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LML-BAD Girls of Montgomery
Linda J Holloway
2024 Finalist
72 Pages
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Children - Social Issues
Reviewed by Philip Van Heusen for Readers' Favorite
Linda J Holloway has given us another hit with LML-BAD Girls of Montgomery, the story of the women who played important roles in the Montgomery Boycott and helped change the Civil Rights Movement forever. This story follows Little Miss Linda (LML) on her school trip to Montgomery, AL, and her learning project that followed. The term BAD Girls of Montgomery refers to the women connected with the Civil Rights movement who were Bold and Determined (BAD). Your child will be excited to learn about all the places LML visited on her school trip and then learn about the seven women who are nothing less than inspiring. Most people know who Rosa Parks was, but do you know about Mary Fair Burks, Aurelia Browder, or the other four women discussed in this book? Hopefully, this book will inspire your child to work for the continuation of the spirit of the Civil Rights movement.
LML-BAD Girls of Montgomery by Linda J. Holloway is well-written for elementary school children and the illustrations will keep their attention. She shares her excitement about famous women of color and inspires children to learn all they can about the Civil Rights Movement so they can keep it going. I found this book interesting because it explores what things were like during the Civil Rights Movement. Even the town that Linda grew up in was founded by two freed slaves and is the oldest African-American municipality in America. I have two cousins who were very active Freedom Riders in the fight for equality. I believe they would highly recommend this book. In a world where people of color are beginning to be recognized for their contributions to the development of society, this book will open the door to learning more about the acceptance of everyone.
Linda J Holloway has given us another hit with LML-BAD Girls of Montgomery, the story of the women who played important roles in the Montgomery Boycott and helped change the Civil Rights Movement forever. This story follows Little Miss Linda (LML) on her school trip to Montgomery, AL, and her learning project that followed. The term BAD Girls of Montgomery refers to the women connected with the Civil Rights movement who were Bold and Determined (BAD). Your child will be excited to learn about all the places LML visited on her school trip and then learn about the seven women who are nothing less than inspiring. Most people know who Rosa Parks was, but do you know about Mary Fair Burks, Aurelia Browder, or the other four women discussed in this book? Hopefully, this book will inspire your child to work for the continuation of the spirit of the Civil Rights movement.
LML-BAD Girls of Montgomery by Linda J. Holloway is well-written for elementary school children and the illustrations will keep their attention. She shares her excitement about famous women of color and inspires children to learn all they can about the Civil Rights Movement so they can keep it going. I found this book interesting because it explores what things were like during the Civil Rights Movement. Even the town that Linda grew up in was founded by two freed slaves and is the oldest African-American municipality in America. I have two cousins who were very active Freedom Riders in the fight for equality. I believe they would highly recommend this book. In a world where people of color are beginning to be recognized for their contributions to the development of society, this book will open the door to learning more about the acceptance of everyone.
Recommend this book:
Grandma's Lost Treasure
How Kintsugi Turns Brokenness into Beauty
David Huerta
2024 Bronze Medal
32 Pages
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Children - Social Issues
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Grandma's Lost Treasure is a children's picture book by David Huerta. Kin and Sugi are two siblings living on their grandmother's farm in the small mountain town of Daigo. While going through her attic, they stumble upon a mysterious box full of old dishes that had been gathering dust for years. Upon seeing the broken dishes, Kin and Sugi decide to restore them to their former glory. They gather natural sap from the nearby Urushi tree and mix it with rice powder to make a fine golden paste, which they use to mend the old dishes. Soon, they begin to see the change and marvel at how the imperfections brought life to the dishes and made them even more beautiful, all thanks to the Japanese art of Kintsugi.
Author David Huerta infuses his love for Japanese culture and arts into this delightful children's tale that tugs at your heartstrings in the most unexpected ways. Grandma's Lost Treasure is not just a fun read but also imparts a valuable lesson to readers. There is beauty to be found in imperfections or things that seem broken if only we know how to look for it. Apart from the engaging story, the meticulously detailed illustrations keep your eyes glued to the pages. Every character brings something of its own to the narrative, and despite this being a short story, Huerta manages to make them feel distinct with personalities of their own. I was not previously aware of Kintsugi, and this picture book has made me even more interested in this art form and Japanese culture in general. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and highly recommend it to kids and adults alike.
Grandma's Lost Treasure is a children's picture book by David Huerta. Kin and Sugi are two siblings living on their grandmother's farm in the small mountain town of Daigo. While going through her attic, they stumble upon a mysterious box full of old dishes that had been gathering dust for years. Upon seeing the broken dishes, Kin and Sugi decide to restore them to their former glory. They gather natural sap from the nearby Urushi tree and mix it with rice powder to make a fine golden paste, which they use to mend the old dishes. Soon, they begin to see the change and marvel at how the imperfections brought life to the dishes and made them even more beautiful, all thanks to the Japanese art of Kintsugi.
Author David Huerta infuses his love for Japanese culture and arts into this delightful children's tale that tugs at your heartstrings in the most unexpected ways. Grandma's Lost Treasure is not just a fun read but also imparts a valuable lesson to readers. There is beauty to be found in imperfections or things that seem broken if only we know how to look for it. Apart from the engaging story, the meticulously detailed illustrations keep your eyes glued to the pages. Every character brings something of its own to the narrative, and despite this being a short story, Huerta manages to make them feel distinct with personalities of their own. I was not previously aware of Kintsugi, and this picture book has made me even more interested in this art form and Japanese culture in general. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and highly recommend it to kids and adults alike.
Recommend this book:
Maggie the Military Rat
Monica Voicu Denniston
2024 Silver Medal
40 Pages
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Children - Social Issues
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Engage yourselves in a tale of adventure and patriotism with Maggie the Military Rat by Monica Voicu Denniston. Illustrated by Elia Velasquez Murray, this delightful children's picture book follows the story of Maggie P. Worthington, a little rat living on a military base. Maggie always wanted to serve in the military and did her part by keeping her quarters clean and practicing marching every day. But when she went to the recruitment office, she was sent back for being too short. Disappointed, Maggie decides to serve in the kitchens, only for the chef to kick her out. She finally tries sending the troops letters, but even the postmaster can't read her small handwriting. Maggie was about to give up when she finally saw an opportunity to serve the troops. Will she take it?
Monica Voicu Denniston tells a heartwarming tale with a gentle message about chasing one's dreams. Maggie the Military Rat is about adventure, friendship, and the willingness to serve one's country in their own way. With some catchy rhyming dialogue, humor, and a spunky protagonist, Denniston delivers an entertaining children's book that kids are bound to love. Maggie is full of life and never lets anything or anyone discourage her from chasing the dream of serving her country. This makes her someone who is very easy to root for. Additionally, Elia Velasquez Murray's colorful illustrations bring the character to life and complement Denniston's writing perfectly. The book is short, concise, and an absolute joy to read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it to children under the age of ten.
Engage yourselves in a tale of adventure and patriotism with Maggie the Military Rat by Monica Voicu Denniston. Illustrated by Elia Velasquez Murray, this delightful children's picture book follows the story of Maggie P. Worthington, a little rat living on a military base. Maggie always wanted to serve in the military and did her part by keeping her quarters clean and practicing marching every day. But when she went to the recruitment office, she was sent back for being too short. Disappointed, Maggie decides to serve in the kitchens, only for the chef to kick her out. She finally tries sending the troops letters, but even the postmaster can't read her small handwriting. Maggie was about to give up when she finally saw an opportunity to serve the troops. Will she take it?
Monica Voicu Denniston tells a heartwarming tale with a gentle message about chasing one's dreams. Maggie the Military Rat is about adventure, friendship, and the willingness to serve one's country in their own way. With some catchy rhyming dialogue, humor, and a spunky protagonist, Denniston delivers an entertaining children's book that kids are bound to love. Maggie is full of life and never lets anything or anyone discourage her from chasing the dream of serving her country. This makes her someone who is very easy to root for. Additionally, Elia Velasquez Murray's colorful illustrations bring the character to life and complement Denniston's writing perfectly. The book is short, concise, and an absolute joy to read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it to children under the age of ten.
Recommend this book:
The Love Knot
An Empowering Children's Book to Work Through Thoughts And Feelings
Vassi Rombis
2024 Gold Medal
39 Pages
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Children - Social Issues
Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite
The Love Knot is a heartwarming children's picture book written by Vassi Rombis and illustrated by Pei Jen. The story follows Ollie, an otter who's very anxious after learning that he has to change his sleeping spot as he's grown up and can no longer sleep with his mother. Now, he has to sleep with the other boys, which overwhelms him. However, his cousins - Clementine, Nico, and Ophelia - try to cheer him up with his favorite activities and breathing exercises to help him relax. Despite their efforts, he's still scared of letting go of the other boys' paws when sleeping and floating away into the big ocean. Ollie's mother shares her own story with him and introduces a magical tool called The Love Knot. This helps Ollie feel more confident and ready to face his fears.
The Love Knot is a valuable resource for parents and educators who want to help young children navigate their emotions. It encourages children to acknowledge and manage their feelings healthily by providing a friendly approach to understanding and working through anxiety. Vassi Rombis uses simple words to narrate the story, making it easy for readers to follow and understand. The inclusion of fun facts about otters adds an educational element while accompanying exercises provide a practical way to relax and get rid of anxiety. This unique blend of entertainment and self-care makes the story a delightful and enriching experience for readers of all ages. Additionally, the colorful illustrations with warm tones fit perfectly with the book's message. I enjoyed this book and think it is a must-read for families and anyone looking for a story to help youngsters manage feelings of uncertainty and anxiety.
The Love Knot is a heartwarming children's picture book written by Vassi Rombis and illustrated by Pei Jen. The story follows Ollie, an otter who's very anxious after learning that he has to change his sleeping spot as he's grown up and can no longer sleep with his mother. Now, he has to sleep with the other boys, which overwhelms him. However, his cousins - Clementine, Nico, and Ophelia - try to cheer him up with his favorite activities and breathing exercises to help him relax. Despite their efforts, he's still scared of letting go of the other boys' paws when sleeping and floating away into the big ocean. Ollie's mother shares her own story with him and introduces a magical tool called The Love Knot. This helps Ollie feel more confident and ready to face his fears.
The Love Knot is a valuable resource for parents and educators who want to help young children navigate their emotions. It encourages children to acknowledge and manage their feelings healthily by providing a friendly approach to understanding and working through anxiety. Vassi Rombis uses simple words to narrate the story, making it easy for readers to follow and understand. The inclusion of fun facts about otters adds an educational element while accompanying exercises provide a practical way to relax and get rid of anxiety. This unique blend of entertainment and self-care makes the story a delightful and enriching experience for readers of all ages. Additionally, the colorful illustrations with warm tones fit perfectly with the book's message. I enjoyed this book and think it is a must-read for families and anyone looking for a story to help youngsters manage feelings of uncertainty and anxiety.
Recommend this book:
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle with Liam, the Smart Rabbit
Azaliya Schulz
2023 Finalist
32 Pages
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Children - Social Issues
Reviewed by Ann Linus for Readers' Favorite
Liam, a young rabbit, lives in the deep wood and cultivates his land diligently. Then, one night, a box tumbles out of a truck passing by the woods onto Liam’s veggie farm. The contents of the box are plastic wrappers. They’re so bright and colorful but equally dangerous because they are pollutants, so his mom says. Liam goes about asking other animals about plastic pollution. How can dolls, balloons, and cups possibly be harmful? In Reduce, Reuse, Recycle with Liam, the Smart Rabbit by Azaliya Schulz, you’ll learn about the effects of plastic, impressive alternatives to plastic items, and how to conserve plastic properly. “Plastic is in so many things; it’s quite scary.”
Azaliya Schulz’s Reduce, Reuse, Recycle with Liam, the Smart Rabbit is a lovely educational children’s book on plastic pollution. Its colorful illustrations make it outstanding and more relatable, and its unique subject matter makes for an engaging read. It uses a conversational narrative with rhyming verses, which I think is very creative. I liked Schulz’s choice of simple words and use of everyday objects to explain plastic pollution; it made me aware of all the little things I had previously overlooked. Another thing I liked about this short story is that so many animal characters are used to convey crucial information. There is much to learn; I believe children will like it, so I recommend it.
Liam, a young rabbit, lives in the deep wood and cultivates his land diligently. Then, one night, a box tumbles out of a truck passing by the woods onto Liam’s veggie farm. The contents of the box are plastic wrappers. They’re so bright and colorful but equally dangerous because they are pollutants, so his mom says. Liam goes about asking other animals about plastic pollution. How can dolls, balloons, and cups possibly be harmful? In Reduce, Reuse, Recycle with Liam, the Smart Rabbit by Azaliya Schulz, you’ll learn about the effects of plastic, impressive alternatives to plastic items, and how to conserve plastic properly. “Plastic is in so many things; it’s quite scary.”
Azaliya Schulz’s Reduce, Reuse, Recycle with Liam, the Smart Rabbit is a lovely educational children’s book on plastic pollution. Its colorful illustrations make it outstanding and more relatable, and its unique subject matter makes for an engaging read. It uses a conversational narrative with rhyming verses, which I think is very creative. I liked Schulz’s choice of simple words and use of everyday objects to explain plastic pollution; it made me aware of all the little things I had previously overlooked. Another thing I liked about this short story is that so many animal characters are used to convey crucial information. There is much to learn; I believe children will like it, so I recommend it.
Recommend this book:
Loving the YOU That You Are
Kristin Blomberg, Saoirse Lou
2023 Honorable Mention
42 Pages
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Children - Social Issues
Reviewed by Amy Raines for Readers' Favorite
Loving the You That You Are by Kristin Blomberg features relatable parents who wonder what life choices their children will make and how their children will react to the world. The parents convey their love for their children by being accepting, encouraging, and understanding. When a child is small, it is hard to tell what the future will hold. It is extremely important to nurture their ideals, ambitions, and choices, so they know that their parents will always love and support everything about them and their personality. The child’s choice of being identified by their preferred gender, the clothes they wear, and how they choose to show love does not change the way that their parents feel about them.
I loved how this story projects such an accepting and understanding view of children’s choices. I find it amazing that the author decided to write a story that shows how much love she has for her children regardless of the choices they make for themselves. Children can benefit from reading this book and learning that loving themselves for who they are is the most important thing they can do. The illustrations by Saoirse Lou are beautiful images that the reader can easily enjoy while following the story and the different life scenarios. I recommend Loving the You That You Are by Kristin Blomberg to anyone with small children that are at an age where they are ready to start discovering who they are.
Loving the You That You Are by Kristin Blomberg features relatable parents who wonder what life choices their children will make and how their children will react to the world. The parents convey their love for their children by being accepting, encouraging, and understanding. When a child is small, it is hard to tell what the future will hold. It is extremely important to nurture their ideals, ambitions, and choices, so they know that their parents will always love and support everything about them and their personality. The child’s choice of being identified by their preferred gender, the clothes they wear, and how they choose to show love does not change the way that their parents feel about them.
I loved how this story projects such an accepting and understanding view of children’s choices. I find it amazing that the author decided to write a story that shows how much love she has for her children regardless of the choices they make for themselves. Children can benefit from reading this book and learning that loving themselves for who they are is the most important thing they can do. The illustrations by Saoirse Lou are beautiful images that the reader can easily enjoy while following the story and the different life scenarios. I recommend Loving the You That You Are by Kristin Blomberg to anyone with small children that are at an age where they are ready to start discovering who they are.
Recommend this book:
Dogfish, Just be YOU!
Rita Reed
2023 Bronze Medal
38 Pages
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Children - Social Issues
Reviewed by Kristine Zimmerman for Readers' Favorite
Dogfish Just Be You! by Rita Reed celebrates individuality. Dogfish is enjoying his time in the ocean off the coast of California when he hears the songs of humpback whales. He asks if he can join them in their journey northward. Dogfish is hoping to see the northern lights. As he swims with the whales, they meet more marine mammals. Each animal has a unique talent or trait that makes Dogfish wish to be more like them, but then he reminds himself that he is exceptional. Dogfish has a special talent that is handy as they near the north pole. How will Dogfish use his particular skill? Will Dogfish get to see the Aurora Borealis?
Rita Reed has added another delightful tale to her Dogfish series. Dogfish Just Be You! will encourage kids to recognize that everyone, including them, is perfect. The world would be a boring place if we were all the same. Kids will love seeing all the aquatic mammals that inhabit the northern oceans, especially the unicorn of the sea, the narwhal! Reed does a superb job showing kids that acknowledging others' talents doesn't diminish their gifts. That's what makes the world a wonderfully diverse place. Craig Cartwright's illustrations are colorful and full of movement and wonder. Dogfish's expressive face and spotted star-like sea tail are especially distinctive. The northern lights are magical. It will delight ocean lovers everywhere while reinforcing the message that we all have worth.
Dogfish Just Be You! by Rita Reed celebrates individuality. Dogfish is enjoying his time in the ocean off the coast of California when he hears the songs of humpback whales. He asks if he can join them in their journey northward. Dogfish is hoping to see the northern lights. As he swims with the whales, they meet more marine mammals. Each animal has a unique talent or trait that makes Dogfish wish to be more like them, but then he reminds himself that he is exceptional. Dogfish has a special talent that is handy as they near the north pole. How will Dogfish use his particular skill? Will Dogfish get to see the Aurora Borealis?
Rita Reed has added another delightful tale to her Dogfish series. Dogfish Just Be You! will encourage kids to recognize that everyone, including them, is perfect. The world would be a boring place if we were all the same. Kids will love seeing all the aquatic mammals that inhabit the northern oceans, especially the unicorn of the sea, the narwhal! Reed does a superb job showing kids that acknowledging others' talents doesn't diminish their gifts. That's what makes the world a wonderfully diverse place. Craig Cartwright's illustrations are colorful and full of movement and wonder. Dogfish's expressive face and spotted star-like sea tail are especially distinctive. The northern lights are magical. It will delight ocean lovers everywhere while reinforcing the message that we all have worth.
Recommend this book:
The Clumsy Chicken
A funny heartwarming tale for children 3-5
Sue Elias, Remesh Ram
2023 Silver Medal
35 Pages
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Children - Social Issues
Reviewed by Christine Nguyen for Readers' Favorite
The Clumsy Chicken by Sue Elias is a charming children’s book about a red fluffy chicken named Chickie who is sweet, but clumsy. All her animal friends at the cozy barn would laugh when she fell or did something clumsy. Chickie continued being her clumsy self, but one day she packed up her bag and surprised all her animal friends by saying she was going to explore the world. She encountered many new animal friends like a fox, a squirrel, and a big rabbit band as her new friends taught her many new things like climbing and spreading her wings. Not once did her new friends laugh at her as she continued being her clumsy self. Returning back to her cozy barn, Chickie felt stronger and wiser as her old friends welcomed her back where she belonged.
Author Sue Elias and illustrator Remesh Ram spin a very delightful story that engages the reader with cute and colorful animals on every page. The scenes are very eye-catching throughout the whole book. The rhyming of the sentences brings giggles and fun for the whole family. At the same time, children are being taught how to value themselves. The Clumsy Chicken teaches very important lessons to young children about self-acceptance and self-love, despite being laughed at by your peers. Self-acceptance and self-love help foster self-esteem and self-confidence which are vital for developing a strong sense of identity and self for young ones.
The Clumsy Chicken by Sue Elias is a charming children’s book about a red fluffy chicken named Chickie who is sweet, but clumsy. All her animal friends at the cozy barn would laugh when she fell or did something clumsy. Chickie continued being her clumsy self, but one day she packed up her bag and surprised all her animal friends by saying she was going to explore the world. She encountered many new animal friends like a fox, a squirrel, and a big rabbit band as her new friends taught her many new things like climbing and spreading her wings. Not once did her new friends laugh at her as she continued being her clumsy self. Returning back to her cozy barn, Chickie felt stronger and wiser as her old friends welcomed her back where she belonged.
Author Sue Elias and illustrator Remesh Ram spin a very delightful story that engages the reader with cute and colorful animals on every page. The scenes are very eye-catching throughout the whole book. The rhyming of the sentences brings giggles and fun for the whole family. At the same time, children are being taught how to value themselves. The Clumsy Chicken teaches very important lessons to young children about self-acceptance and self-love, despite being laughed at by your peers. Self-acceptance and self-love help foster self-esteem and self-confidence which are vital for developing a strong sense of identity and self for young ones.
Recommend this book:
Zoey Lyndon's Big Move to the Lou
Micheal Anderson
2023 Silver Medal
116 Pages
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Children - Social Issues
Reviewed by Michelle Robertson for Readers' Favorite
Zoey Lyndon and her family, consisting of her mom, dad, and older sister Jasmine, move from their home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to St. Louis, Missouri due to her father’s job. Of course, the move had to take place right at the beginning of a new school year, which made Zoey extremely nervous. Entering the 4th grade without her old friends would be hard enough, but what if she could not make any new friends, or what if she went into the wrong bathroom and ended up in the boys' bathroom? Despite being nervous, she makes it through her first couple of days, even though she eats alone at lunch. Then, suddenly everything changes when she meets Tomasina, or Tommi, at lunch one day. The two become good friends, join the science fair together, and hang out with other friends as well. Fourth grade is beginning to look a whole lot brighter to Zoey in Micheal Anderson's Zoey Lyndon's Big Move to the Lou.
Zoey Lyndon’s Big Move to the Lou by Micheal Anderson is a wonderful children’s chapter book with a well-developed plot and relatable characters. Designed to give the reader the perspective of the main character Zoey, a fourth grader, a reader can easily imagine themselves, or someone they have known being in similar situations as described in the story. Micheal Anderson does an incredible job of portraying the emotions of a young girl entering an unfamiliar environment for the first time. A parent or guardian who knows their child will have to go through a similar situation would benefit from obtaining a copy.
Zoey Lyndon and her family, consisting of her mom, dad, and older sister Jasmine, move from their home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to St. Louis, Missouri due to her father’s job. Of course, the move had to take place right at the beginning of a new school year, which made Zoey extremely nervous. Entering the 4th grade without her old friends would be hard enough, but what if she could not make any new friends, or what if she went into the wrong bathroom and ended up in the boys' bathroom? Despite being nervous, she makes it through her first couple of days, even though she eats alone at lunch. Then, suddenly everything changes when she meets Tomasina, or Tommi, at lunch one day. The two become good friends, join the science fair together, and hang out with other friends as well. Fourth grade is beginning to look a whole lot brighter to Zoey in Micheal Anderson's Zoey Lyndon's Big Move to the Lou.
Zoey Lyndon’s Big Move to the Lou by Micheal Anderson is a wonderful children’s chapter book with a well-developed plot and relatable characters. Designed to give the reader the perspective of the main character Zoey, a fourth grader, a reader can easily imagine themselves, or someone they have known being in similar situations as described in the story. Micheal Anderson does an incredible job of portraying the emotions of a young girl entering an unfamiliar environment for the first time. A parent or guardian who knows their child will have to go through a similar situation would benefit from obtaining a copy.
Recommend this book:
Charlie the Champion - (Mom's Choice Silver Award Recipient)
K.R. King
2023 Gold Medal
45 Pages
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Children - Social Issues
Reviewed by Savannah Aldridge for Readers' Favorite
Charlie the Champion by K.R. King is a story about hard work and a mindset change written for a young audience. In the African savannah, Charlie the Cheetah watches his father win races and daydreams that he could one day win one too. However, he is not fit and strong like his father, and the other animals bully him by calling him chubby until Charlie thinks of himself as a failure. One day, after the other animals overwhelm Charlie with their taunts, he decides to fight against their meanness and chase his dreams. Charlie begins to train for his goal with regular practice and only allows himself to say kind and positive things about who he is. When the big race arrives, Charlie is tempted to give up when he slips behind the lead, but he keeps fighting and believing to the finish line.
K.R. King’s Charlie the Champion is an excellent way to help children understand the power they have to reach their dreams. I loved seeing Charlie grow from resignation that he would never win a race and would always be what the bullies said he was, to believe that he had value, was worthy of positive self-talk, and was capable of making his dream come true. The illustrations of Charlie and his world are vibrant, clear, and so much fun, with familiar animals and lovely settings that children will adore. Even as an adult, I felt motivated to speak more kindly to myself and work harder for my dreams after meeting Charlie. This is a fantastic educational book for early readers to tackle alone, but an even better one to read and discuss with the grown-ups in their lives.
Charlie the Champion by K.R. King is a story about hard work and a mindset change written for a young audience. In the African savannah, Charlie the Cheetah watches his father win races and daydreams that he could one day win one too. However, he is not fit and strong like his father, and the other animals bully him by calling him chubby until Charlie thinks of himself as a failure. One day, after the other animals overwhelm Charlie with their taunts, he decides to fight against their meanness and chase his dreams. Charlie begins to train for his goal with regular practice and only allows himself to say kind and positive things about who he is. When the big race arrives, Charlie is tempted to give up when he slips behind the lead, but he keeps fighting and believing to the finish line.
K.R. King’s Charlie the Champion is an excellent way to help children understand the power they have to reach their dreams. I loved seeing Charlie grow from resignation that he would never win a race and would always be what the bullies said he was, to believe that he had value, was worthy of positive self-talk, and was capable of making his dream come true. The illustrations of Charlie and his world are vibrant, clear, and so much fun, with familiar animals and lovely settings that children will adore. Even as an adult, I felt motivated to speak more kindly to myself and work harder for my dreams after meeting Charlie. This is a fantastic educational book for early readers to tackle alone, but an even better one to read and discuss with the grown-ups in their lives.
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