BookAwards.com
Award-Winning Books from Today's Best Authors
A Free Resource for Book Lovers, Authors, Agents, Publishers and Journalists
Recommend this book:
Polly and Her Pigtails
Debra Sue Latiolais
2014 Silver Medal
35 Pages
Check current price
Children - Grade K-3rd
Reviewed by Cheryl Schopen for Readers' Favorite
Polly and Her Pigtails, written by Debra Sue Latiolais and illustrated by Mark Wayne Adams, is a lovely children’s book about a little girl named Polly. The most important thing to Polly is being the prettiest girl in school, so she loves to wear pretty dresses and wear her beautiful blonde hair in pigtails. Because of something mean that the class bully does to her, and with the help of her mother, Polly soon learns the true meaning of beauty and that beauty is not all about a person’s appearance.
As a mother, an educator, and just a woman in the society we live in, I immediately recognized the importance of the message that Polly and Her Pigtails presents. So many little girls grow up thinking the way they look is what is most important. Teenagers, and even grown women, spend so much time focusing on their outer beauty and forget that it is what is on the inside that matters. The lesson behind this charming story is an essential one that all children need to learn, especially girls. In addition to the crucial message this book teaches, I absolutely adored the story. It may be set in the 1930s, but that just makes this book so unique. The subject is still completely relevant in today’s world, maybe even more so. I also think it is such a great idea for children to see how life was like back then. They will be able to distinguish between certain items of that time compared to our more modern times. And if they can’t, there is a cute and helpful page at the back that explains the different items, such as an inkwell and knickers, which were mentioned in the story. Plus, the illustrations are stunning. Full of vibrant colors and detailed images reminiscent of historical times, children will thoroughly enjoy every picture on every page.
I can’t say enough about this book. I absolutely loved it, and I cannot wait to read it to my daughter as she grows up. Debra Sue Latiolais did a fantastic job in creating such an entertaining story with a very important message. I can’t wait to see more from this incredible author.
Polly and Her Pigtails, written by Debra Sue Latiolais and illustrated by Mark Wayne Adams, is a lovely children’s book about a little girl named Polly. The most important thing to Polly is being the prettiest girl in school, so she loves to wear pretty dresses and wear her beautiful blonde hair in pigtails. Because of something mean that the class bully does to her, and with the help of her mother, Polly soon learns the true meaning of beauty and that beauty is not all about a person’s appearance.
As a mother, an educator, and just a woman in the society we live in, I immediately recognized the importance of the message that Polly and Her Pigtails presents. So many little girls grow up thinking the way they look is what is most important. Teenagers, and even grown women, spend so much time focusing on their outer beauty and forget that it is what is on the inside that matters. The lesson behind this charming story is an essential one that all children need to learn, especially girls. In addition to the crucial message this book teaches, I absolutely adored the story. It may be set in the 1930s, but that just makes this book so unique. The subject is still completely relevant in today’s world, maybe even more so. I also think it is such a great idea for children to see how life was like back then. They will be able to distinguish between certain items of that time compared to our more modern times. And if they can’t, there is a cute and helpful page at the back that explains the different items, such as an inkwell and knickers, which were mentioned in the story. Plus, the illustrations are stunning. Full of vibrant colors and detailed images reminiscent of historical times, children will thoroughly enjoy every picture on every page.
I can’t say enough about this book. I absolutely loved it, and I cannot wait to read it to my daughter as she grows up. Debra Sue Latiolais did a fantastic job in creating such an entertaining story with a very important message. I can’t wait to see more from this incredible author.
Recommend this book:
My Fingerpaint Masterpiece
Sherrill S. Cannon
2014 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Children - Grade K-3rd
Reviewed by Bil Howard for Readers' Favorite
Beauty certainly is in the eye of the beholder and nothing illustrates that truth better than My Fingerpaint Masterpiece written by Sherrill S. Cannon and illustrated by Kalpart. When a child is interrupted from a fingerpainting of his dog while at school, it is the start of a chain of events that leads one to wonder exactly how people determine what art becomes a masterpiece. On the way home, the child’s painting is blown out of his hands and lands in an art shop. It is then accidentally entered into an art contest and after the judges turn it in every direction, they decide that it is the winning entry. Disgusted with the outcome and the way that everyone is attempting to discover the deep meaning of his painting, the child tries to get everyone’s attention, but no one will believe him.
Sherrill S. Cannon and Kalpart have created a delightful story that actually gets right to the heart of what I think about some of the “masterpieces” that I have seen. My Fingerpaint Masterpiece expresses a truth about abstract art that few would ever admit. Splash several different colors on a canvas and anyone who is an “official critic” with enough imagination to make it into something will determine that it is a masterpiece. The colorful interpretation of the story by the illustrator of this story far exceeds many of the “masterpieces” in the modern art world in my opinion. Funny, colorful and brilliant, My Fingerpaint Masterpiece will put a satisfied smile on your face as you consider how silly some people can be about art.
Beauty certainly is in the eye of the beholder and nothing illustrates that truth better than My Fingerpaint Masterpiece written by Sherrill S. Cannon and illustrated by Kalpart. When a child is interrupted from a fingerpainting of his dog while at school, it is the start of a chain of events that leads one to wonder exactly how people determine what art becomes a masterpiece. On the way home, the child’s painting is blown out of his hands and lands in an art shop. It is then accidentally entered into an art contest and after the judges turn it in every direction, they decide that it is the winning entry. Disgusted with the outcome and the way that everyone is attempting to discover the deep meaning of his painting, the child tries to get everyone’s attention, but no one will believe him.
Sherrill S. Cannon and Kalpart have created a delightful story that actually gets right to the heart of what I think about some of the “masterpieces” that I have seen. My Fingerpaint Masterpiece expresses a truth about abstract art that few would ever admit. Splash several different colors on a canvas and anyone who is an “official critic” with enough imagination to make it into something will determine that it is a masterpiece. The colorful interpretation of the story by the illustrator of this story far exceeds many of the “masterpieces” in the modern art world in my opinion. Funny, colorful and brilliant, My Fingerpaint Masterpiece will put a satisfied smile on your face as you consider how silly some people can be about art.
Recommend this book:
Niagara Falls, Or Does It?
#1, Hank Zipzer
Henry Winkler, Lin Oliver and Jesse Joshua Watson
2013 Bronze Medal
144 Pages
Check current price
Children - Grade K-3rd
Reviewed by Joy Hannabass for Readers' Favorite
“Hank Zipzer, report to principal Love’s office at once!” the loud speaker buzzed. But this was the first hour of the first day of school, and how did they know his name already? School just didn’t start out well for Hank, and when his teacher gave the assignment to write five paragraphs on “What You Did This Summer,” Hank knew he was in for it. But then he thought of a plan, one that would be even better than writing five paragraphs. But things didn’t exactly turn out the way Hank wanted them to.
I have always been a Henry Winkler fan, so I was excited about reading a book written by Winkler and his co-author, Lin Oliver. This is such a fun book to read, and I can imagine how students everywhere feel when they read about Hank Zipzer. School was not easy for Hank, and we see his many struggles and difficulties as we follow in his footsteps in fourth grade. Hank had trouble learning, which made it very difficult to do his school assignments. But Hank’s brain seemed to always be creative and buzzing, so he was good at coming up with alternatives to his assignments. The authors did a wonderful job creating characters that are believable, and ones students can relate to. This is a fantastic book for students with learning disabilities, because that is what Hank deals with in his story. Anyone who has a child with a learning disability would benefit from "Niagara Falls, Or Does It?" Hank’s story could be the turning point in your child’s life. Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver’s series of books would be at the top of my book list if my child had any learning problems. You just can’t go wrong with Hank Zipzer’s story in "Niagara Falls, Or Does It?"
“Hank Zipzer, report to principal Love’s office at once!” the loud speaker buzzed. But this was the first hour of the first day of school, and how did they know his name already? School just didn’t start out well for Hank, and when his teacher gave the assignment to write five paragraphs on “What You Did This Summer,” Hank knew he was in for it. But then he thought of a plan, one that would be even better than writing five paragraphs. But things didn’t exactly turn out the way Hank wanted them to.
I have always been a Henry Winkler fan, so I was excited about reading a book written by Winkler and his co-author, Lin Oliver. This is such a fun book to read, and I can imagine how students everywhere feel when they read about Hank Zipzer. School was not easy for Hank, and we see his many struggles and difficulties as we follow in his footsteps in fourth grade. Hank had trouble learning, which made it very difficult to do his school assignments. But Hank’s brain seemed to always be creative and buzzing, so he was good at coming up with alternatives to his assignments. The authors did a wonderful job creating characters that are believable, and ones students can relate to. This is a fantastic book for students with learning disabilities, because that is what Hank deals with in his story. Anyone who has a child with a learning disability would benefit from "Niagara Falls, Or Does It?" Hank’s story could be the turning point in your child’s life. Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver’s series of books would be at the top of my book list if my child had any learning problems. You just can’t go wrong with Hank Zipzer’s story in "Niagara Falls, Or Does It?"
Recommend this book:
Ignor Ramus
A Curious Rhyme
Rob Myers
2013 Silver Medal
32 Pages
Check current price
Children - Grade K-3rd
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
Ignor and Ignora Ramus live in McGill, a town close to Mount Shamus. The two mischief makers were always up to something: shaving the cat, tripped Willy Wong, and threw rocks at Giant John’s hogs. The people in town gathered together to discuss how to punish Ignor and Ignora; their first conclusion was to spank the unruly pair. A tiny old lady from the top of Mount Shamus suggested “the punishment should fit the crime.” She declared the most effective means of stopping the children was to smother them with a hug and lots of love. The citizens agreed and a plan was formed, but the two children had been hiding behind nearby and heard everything. They stepped out and apologized to the citizens for their behavior. The tiny old lady from Mount Shamus reminded the citizens that the hardest part of asking forgiveness was forgiving yourself.
“Ignor Ramus: A Curious Rhyme” was written by Rob Myers. While children will enjoy the cute story, rhyming prose and whimsical illustrations, they will also respond to the books message about forgiving yourself. But the main message is one for adults; children respond to love. Most people who work with children will attest to the fact that children whom act out are usually the ones with something lacking in their lives; when that need is met, bad behavior is usually modified. “Ignor Ramus: A Curious Rhyme” is a wonderful story parents can read with their children.
Ignor and Ignora Ramus live in McGill, a town close to Mount Shamus. The two mischief makers were always up to something: shaving the cat, tripped Willy Wong, and threw rocks at Giant John’s hogs. The people in town gathered together to discuss how to punish Ignor and Ignora; their first conclusion was to spank the unruly pair. A tiny old lady from the top of Mount Shamus suggested “the punishment should fit the crime.” She declared the most effective means of stopping the children was to smother them with a hug and lots of love. The citizens agreed and a plan was formed, but the two children had been hiding behind nearby and heard everything. They stepped out and apologized to the citizens for their behavior. The tiny old lady from Mount Shamus reminded the citizens that the hardest part of asking forgiveness was forgiving yourself.
“Ignor Ramus: A Curious Rhyme” was written by Rob Myers. While children will enjoy the cute story, rhyming prose and whimsical illustrations, they will also respond to the books message about forgiving yourself. But the main message is one for adults; children respond to love. Most people who work with children will attest to the fact that children whom act out are usually the ones with something lacking in their lives; when that need is met, bad behavior is usually modified. “Ignor Ramus: A Curious Rhyme” is a wonderful story parents can read with their children.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/betsy-beansprout&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71WfwrIfZLL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="Betsy Beansprout: Bird Watching Guide" by Amber Elmore is about a 6-year old girl who lives in a state park with her parents who work there. She describes her idyllic life chatting with the birds and naming them, rolling in mud puddles, and exploring the park. Included are identification tips for several birds, questions to stimulate thinking and ...){kind=link}
Betsy Beansprout
Bird Watching Guide
Amber Elmore
2013 Finalist
52 Pages
Check current price
Children - Grade K-3rd
Reviewed by Mary DeKok Blowers for Readers' Favorite
"Betsy Beansprout: Bird Watching Guide" by Amber Elmore is about a 6-year old girl who lives in a state park with her parents who work there. She describes her idyllic life chatting with the birds and naming them, rolling in mud puddles, and exploring the park. Included are identification tips for several birds, questions to stimulate thinking and conversation in your child, activities such as making a bird feeder, and recipes for bird related snacks and bird food. I believe this book would be suitable for any child in elementary school with a target audience about 8-9 years old, based on the number of words on a page and the type of words used. It could of course be read with younger children as well. Some activities require adult supervision.
This 43-page book is very colorful, and includes a main character who is cheerful and likeable. It is a great introduction to bird identification and care of the natural world around us. God is given credit for the beauty of nature and a Bible verse is included about His caring for the birds (and therefore He will care for us as well). Betsy Beansprout is fun to read. It reminds me of my own childhood which included many camping trips in state, national, and provincial parks. Frequently these parks had educational nature programs in which the rangers would lead hikes and teach about flowers, trees, and animals. As a child I also enjoyed making things and learning about birds, so I think that children will really enjoy the suggestions in this book. Amber Elmore has developed a creative way to teach about nature and I believe it will be easy for children to relate to Betsy.
"Betsy Beansprout: Bird Watching Guide" by Amber Elmore is about a 6-year old girl who lives in a state park with her parents who work there. She describes her idyllic life chatting with the birds and naming them, rolling in mud puddles, and exploring the park. Included are identification tips for several birds, questions to stimulate thinking and conversation in your child, activities such as making a bird feeder, and recipes for bird related snacks and bird food. I believe this book would be suitable for any child in elementary school with a target audience about 8-9 years old, based on the number of words on a page and the type of words used. It could of course be read with younger children as well. Some activities require adult supervision.
This 43-page book is very colorful, and includes a main character who is cheerful and likeable. It is a great introduction to bird identification and care of the natural world around us. God is given credit for the beauty of nature and a Bible verse is included about His caring for the birds (and therefore He will care for us as well). Betsy Beansprout is fun to read. It reminds me of my own childhood which included many camping trips in state, national, and provincial parks. Frequently these parks had educational nature programs in which the rangers would lead hikes and teach about flowers, trees, and animals. As a child I also enjoyed making things and learning about birds, so I think that children will really enjoy the suggestions in this book. Amber Elmore has developed a creative way to teach about nature and I believe it will be easy for children to relate to Betsy.
Recommend this book:
Magical Matthew
Penelope Anne Cole
2013 Bronze Medal
24 Pages
Check current price
Children - Grade K-3rd
Reviewed by Joy Hannabass for Readers' Favorite
Matthew had magical powers but he couldn’t understand why. But then he started liking his magic and decided to keep the secret to himself because he didn’t know what people would think. And it was when he was with his friend who was in a wheel chair that he found out he could only fix things, not people. But will Matthew always have his magical powers to fix anything that is broken? Find out in this really cute new book by Penelope Anne Cole.
What a cute story and and what sweet imagination! All kids like to think with their magic mind at one time or another, and Matthew’s story is a reminder of this. And I love the special sweet relationship Matthew has with his friend in the wheel chair, one that is strong enough that he confides in her, and they go through the neighborhood together trying to find things that need to be fixed. But after a while, the time comes for Matthew to realize that his powers are just magical and no longer work. What will happen to Matthew now that he can’t fix things as he wants? I highly recommend this wonderful story about Matthew. Your children will certainly listen to this story in awe of the magic of the pages. And they will also enjoy the awesome illustrations that fit so well with the story, helping to bring the pages to life as they hear the words. You will not be disappointed with this little book!
Matthew had magical powers but he couldn’t understand why. But then he started liking his magic and decided to keep the secret to himself because he didn’t know what people would think. And it was when he was with his friend who was in a wheel chair that he found out he could only fix things, not people. But will Matthew always have his magical powers to fix anything that is broken? Find out in this really cute new book by Penelope Anne Cole.
What a cute story and and what sweet imagination! All kids like to think with their magic mind at one time or another, and Matthew’s story is a reminder of this. And I love the special sweet relationship Matthew has with his friend in the wheel chair, one that is strong enough that he confides in her, and they go through the neighborhood together trying to find things that need to be fixed. But after a while, the time comes for Matthew to realize that his powers are just magical and no longer work. What will happen to Matthew now that he can’t fix things as he wants? I highly recommend this wonderful story about Matthew. Your children will certainly listen to this story in awe of the magic of the pages. And they will also enjoy the awesome illustrations that fit so well with the story, helping to bring the pages to life as they hear the words. You will not be disappointed with this little book!
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/when-grandmas-false-teeth-fly&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91x0b4ro6YL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="When Grandma's False Teeth Fly" by Mary Lee is a delightful story for children who may be unsure of their personal appearance for one reason or another. Six year old Katie has a chipped front tooth and some of her classmates tease her about it. Katie has a wonderful relationship with her grandmother, so she decides to take her problem to grandma t...){kind=link}
When Grandma's False Teeth Fly
Mary Lee
2013 Finalist
24 Pages
Check current price
Children - Grade K-3rd
Reviewed by Karen Pirnot for Readers' Favorite
"When Grandma's False Teeth Fly" by Mary Lee is a delightful story for children who may be unsure of their personal appearance for one reason or another. Six year old Katie has a chipped front tooth and some of her classmates tease her about it. Katie has a wonderful relationship with her grandmother, so she decides to take her problem to grandma to see what advice she might get, along with chocolate chip cookies and a tall glass of milk. Grandma first tells Katie that the tooth is only a baby tooth and another will soon replace the chipped tooth. She then tells Katie a story about when she was once at a party and something very embarrassing happened to her.
The interactions between Katie and her grandmother are precious. Grandma is patient. She takes Katie on her lap for additional closeness as she explains that what Katie is experiencing is somewhat a natural part of life. There are many lessons in this book such as the child going to a trusted adult to solve a problem. And then, there is the close relationship which all but ensures that the message will be heard. And then, the added bit of humor from Grandma's story tends to lessen the child's anxiety about her own problem. The result of all this is that the child learns that others also have problems and they live through them. The child learns to handle her own problem with humor. The illustrations in this book are marvelous!
"When Grandma's False Teeth Fly" by Mary Lee is a delightful story for children who may be unsure of their personal appearance for one reason or another. Six year old Katie has a chipped front tooth and some of her classmates tease her about it. Katie has a wonderful relationship with her grandmother, so she decides to take her problem to grandma to see what advice she might get, along with chocolate chip cookies and a tall glass of milk. Grandma first tells Katie that the tooth is only a baby tooth and another will soon replace the chipped tooth. She then tells Katie a story about when she was once at a party and something very embarrassing happened to her.
The interactions between Katie and her grandmother are precious. Grandma is patient. She takes Katie on her lap for additional closeness as she explains that what Katie is experiencing is somewhat a natural part of life. There are many lessons in this book such as the child going to a trusted adult to solve a problem. And then, there is the close relationship which all but ensures that the message will be heard. And then, the added bit of humor from Grandma's story tends to lessen the child's anxiety about her own problem. The result of all this is that the child learns that others also have problems and they live through them. The child learns to handle her own problem with humor. The illustrations in this book are marvelous!
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/leahs-voice&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71WQJIz4zGL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="Leah's Voice," written by Lori DeMonia and illustrated by Monique Turchan, is a great story about accepting each and every person and treating everyone with respect and kindness. Logan's older sister Leah is on the autism spectrum; however, Logan does not realize this or really think about the differences and the problems it may cause until she ha...){kind=link}
Leah's Voice
Lori DeMonia
2013 Finalist
28 Pages
Check current price
Children - Grade K-3rd
Reviewed by Kristie Ingerto for Readers' Favorite
"Leah's Voice," written by Lori DeMonia and illustrated by Monique Turchan, is a great story about accepting each and every person and treating everyone with respect and kindness. Logan's older sister Leah is on the autism spectrum; however, Logan does not realize this or really think about the differences and the problems it may cause until she has a play date. Abby has never met anyone like Leah and is not willing to understand or make exceptions for how she thinks things should be. For example, Abby does not want to play a game with her and Logan as she cannot sit and play. She takes her turn, gets up and leaves and then returns when it is her turn again. After an article is published about Leah and the art that she creates, Abby realizes that she was not acting nicely toward her and learns that she needs to treat Leah as she would anyone else.
This is a great story that discusses children with special needs. All children should read it as it can be difficult for children to play together if someone has special needs. This story provides examples of situations that may arise and cause tension so that children cannot be happy. For example, Logan missed out on seeing a movie as Leah could not handle going into the theater. The lesson shared at the end of the story is an important one for children to learn and one that adults should also remember day after day. The illustrations throughout the book are well-done as they are bright, filled with detail and go along with the text nicely.
"Leah's Voice," written by Lori DeMonia and illustrated by Monique Turchan, is a great story about accepting each and every person and treating everyone with respect and kindness. Logan's older sister Leah is on the autism spectrum; however, Logan does not realize this or really think about the differences and the problems it may cause until she has a play date. Abby has never met anyone like Leah and is not willing to understand or make exceptions for how she thinks things should be. For example, Abby does not want to play a game with her and Logan as she cannot sit and play. She takes her turn, gets up and leaves and then returns when it is her turn again. After an article is published about Leah and the art that she creates, Abby realizes that she was not acting nicely toward her and learns that she needs to treat Leah as she would anyone else.
This is a great story that discusses children with special needs. All children should read it as it can be difficult for children to play together if someone has special needs. This story provides examples of situations that may arise and cause tension so that children cannot be happy. For example, Logan missed out on seeing a movie as Leah could not handle going into the theater. The lesson shared at the end of the story is an important one for children to learn and one that adults should also remember day after day. The illustrations throughout the book are well-done as they are bright, filled with detail and go along with the text nicely.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/sir-princess-petra&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81pgRS1hy4L._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="Sir Princess Petra" by Diane Mae Robinson is a fun fairy tale for K-3rd graders and I am sure they will love it. The heroine, Petra, is a feisty young lady who is constantly driving her poor father to check the official royal rulebook since she pushes things to the limits. She surprises everyone by qualifying to become a Knight and in the process ...){kind=link}
Sir Princess Petra
The Pen Pieyu Adventures
Diane Mae Robinson
2013 Honorable Mention
64 Pages
Check current price
Children - Grade K-3rd
Reviewed by Stephanie Dagg for Readers' Favorite
"Sir Princess Petra" by Diane Mae Robinson is a fun fairy tale for K-3rd graders and I am sure they will love it. The heroine, Petra, is a feisty young lady who is constantly driving her poor father to check the official royal rulebook since she pushes things to the limits. She surprises everyone by qualifying to become a Knight and in the process making friends with the frightening dragon Snarl. She also bests the pizza-faced witch and Nastybun and his puny knights and stops the howling dragon from howling without resorting to her sword. Onions and saucepans and other unusual implements play a key role in her victories, just one of the many humorous touches in this extremely likeable book. Another sweet part is where the witch has forgotten how to say the word 'please'.
Although it is a fairy tale, there is substance to the story. At its heart is an unconventional heroine who constantly has to face up to the rules that everyone else accepts blindly. Petra does things her way and with panache. But she is scared at times and this is well-portrayed. Petra accepts her limitations, like the rules, but works either within or around them. There is a strong sense of right and wrong and fairness in the book, which is quite a pleasant change. Too often parents are unreasonable and stupid in children's books, but here the king and queen allow their daughter the freedom to go and try and fight a dragon, and, since the rules permit it, eventually allow her to have Snarl as her royal steed. Pen Pieyu isn't a bad place to live at all! This is a bright and breezy book, buoyed up by its humor and general pleasantness. Lovely illustrations too.
"Sir Princess Petra" by Diane Mae Robinson is a fun fairy tale for K-3rd graders and I am sure they will love it. The heroine, Petra, is a feisty young lady who is constantly driving her poor father to check the official royal rulebook since she pushes things to the limits. She surprises everyone by qualifying to become a Knight and in the process making friends with the frightening dragon Snarl. She also bests the pizza-faced witch and Nastybun and his puny knights and stops the howling dragon from howling without resorting to her sword. Onions and saucepans and other unusual implements play a key role in her victories, just one of the many humorous touches in this extremely likeable book. Another sweet part is where the witch has forgotten how to say the word 'please'.
Although it is a fairy tale, there is substance to the story. At its heart is an unconventional heroine who constantly has to face up to the rules that everyone else accepts blindly. Petra does things her way and with panache. But she is scared at times and this is well-portrayed. Petra accepts her limitations, like the rules, but works either within or around them. There is a strong sense of right and wrong and fairness in the book, which is quite a pleasant change. Too often parents are unreasonable and stupid in children's books, but here the king and queen allow their daughter the freedom to go and try and fight a dragon, and, since the rules permit it, eventually allow her to have Snarl as her royal steed. Pen Pieyu isn't a bad place to live at all! This is a bright and breezy book, buoyed up by its humor and general pleasantness. Lovely illustrations too.
Recommend this book:
The Many Colors of Friendship
Rita Kaye Vetsch
2011 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Children - Grade K-3rd
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
The Many Colors of Friendship by Rita Kaye Vetsch is a delightful book. It tells the story of Katherine, a first grade student. There was a new student in her class whose name was Luis. She wanted to talk to him; but she didn't know how to talk to someone so different, so she ignored him. That night Katherine had a vivid dream. She was in a bright colored jungle. A snake called Sanjay pulled her out of quicksand with his tail. Sanjay didn't look like any other snake Katherine had ever seen. He was brightly colored and friendly. Along her journey she met other creatures, all brightly colored and very different from any she'd ever seen before. The panda, toucan, and sloth taught Katherine a lesson: We should never be afraid of someone just because they look different. People come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. The next day Katherine and Luis became friends.
We live in a diverse society. Too often we are afraid of what we do not understand. We are afraid of different. The Many Colors of Friendship will be an excellent tool for opening the dialogue between parents and children.
The story is written in simple terms making it easy for children to understand. The illustrations bring the text to life; they are brightly colored and eye-catching. I love this book and the message it proclaims. This book will make an excellent book for children in Kindergarten through third grade. I can hardly wait to share this book with my grandson.
The Many Colors of Friendship by Rita Kaye Vetsch is a delightful book. It tells the story of Katherine, a first grade student. There was a new student in her class whose name was Luis. She wanted to talk to him; but she didn't know how to talk to someone so different, so she ignored him. That night Katherine had a vivid dream. She was in a bright colored jungle. A snake called Sanjay pulled her out of quicksand with his tail. Sanjay didn't look like any other snake Katherine had ever seen. He was brightly colored and friendly. Along her journey she met other creatures, all brightly colored and very different from any she'd ever seen before. The panda, toucan, and sloth taught Katherine a lesson: We should never be afraid of someone just because they look different. People come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. The next day Katherine and Luis became friends.
We live in a diverse society. Too often we are afraid of what we do not understand. We are afraid of different. The Many Colors of Friendship will be an excellent tool for opening the dialogue between parents and children.
The story is written in simple terms making it easy for children to understand. The illustrations bring the text to life; they are brightly colored and eye-catching. I love this book and the message it proclaims. This book will make an excellent book for children in Kindergarten through third grade. I can hardly wait to share this book with my grandson.
Contact Author -
