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Recommend this book:
Shell Seeker
The Life, Work, and Adventures of a Blind Biologist
Suzanne Sherman, Linda Olliver
2026 Finalist
32 Pages
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Children - Non-Fiction
Reviewed by Diana Lopez for Readers' Favorite
Shell Seeker: The Life, Work, and Adventures of a Blind Biologist by Suzanne Sherman is a story of resilience and a love for science. Geerat lost his sight at the age of three due to glaucoma. But instead of it being an impediment, this awakens in him a deeper way of exploring the world. This is reflected in the shells he collects as he grows up. He begins to find them on a beach in the Netherlands. Then, when he is nine, his family moves to New Jersey, and he starts attending a public school. There, he discovers that his teacher also likes shells because she decorates the classroom with specimens collected in Florida. But to his surprise, Geerat notices that the shells are different from the ones he knows and begins to analyze their patterns and shapes more closely. In this way, his path as a researcher begins.
Suzanne Sherman offers us a story with a wonderful setting. She describes details such as the scent of flowers and the sound of the ocean roaring, making the read more vivid and immersive. Her writing style shows Geerat's perspective from childhood to adulthood. Additionally, the vocabulary is rich, and the explanations include clear scientific information. Linda Olliver's illustrations are a great complementary feature because they are not only charming with their soft tones and different settings, but also show a wide variety of shells. The story is based on the life of Dr. Geerat Vermeij, a distinguished professor at the University of California. Shell Seeker shows how his curiosity led him toward ever more ambitious research and discovery.
Shell Seeker: The Life, Work, and Adventures of a Blind Biologist by Suzanne Sherman is a story of resilience and a love for science. Geerat lost his sight at the age of three due to glaucoma. But instead of it being an impediment, this awakens in him a deeper way of exploring the world. This is reflected in the shells he collects as he grows up. He begins to find them on a beach in the Netherlands. Then, when he is nine, his family moves to New Jersey, and he starts attending a public school. There, he discovers that his teacher also likes shells because she decorates the classroom with specimens collected in Florida. But to his surprise, Geerat notices that the shells are different from the ones he knows and begins to analyze their patterns and shapes more closely. In this way, his path as a researcher begins.
Suzanne Sherman offers us a story with a wonderful setting. She describes details such as the scent of flowers and the sound of the ocean roaring, making the read more vivid and immersive. Her writing style shows Geerat's perspective from childhood to adulthood. Additionally, the vocabulary is rich, and the explanations include clear scientific information. Linda Olliver's illustrations are a great complementary feature because they are not only charming with their soft tones and different settings, but also show a wide variety of shells. The story is based on the life of Dr. Geerat Vermeij, a distinguished professor at the University of California. Shell Seeker shows how his curiosity led him toward ever more ambitious research and discovery.
Recommend this book:
Judy the Service Dog
Sallie Dawkins
2026 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Children - Non-Fiction
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Judy the Service Dog by Sallie Dawkins is a touching and informative children’s book that introduces young readers to service animals through a determined puppy named Judy. From her earliest days, Judy shows promise, and her path is set toward becoming a fully trained service dog. As she grows, the story follows her through the stages of specialized instruction, emphasizing not just the skills she learns but also the patience, discipline, and dedication required to fulfill such an important role. At the heart of the narrative is Judy’s partnership with Sallie, a military veteran whose life is transformed by Judy’s assistance. The book balances the emotional connection between handler and dog with clear, age-appropriate explanations of how service dogs are trained and what tasks they perform. By weaving these details into the storyline, Dawkins helps children understand the practical and emotional significance of these working animals in the lives of people with disabilities.
Sallie Dawkins also subtly educates readers about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and how it protects the rights of service dog teams. Without feeling like a formal lesson, the book naturally conveys respectful ways to interact with service animals in public spaces, reinforcing empathy and social awareness. This approach ensures that the educational aspects enhance the story rather than interrupt it. Judy the Service Dog works equally well for independent reading or as a shared experience with parents, teachers, or caregivers. It is a strong choice for school libraries and classroom discussions about disabilities, inclusion, and respect. Beyond its educational value, the story celebrates qualities such as loyalty, responsibility, and teamwork, encouraging children to think about how their actions can support others.
Judy the Service Dog by Sallie Dawkins is a touching and informative children’s book that introduces young readers to service animals through a determined puppy named Judy. From her earliest days, Judy shows promise, and her path is set toward becoming a fully trained service dog. As she grows, the story follows her through the stages of specialized instruction, emphasizing not just the skills she learns but also the patience, discipline, and dedication required to fulfill such an important role. At the heart of the narrative is Judy’s partnership with Sallie, a military veteran whose life is transformed by Judy’s assistance. The book balances the emotional connection between handler and dog with clear, age-appropriate explanations of how service dogs are trained and what tasks they perform. By weaving these details into the storyline, Dawkins helps children understand the practical and emotional significance of these working animals in the lives of people with disabilities.
Sallie Dawkins also subtly educates readers about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and how it protects the rights of service dog teams. Without feeling like a formal lesson, the book naturally conveys respectful ways to interact with service animals in public spaces, reinforcing empathy and social awareness. This approach ensures that the educational aspects enhance the story rather than interrupt it. Judy the Service Dog works equally well for independent reading or as a shared experience with parents, teachers, or caregivers. It is a strong choice for school libraries and classroom discussions about disabilities, inclusion, and respect. Beyond its educational value, the story celebrates qualities such as loyalty, responsibility, and teamwork, encouraging children to think about how their actions can support others.
Recommend this book:
The Light in You
A Heartwarming Journey of Affirmations
Eva Lin Douglass
2026 Bronze Medal
32 Pages
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Children - Non-Fiction
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
The Light in You: A Heartwarming Journey of Affirmations by Eva Lin Douglass is a children's picture book that serves as a guide to recognizing and connecting with the inner light present in every little reader. This light is described as a source of love and guidance that is there no matter what. The book shows that this lovely presence is steady through all life’s changes and gives children reassurance and a sense of belonging. Through affirmations, readers are encouraged to trust their own path, know their worth, and that within themselves they have what they need to overcome difficulties. The inner light is framed as a bridge linking us to others and to the wider world, giving us the space for self-awareness, personal affirmation, and connection with our surroundings.
The Light in You by Eva Lin Douglass is a breathtaking celebration of the inner spark that exists in everyone. This book is overflowing with joy and positivity, encouraging young readers to honor the love and light within themselves and share it with the world. The illustrations by Katie Rodgers are absolutely spectacular, and my daughter went back over and over again to look at them. They are just stunning in celestial tones against darker hues, and have a genuinely ethereal and luminous presence on the page. The words sing with gentle, uplifting messages about trusting your path, feeling your own worth, and embracing the light that never fades. Every line radiates warmth and wonder, making this book a treasure for children and adults alike. It is a luminous guide to living with love, hope, and boundless imagination.
The Light in You: A Heartwarming Journey of Affirmations by Eva Lin Douglass is a children's picture book that serves as a guide to recognizing and connecting with the inner light present in every little reader. This light is described as a source of love and guidance that is there no matter what. The book shows that this lovely presence is steady through all life’s changes and gives children reassurance and a sense of belonging. Through affirmations, readers are encouraged to trust their own path, know their worth, and that within themselves they have what they need to overcome difficulties. The inner light is framed as a bridge linking us to others and to the wider world, giving us the space for self-awareness, personal affirmation, and connection with our surroundings.
The Light in You by Eva Lin Douglass is a breathtaking celebration of the inner spark that exists in everyone. This book is overflowing with joy and positivity, encouraging young readers to honor the love and light within themselves and share it with the world. The illustrations by Katie Rodgers are absolutely spectacular, and my daughter went back over and over again to look at them. They are just stunning in celestial tones against darker hues, and have a genuinely ethereal and luminous presence on the page. The words sing with gentle, uplifting messages about trusting your path, feeling your own worth, and embracing the light that never fades. Every line radiates warmth and wonder, making this book a treasure for children and adults alike. It is a luminous guide to living with love, hope, and boundless imagination.
Recommend this book:
What Happens After?
Diane Namm
2026 Silver Medal
26 Pages
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Children - Non-Fiction
Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite
Losing someone is never easy. What Happens After? by Diane Namm is a compassionate picture book that gently helps children process grief and offers answers to the question posed in its title. Each page shows how a person grieves, but in a way that children can understand. It also explains in a kid-friendly way that it’s okay to feel the emotions they are experiencing, even if those emotions are sadness and anger. It provides a reassuring guide to help them through their feelings and find comfort in their memories. It also encourages readers to notice small signs of remembrance in the world, like when there’s a rainbow in the sky or when they’re telling a story about their loved one. This is a heartfelt story about holding those who are gone in our hearts forever.
What Happens After? is a caring book that will help children grieve. As an educator, I commend Diane Namm for writing a story that explains in a developmentally appropriate way some aspects of what happens when someone passes. I think sometimes adults forget that although children tend to be resilient, they still feel deeply sad when they lose a loved one, and that sadness may stay with them for a while. It’s exactly the kind of book that helps children make sense of their feelings and cope with overwhelming sadness. I have two favorite aspects of this book. The first is that there’s a strong focus on pictures. The illustrator, Laura Jäger, did a fantastic job of encapsulating the message of the story with her beautiful artwork. I think looking at photos of loved ones is such an important and easy way for children to honor someone they’ve lost. The second is the mention of a butterfly. I’ve always personally thought, “Whisper ‘I love you’ to a butterfly and they will fly up to Heaven to deliver your message.” This book is perfect for home, school, or a counselor’s office. So, although losing someone is hard, this book will help in the recovery process.
Losing someone is never easy. What Happens After? by Diane Namm is a compassionate picture book that gently helps children process grief and offers answers to the question posed in its title. Each page shows how a person grieves, but in a way that children can understand. It also explains in a kid-friendly way that it’s okay to feel the emotions they are experiencing, even if those emotions are sadness and anger. It provides a reassuring guide to help them through their feelings and find comfort in their memories. It also encourages readers to notice small signs of remembrance in the world, like when there’s a rainbow in the sky or when they’re telling a story about their loved one. This is a heartfelt story about holding those who are gone in our hearts forever.
What Happens After? is a caring book that will help children grieve. As an educator, I commend Diane Namm for writing a story that explains in a developmentally appropriate way some aspects of what happens when someone passes. I think sometimes adults forget that although children tend to be resilient, they still feel deeply sad when they lose a loved one, and that sadness may stay with them for a while. It’s exactly the kind of book that helps children make sense of their feelings and cope with overwhelming sadness. I have two favorite aspects of this book. The first is that there’s a strong focus on pictures. The illustrator, Laura Jäger, did a fantastic job of encapsulating the message of the story with her beautiful artwork. I think looking at photos of loved ones is such an important and easy way for children to honor someone they’ve lost. The second is the mention of a butterfly. I’ve always personally thought, “Whisper ‘I love you’ to a butterfly and they will fly up to Heaven to deliver your message.” This book is perfect for home, school, or a counselor’s office. So, although losing someone is hard, this book will help in the recovery process.
Recommend this book:
So You Want To Be A Doctor
A Kids' Guide to Medicine, Human Anatomy, Hospital Life, and the Caring Professionals Who Help People Heal
Linda Soules
2026 Gold Medal
38 Pages
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Children - Non-Fiction
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
A doctor's job is akin to that of a detective. Doctors offer solutions to problems that afflict the human body. Linda Soules' So You Want to Be a Doctor sheds light on one of the world's most prestigious and important professions. In this book, young readers will discover what it takes to be a doctor. Doctors work across a wide range of specialities, including medicine, pediatrics, oncology, and many more. This book takes readers through a doctor's career, showing how they work and the tools they use for diagnosis and analysis. Doctors have to make serious decisions under pressure, sometimes even without having all the information. Walk through the daily life of a doctor and learn how they serve their community and society as a whole.
So You Want to Be a Doctor is for all young aspirants who want to pursue a career in medicine and help people stay healthy. Linda Soules has written a series of books on careers for young people. And this book is about a career that has an impact on almost everyone's day-to-day lives. The accessible writing style will appeal to preteens and young teenagers alike. The author makes sure that each topic is explained in detail, ensuring that readers understand all the fundamental aspects of being a doctor. The lively illustrations also complement the narrative perfectly. This is one of the best career guides for children that I've ever read. I found it very informative and motivational. It's also concisely written, authentic, and illuminating. Highly recommended.
A doctor's job is akin to that of a detective. Doctors offer solutions to problems that afflict the human body. Linda Soules' So You Want to Be a Doctor sheds light on one of the world's most prestigious and important professions. In this book, young readers will discover what it takes to be a doctor. Doctors work across a wide range of specialities, including medicine, pediatrics, oncology, and many more. This book takes readers through a doctor's career, showing how they work and the tools they use for diagnosis and analysis. Doctors have to make serious decisions under pressure, sometimes even without having all the information. Walk through the daily life of a doctor and learn how they serve their community and society as a whole.
So You Want to Be a Doctor is for all young aspirants who want to pursue a career in medicine and help people stay healthy. Linda Soules has written a series of books on careers for young people. And this book is about a career that has an impact on almost everyone's day-to-day lives. The accessible writing style will appeal to preteens and young teenagers alike. The author makes sure that each topic is explained in detail, ensuring that readers understand all the fundamental aspects of being a doctor. The lively illustrations also complement the narrative perfectly. This is one of the best career guides for children that I've ever read. I found it very informative and motivational. It's also concisely written, authentic, and illuminating. Highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Alexander Hamilton's Wish for Battlefield Glory
C. Behrens
2025 Finalist
26 Pages
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Children - Non-Fiction
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Alexander Hamilton's Wish for Battlefield Glory by C. Behrens follows his relentless pursuit of glory, beginning with his childhood desire to prove himself through war. Raised in obscurity on St. Croix, Hamilton seizes an opportunity to study in the American colonies after writing a powerful account of a hurricane. Once in New York, he becomes immersed in revolutionary fervor, joining the fight for independence. His bravery during a daring cannon raid earns him recognition, but he yearns for battlefield command. Despite his talents as George Washington’s trusted aide, he repeatedly pushes for combat leadership. Finally, at Yorktown, he leads a crucial assault on Redoubt 10, securing an American victory. However, history remembers him not for war, but for shaping the nation’s financial and governmental foundations. His rise from an ambitious orphan to a key Founding Father culminates in a fatal duel with Aaron Burr, cutting short the life of the man who built America’s economic future.
C. Behrens' Alexander Hamilton's Wish for Battlefield Glory, illustrated by Bryan Werts, is a comprehensive look into the life of one of America's most complicated Founding Fathers. The writing is fluid and accessible for middle-grade readers as Behrens draws us into Hamilton’s intense desire for glory and his evolution from a brash young man to a critical player in building the nation. Werts' illustrations in the traditional comic strip style are particularly striking, utilizing beautiful muted primary colors that complement the historical context and mood of the story. The images bring the action and emotions of Hamilton’s life to the forefront and enhance the story. While the focus on Hamilton’s battlefield ambitions is excellent, I found the highlights of his intellectual prowess to be one of the book's greatest assets. Overall, this is an insightful and visually textured account of Hamilton’s journey, perfect for young readers and history enthusiasts alike.
Alexander Hamilton's Wish for Battlefield Glory by C. Behrens follows his relentless pursuit of glory, beginning with his childhood desire to prove himself through war. Raised in obscurity on St. Croix, Hamilton seizes an opportunity to study in the American colonies after writing a powerful account of a hurricane. Once in New York, he becomes immersed in revolutionary fervor, joining the fight for independence. His bravery during a daring cannon raid earns him recognition, but he yearns for battlefield command. Despite his talents as George Washington’s trusted aide, he repeatedly pushes for combat leadership. Finally, at Yorktown, he leads a crucial assault on Redoubt 10, securing an American victory. However, history remembers him not for war, but for shaping the nation’s financial and governmental foundations. His rise from an ambitious orphan to a key Founding Father culminates in a fatal duel with Aaron Burr, cutting short the life of the man who built America’s economic future.
C. Behrens' Alexander Hamilton's Wish for Battlefield Glory, illustrated by Bryan Werts, is a comprehensive look into the life of one of America's most complicated Founding Fathers. The writing is fluid and accessible for middle-grade readers as Behrens draws us into Hamilton’s intense desire for glory and his evolution from a brash young man to a critical player in building the nation. Werts' illustrations in the traditional comic strip style are particularly striking, utilizing beautiful muted primary colors that complement the historical context and mood of the story. The images bring the action and emotions of Hamilton’s life to the forefront and enhance the story. While the focus on Hamilton’s battlefield ambitions is excellent, I found the highlights of his intellectual prowess to be one of the book's greatest assets. Overall, this is an insightful and visually textured account of Hamilton’s journey, perfect for young readers and history enthusiasts alike.
Recommend this book:
My Backyard Bird Book
Fun Facts & Surprising Secrets
Cheryl Johnson
2025 Honorable Mention
56 Pages
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Children - Non-Fiction
Reviewed by Nino Lobiladze for Readers' Favorite
My Backyard Bird Book by Cheryl Johnson is an educational book for four-to-eleven-year-old readers and bird lovers of any age. Birds are all around us, no matter where we live, in the cities or the countryside. This book is dedicated to North American birds. It helps us recognize our favorite species and learn about their habitats, diets, and behaviors. The author explains what a food chain is, why it is important, why some species are called invasive, and what harm they can bring to the native ones. Some birds eat insects and fruits instead of seeds. How can we make our backyards inviting for them? What tools do we need to watch the birds, and how can we stay invisible to them? How do we prepare nectar and suet for our feathered guests?
In My Backyard Bird Book, Cheryl Johnson gives aspiring young birders all the necessary information for bird-watching. The book has bright illustrations of American Goldfinches, Northern Cardinals, Blue Jays, Baltimore Orioles, and many other fascinating birds. Cheryl's vivid photos allow us to find the differences between the plumage of male and female birds of the same species, like in the case of House Sparrows or House Finches. The author shares fun facts about our feathered friends that may surprise adult readers, like the factors affecting the color of some birds' feathers. Cheryl offers the scientific data in a reader-friendly manner. The author encourages children to be responsible for the health of the birds visiting their backyards. This flawlessly edited book motivates young readers to spend more time outside and become attentive to the surrounding natural wonders.
My Backyard Bird Book by Cheryl Johnson is an educational book for four-to-eleven-year-old readers and bird lovers of any age. Birds are all around us, no matter where we live, in the cities or the countryside. This book is dedicated to North American birds. It helps us recognize our favorite species and learn about their habitats, diets, and behaviors. The author explains what a food chain is, why it is important, why some species are called invasive, and what harm they can bring to the native ones. Some birds eat insects and fruits instead of seeds. How can we make our backyards inviting for them? What tools do we need to watch the birds, and how can we stay invisible to them? How do we prepare nectar and suet for our feathered guests?
In My Backyard Bird Book, Cheryl Johnson gives aspiring young birders all the necessary information for bird-watching. The book has bright illustrations of American Goldfinches, Northern Cardinals, Blue Jays, Baltimore Orioles, and many other fascinating birds. Cheryl's vivid photos allow us to find the differences between the plumage of male and female birds of the same species, like in the case of House Sparrows or House Finches. The author shares fun facts about our feathered friends that may surprise adult readers, like the factors affecting the color of some birds' feathers. Cheryl offers the scientific data in a reader-friendly manner. The author encourages children to be responsible for the health of the birds visiting their backyards. This flawlessly edited book motivates young readers to spend more time outside and become attentive to the surrounding natural wonders.
Recommend this book:
Catching Waves
A Board, a Pig, and How a Little Girl Became a Wakesurf Champion
Dawn Marie Hooks
2025 Bronze Medal
33 Pages
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Children - Non-Fiction
Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite
Catching Waves by Dawn Marie Hooks is an inspiring story about Raleigh Hager, a girl who became the youngest professional wakesurfing champion in the world. After a family trip to the beach, Raleigh was captivated by the waves and determined to ride them. However, living in central Texas, far from the coast, posed a challenge. Undeterred, Raleigh began practicing on a nearby lake, where she learned to ride the waves created by speedboats and honed her wakesurfing skills. Her participation in competitions fueled her motivation, and her victories encouraged her to push even further. Ultimately, her hard work paid off, and she achieved her dream of becoming the youngest professional wakesurf champion, earning a promised pet pig from her parents as a reward for her accomplishments.
Catching Waves is based on real events and aims to inspire young readers to dream big and persevere. It emphasizes the importance of practice and determination when facing challenges, illustrating that hard work can lead to extraordinary achievements. The narrative is engaging, featuring vivid descriptions of characters and settings. Dawn Marie Hooks uses simple language that is easy for children to understand, with bold words that capture the reader's attention. The book includes a glossary of wakesurfing terms, providing an educational element for readers interested in the sport. Colorful illustrations by the author beautifully depict Raleigh's journey, with a consistent blue theme that reflects the water, giving the book a calming and inviting feel. Overall, Catching Waves is an inspiring tale of ambition and resilience that also serves as an educational resource, making it perfect for young adventurers dreaming of conquering their own waves.
Catching Waves by Dawn Marie Hooks is an inspiring story about Raleigh Hager, a girl who became the youngest professional wakesurfing champion in the world. After a family trip to the beach, Raleigh was captivated by the waves and determined to ride them. However, living in central Texas, far from the coast, posed a challenge. Undeterred, Raleigh began practicing on a nearby lake, where she learned to ride the waves created by speedboats and honed her wakesurfing skills. Her participation in competitions fueled her motivation, and her victories encouraged her to push even further. Ultimately, her hard work paid off, and she achieved her dream of becoming the youngest professional wakesurf champion, earning a promised pet pig from her parents as a reward for her accomplishments.
Catching Waves is based on real events and aims to inspire young readers to dream big and persevere. It emphasizes the importance of practice and determination when facing challenges, illustrating that hard work can lead to extraordinary achievements. The narrative is engaging, featuring vivid descriptions of characters and settings. Dawn Marie Hooks uses simple language that is easy for children to understand, with bold words that capture the reader's attention. The book includes a glossary of wakesurfing terms, providing an educational element for readers interested in the sport. Colorful illustrations by the author beautifully depict Raleigh's journey, with a consistent blue theme that reflects the water, giving the book a calming and inviting feel. Overall, Catching Waves is an inspiring tale of ambition and resilience that also serves as an educational resource, making it perfect for young adventurers dreaming of conquering their own waves.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/anesa-no-skola-today&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61FCl+7shiL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=Anesa Kajtazovic tells the true story of her and her family's escape to freedom during the Bosnian War with this engrossing picture book. Anesa, No Skola Today follows seven-year-old Anesa, a happy child delighted with the gift of a cute puppy from her "Tata" on her recent birthday. She names the pup Bobi and loves to share stories about him with h...){kind=link}
Anesa, No Skola Today
A Child's True Story of Escaping War in Bosnia
Anesa Kajtazovic
2025 Silver Medal
47 Pages
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Children - Non-Fiction
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Anesa Kajtazovic tells the true story of her and her family's escape to freedom during the Bosnian War with this engrossing picture book. Anesa, No Skola Today follows seven-year-old Anesa, a happy child delighted with the gift of a cute puppy from her "Tata" on her recent birthday. She names the pup Bobi and loves to share stories about him with her school friends. But Anesa's life turns upside down the day war comes to their very neighborhood. She is forced to leave her home with her mother and a few valuable things, leaving Bobi behind with her grandparents. Meanwhile, Tata is nowhere to be seen since he went to fight the enemy. Will Anesa and her mother reunite with Tata? Can they find sanctuary?
A poignant story about war, family, and love, Anesa, No Skola Today, shows the impact of war on innocent children who are forced to grow up way ahead of time. Anesa Kajtazovic shares her experiences during the Bosnian War with this moving tale that illustrates the resilient spirit of humanity and the power of hope amid adversity. Narrating the story through the perspective of a child was a masterstroke. The author flawlessly captures the feelings and emotions of a child whose family has been torn apart by events she struggles to comprehend. It's an absorbing narrative that ensures you don't want to put the book down before finishing the story. I highly recommend parents read this book with their children so that young readers find it easier to grasp the implications of war and tragedy.
Anesa Kajtazovic tells the true story of her and her family's escape to freedom during the Bosnian War with this engrossing picture book. Anesa, No Skola Today follows seven-year-old Anesa, a happy child delighted with the gift of a cute puppy from her "Tata" on her recent birthday. She names the pup Bobi and loves to share stories about him with her school friends. But Anesa's life turns upside down the day war comes to their very neighborhood. She is forced to leave her home with her mother and a few valuable things, leaving Bobi behind with her grandparents. Meanwhile, Tata is nowhere to be seen since he went to fight the enemy. Will Anesa and her mother reunite with Tata? Can they find sanctuary?
A poignant story about war, family, and love, Anesa, No Skola Today, shows the impact of war on innocent children who are forced to grow up way ahead of time. Anesa Kajtazovic shares her experiences during the Bosnian War with this moving tale that illustrates the resilient spirit of humanity and the power of hope amid adversity. Narrating the story through the perspective of a child was a masterstroke. The author flawlessly captures the feelings and emotions of a child whose family has been torn apart by events she struggles to comprehend. It's an absorbing narrative that ensures you don't want to put the book down before finishing the story. I highly recommend parents read this book with their children so that young readers find it easier to grasp the implications of war and tragedy.
Recommend this book:
I'll Be Your Friend Forever
A Heartfelt Message From Across the Rainbow Bridge
Amulya Veldanda Vadali
2025 Gold Medal
44 Pages
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Children - Non-Fiction
Reviewed by Bernadette Longu for Readers' Favorite
I’ll Be Your Friend Forever by Amulya Veldanda Vadali is 'A Heartfelt Message From Across the Rainbow Bridge.' The author has taken a sensitive subject and written a poem that is a delightful journey for a young reader to commemorate the loss of their pet and to remember the good times they had together. The author has written the poem in such a way that it flows through the drawings that enhance the joy and sorrow the child feels and does not minimize their feelings of love for their pet. As adults, we are inclined to dismiss the emotions of children, thinking that they will just get over it, but in reality, they feel the pain of loss just as much as we do. The author suggests that pets go to a place where they can run and play again without pain and have fun with other pets that have gone before them. This story is delightful and made me realize that I was not alone in thinking that there is a pet heaven.
The illustrations by Julia Moroko are beautiful and spark the young reader's imagination. The images have been done so lovingly that they bring the poem to life in the most wonderful way, making children feel that their pets will still protect them even if they are not there physically anymore. I really enjoyed reading this book and poring over the drawings with my grandson. The activities at the end of the book are delightful. Thank you for writing I’ll Be Your Friend Forever, Amulya Veldanda Vadali. It will help many young readers with the grieving process and in accepting and understanding what happens when a family pet dies.
I’ll Be Your Friend Forever by Amulya Veldanda Vadali is 'A Heartfelt Message From Across the Rainbow Bridge.' The author has taken a sensitive subject and written a poem that is a delightful journey for a young reader to commemorate the loss of their pet and to remember the good times they had together. The author has written the poem in such a way that it flows through the drawings that enhance the joy and sorrow the child feels and does not minimize their feelings of love for their pet. As adults, we are inclined to dismiss the emotions of children, thinking that they will just get over it, but in reality, they feel the pain of loss just as much as we do. The author suggests that pets go to a place where they can run and play again without pain and have fun with other pets that have gone before them. This story is delightful and made me realize that I was not alone in thinking that there is a pet heaven.
The illustrations by Julia Moroko are beautiful and spark the young reader's imagination. The images have been done so lovingly that they bring the poem to life in the most wonderful way, making children feel that their pets will still protect them even if they are not there physically anymore. I really enjoyed reading this book and poring over the drawings with my grandson. The activities at the end of the book are delightful. Thank you for writing I’ll Be Your Friend Forever, Amulya Veldanda Vadali. It will help many young readers with the grieving process and in accepting and understanding what happens when a family pet dies.
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