a child that does not seem to fit in? Many people struggle with a part of themselves that is not like everyone else. David Mulholland, in Otto: The Not-So-Little Giant, tackles the struggles those who are different endure. Otto lives in a land populated by giants, but he is not large like all the other giants. Being different causes issues like being bullied or having fun made of you. Otto has a great friend named Lizzie. Lizzie is a normal giant but accepts Otto just as he is. They have enjoyable adventures together. While everyone else calls him little Otto, Lizzie calls him Otto. Otto’s dad reminds him that he is special, not different. Can Otto, the smallest giant ever, do anything to help the regular giants? Read and learn how Otto’s small size made him a giant hero.
Otto’s mom, Gertie, reminds her son, 'you are perfect just the way you are.' Everyone needs to hear this wisdom and pay attention to it. If we constantly seek to be something or someone we are not, we will live a life of disappointment. Otto: The Not-So-Little Giant by David Mulholland teaches children to accept themselves for themselves. This is a vital lesson for children to learn. Otto learns that being a giant is so much more than being big. He realizes that what is important is what you do each day and what you do for others. Several concerns are addressed to help children learn to cope and thrive. One has to do with bullying; Otto knows not to retaliate at being bullied. Also, children reading this book learn to accept themselves. Acceptance should not depend on being alike. We are each different, and that is what makes us special.
Recommend this book:
The Sparkly Bun
A children's book about feelings, courage and confidence, friendship, self-esteem, individuality and creativity.
Keith Stoeckeler, Illustrated by Lana Lee
2023 Gold Medal
30 Pages
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Children - General
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
Keith Stoeckeler’s picture book, The Sparkly Bun, is a clever way to teach young readers not only about being creative and using their imagination but also about building their self-esteem and being comfortable with who they are. The story is told in simple language so young readers can follow along. There is lots of dialogue which helps move the story forward. The illustrations by Lana Lee are creative and add some zest to the plot development. The author takes a common theme amongst young girls, that of fashion, and makes it into a powerful statement of what’s important in life, and how being creative and imaginative can make one really stand out.
Do you like wearing the same outfit every day? Does it look like what others are wearing? Or are their outfits much cooler than yours? In The Sparkly Bun by Keith Stoeckeler, Emme has a difficult lesson to learn. She wants to wear her sparkly bun outfit every day because it makes her stand out. But then she sees her friends wearing other cool outfits and she wants to wear the same buns they’re wearing. When she asks her parents for new outfits, like her friends have, they point out that she really doesn’t need any more outfits. “It’s important to be yourself and not worry about what others are doing. … It’s what’s inside that counts, not what we wear.” So Emme gets creative with her wardrobe, making herself look and feel unique. “Being one-of-a-kind is important.”
Keith Stoeckeler’s picture book, The Sparkly Bun, is a clever way to teach young readers not only about being creative and using their imagination but also about building their self-esteem and being comfortable with who they are. The story is told in simple language so young readers can follow along. There is lots of dialogue which helps move the story forward. The illustrations by Lana Lee are creative and add some zest to the plot development. The author takes a common theme amongst young girls, that of fashion, and makes it into a powerful statement of what’s important in life, and how being creative and imaginative can make one really stand out.
Do you like wearing the same outfit every day? Does it look like what others are wearing? Or are their outfits much cooler than yours? In The Sparkly Bun by Keith Stoeckeler, Emme has a difficult lesson to learn. She wants to wear her sparkly bun outfit every day because it makes her stand out. But then she sees her friends wearing other cool outfits and she wants to wear the same buns they’re wearing. When she asks her parents for new outfits, like her friends have, they point out that she really doesn’t need any more outfits. “It’s important to be yourself and not worry about what others are doing. … It’s what’s inside that counts, not what we wear.” So Emme gets creative with her wardrobe, making herself look and feel unique. “Being one-of-a-kind is important.”
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