BookAwards.com
Award-Winning Books from Today's Best Authors
A Free Resource for Book Lovers, Authors, Agents, Publishers and Journalists
Recommend this book:
Dogfish, Just be YOU!
Rita Reed
2023 Bronze Medal
38 Pages
Check current price
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
Check current price
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
Check current price
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
44 Pages
Check current price
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.
Recommend this book:
Melody the Unicorn and the Beauty Within
Subani Maheshwari
2023 Gold Medal
35 Pages
Check current price
Children - Social Issues
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
“She was different but not in the way she’d thought. And, it turned out, “different” wasn’t so bad.” Aren’t we all different? Don’t we all have something unique and beautiful to share with the world? Melody the unicorn thought she wasn’t beautiful because she didn’t have all the bright colors the other young unicorns had. She was just white. It made her sad not to be rainbow-colored like the others. Try as she might, she just couldn’t make herself colorful. But she did have something else, something the others didn’t have, and that really did make her beautiful. She just didn’t realize what her unique beauty was. It was a difficult lesson to learn that being different was okay. After all, differences make us not only unique but beautiful inside and out.
Subani Maheshwari’s picture book story, Melody the Unicorn and the Beauty Within, is all about differences and the beauty we all have within us. Melody has a difficult lesson to learn. It’s about accepting who she is, something we all have difficulty doing at times. Told in simple language so young readers can easily follow along, this charming story will lighten the hearts of readers of all ages. The spectacular, bright, and colorful illustrations help move the story forward, as Melody tries one trick after another to change her appearance so she can be colorful like the other unicorns. The plot follows Melody’s journey to self-discovery, self-love, and accepting who she is. This is a powerful lesson for all readers to learn. Loved it!
“She was different but not in the way she’d thought. And, it turned out, “different” wasn’t so bad.” Aren’t we all different? Don’t we all have something unique and beautiful to share with the world? Melody the unicorn thought she wasn’t beautiful because she didn’t have all the bright colors the other young unicorns had. She was just white. It made her sad not to be rainbow-colored like the others. Try as she might, she just couldn’t make herself colorful. But she did have something else, something the others didn’t have, and that really did make her beautiful. She just didn’t realize what her unique beauty was. It was a difficult lesson to learn that being different was okay. After all, differences make us not only unique but beautiful inside and out.
Subani Maheshwari’s picture book story, Melody the Unicorn and the Beauty Within, is all about differences and the beauty we all have within us. Melody has a difficult lesson to learn. It’s about accepting who she is, something we all have difficulty doing at times. Told in simple language so young readers can easily follow along, this charming story will lighten the hearts of readers of all ages. The spectacular, bright, and colorful illustrations help move the story forward, as Melody tries one trick after another to change her appearance so she can be colorful like the other unicorns. The plot follows Melody’s journey to self-discovery, self-love, and accepting who she is. This is a powerful lesson for all readers to learn. Loved it!
Recommend this book:
. Partly inspired by Boyles's familial journey with the disease, it shows other young children and their families how to cope and to realize that ther...){kind=link}
Daddy Is Cool Like That
Mary McMahon and Jennifer Bucciero Boyles
2023 Gold Medal
32 Pages
Check current price
Children - Social Issues
Reviewed by Erin Nicole Cochran for Readers' Favorite
Daddy is Cool Like That by Mary McMahon and Jennifer Bucciero Boyles is a children’s picture book that depicts a young family who has recently had their father diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Partly inspired by Boyles's familial journey with the disease, it shows other young children and their families how to cope and to realize that there can still be moments of enjoyment to be shared, as well as the happy memories that follow. Though there might be specific faculties that deteriorate or are ultimately lost, new abilities are gained as well. The illustrations created by Ros Webb feel warm and enveloping. Both the storytelling and the pictures form a book that transcends other children’s books. It stands as a platform for discussions to be had by families that are struggling with a similar diagnosis.
Jennifer Bucciero Boyles and Mary McMahon’s Daddy is Cool Like That stirred up so much emotion in me. The reader cannot help but be moved by the story, the message that it delivers, and the hope that it instills in the hearts and minds of loved ones. Children’s books are always teaching lessons of some kind, some as simple as learning how to tie a shoelace. This book doesn’t just teach; it shows what a family is, it shows memories, whether those memories were inspiring or not. Everything feels incredibly authentic. To say that you will be touched by this book is an understatement. You might even be transformed by it.
Daddy is Cool Like That by Mary McMahon and Jennifer Bucciero Boyles is a children’s picture book that depicts a young family who has recently had their father diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Partly inspired by Boyles's familial journey with the disease, it shows other young children and their families how to cope and to realize that there can still be moments of enjoyment to be shared, as well as the happy memories that follow. Though there might be specific faculties that deteriorate or are ultimately lost, new abilities are gained as well. The illustrations created by Ros Webb feel warm and enveloping. Both the storytelling and the pictures form a book that transcends other children’s books. It stands as a platform for discussions to be had by families that are struggling with a similar diagnosis.
Jennifer Bucciero Boyles and Mary McMahon’s Daddy is Cool Like That stirred up so much emotion in me. The reader cannot help but be moved by the story, the message that it delivers, and the hope that it instills in the hearts and minds of loved ones. Children’s books are always teaching lessons of some kind, some as simple as learning how to tie a shoelace. This book doesn’t just teach; it shows what a family is, it shows memories, whether those memories were inspiring or not. Everything feels incredibly authentic. To say that you will be touched by this book is an understatement. You might even be transformed by it.
Recommend this book:
Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail
A Children's Picture Book about Sharing, Disability Awareness, Kindness, and Overcoming Fears
Samantha Shannon
2022 Finalist
61 Pages
Check current price
Children - Social Issues
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
Jake loves wandering through the woods. He growls at everything and everyone – in a friendly sort of way, of course. He enjoys meeting all of nature’s wonderful creatures and he’s made friends with many of them, especially Neet the squirrel. While Jake dashed through the forest trails, Neet would keep pace flying through the tree branches above. Then, one day, Jake and Neet discovered some unusual tracks. Neither one of them knew what to make of these tracks. Could it be an alien from outer space? Jake is quite worried and sleeps restlessly, fearful of what strange creature might be roaming through his woods. Jake enlists all his friends, doggy and others, to help solve the mystery. One of the new doggy friends, Tuck, helps solve the mystery, only Jake discovers that Tuck is the mystery because he’s different.
Samantha Shannon’s picture book, Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail, is another entertaining story in the Jake the Growling Dog series. This charming, inquisitive dog loves to share his life experiences, all while teaching both himself and his young readers some very important lessons. I like the way the author weaves a fantastic story, cleverly using rhyming verse, its lyricism making the message clear and familiar. In this story, Jake and his readers learn about empathy, equality and inclusion, vital concepts that simply mean accepting everyone for their differences and making everyone feel the value of their own self worth. In previous stories, other dogs and living creatures had to get used to Jake’s growl, something he does without thinking and certainly not to be malicious. His friends learned to accept Jake for this unique quality of his. Now Jake must learn to accept Tuck for his unique qualities (even Tuck admits that Jake’s growl frightened him at first until he got to know Jake). The colorful illustrations are endearing and help carry the story along. This is another classic to add to the Jake the Growling Dog series. Well done again!
Jake loves wandering through the woods. He growls at everything and everyone – in a friendly sort of way, of course. He enjoys meeting all of nature’s wonderful creatures and he’s made friends with many of them, especially Neet the squirrel. While Jake dashed through the forest trails, Neet would keep pace flying through the tree branches above. Then, one day, Jake and Neet discovered some unusual tracks. Neither one of them knew what to make of these tracks. Could it be an alien from outer space? Jake is quite worried and sleeps restlessly, fearful of what strange creature might be roaming through his woods. Jake enlists all his friends, doggy and others, to help solve the mystery. One of the new doggy friends, Tuck, helps solve the mystery, only Jake discovers that Tuck is the mystery because he’s different.
Samantha Shannon’s picture book, Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail, is another entertaining story in the Jake the Growling Dog series. This charming, inquisitive dog loves to share his life experiences, all while teaching both himself and his young readers some very important lessons. I like the way the author weaves a fantastic story, cleverly using rhyming verse, its lyricism making the message clear and familiar. In this story, Jake and his readers learn about empathy, equality and inclusion, vital concepts that simply mean accepting everyone for their differences and making everyone feel the value of their own self worth. In previous stories, other dogs and living creatures had to get used to Jake’s growl, something he does without thinking and certainly not to be malicious. His friends learned to accept Jake for this unique quality of his. Now Jake must learn to accept Tuck for his unique qualities (even Tuck admits that Jake’s growl frightened him at first until he got to know Jake). The colorful illustrations are endearing and help carry the story along. This is another classic to add to the Jake the Growling Dog series. Well done again!
Recommend this book:
In My Home We Believe
Odessa Stevens
2022 Honorable Mention
24 Pages
Check current price
Children - Social Issues
Reviewed by Amy Louise Hill for Readers' Favorite
In My Home We Believe by Odessa Stevens is a children's picture book that teaches about improving the world we live in. Children will learn a lot of important subjects by reading this incredibly informative book. There are seven topics that the author has included, some of which are Black lives matter, women's rights, and love is love. So what are you waiting for? Grab a copy of In My Home We Believe to discover what else the author has to teach young minds.
In My Home We Believe brought a tear to my eye when reading. The author has covered everything on how we can make the world a better place, and it is done by using colourful and creative illustrations that will grab young readers' attention, and allow them to learn more easily. The world can be a scary place, but with books like In My Home We Believe, children will feel comfortable navigating their way through life. I also feel that they will be confident in having their own opinions, and not allow other people to decide for them.
I honestly can't praise this book enough. I find it to be extremely important and vital in educating children about the world we live in at the moment because there is so much going on that could be improved but isn't. Children are the future and we need to continue working together to provide them with the skills and mindset they will need to succeed. Keep up the good work, Odessa Stevens! I look forward to reading more of your work.
In My Home We Believe by Odessa Stevens is a children's picture book that teaches about improving the world we live in. Children will learn a lot of important subjects by reading this incredibly informative book. There are seven topics that the author has included, some of which are Black lives matter, women's rights, and love is love. So what are you waiting for? Grab a copy of In My Home We Believe to discover what else the author has to teach young minds.
In My Home We Believe brought a tear to my eye when reading. The author has covered everything on how we can make the world a better place, and it is done by using colourful and creative illustrations that will grab young readers' attention, and allow them to learn more easily. The world can be a scary place, but with books like In My Home We Believe, children will feel comfortable navigating their way through life. I also feel that they will be confident in having their own opinions, and not allow other people to decide for them.
I honestly can't praise this book enough. I find it to be extremely important and vital in educating children about the world we live in at the moment because there is so much going on that could be improved but isn't. Children are the future and we need to continue working together to provide them with the skills and mindset they will need to succeed. Keep up the good work, Odessa Stevens! I look forward to reading more of your work.
Recommend this book:
Cardboard Rosie
Cazzy Zahursky
2022 Bronze Medal
31 Pages
Check current price
Children - Social Issues
Reviewed by Philip Van Heusen for Readers' Favorite
What is important in life? Emma learns a valuable lesson about love and what matters most in life when her doll experiences a disaster. Cazzy Zahursky loves teaching by storytelling and in Cardboard Rosie, she teaches the value of family and relationships. Too many parents work way too many hours and spend way too few hours with their children. This often causes children to attach to objects to fulfill their need for acceptance and love. The child does not even realize they are doing this. Neither do the parents. The cardboard doll her dad made for Emma in this book replaces her absent dad. After accidentally damaging her doll (Rosie), Emma realizes that the doll is not important, but it was her dad that she really missed.
Is there someone missing in your life? If so, you will love Cardboard Rosie by Cazzy Zahursky. The lesson learned by Emma is invaluable. Cazzy has a mother’s heart and loves leading her children to learn. This love transfers to other children through her writing. This book reminds me of my many attempts to make my uncle’s pound cake. I never quite made it taste like his. Finally, I realized my uncle was the missing ingredient. Cazzy takes this situation to a child’s level and writes a lovely story to teach this principle. She also is the illustrator and draws in a style very appealing to youngsters. Parents, use this book to teach your children what is necessary for life—love. As long as your family has love for each other, it has enough.
What is important in life? Emma learns a valuable lesson about love and what matters most in life when her doll experiences a disaster. Cazzy Zahursky loves teaching by storytelling and in Cardboard Rosie, she teaches the value of family and relationships. Too many parents work way too many hours and spend way too few hours with their children. This often causes children to attach to objects to fulfill their need for acceptance and love. The child does not even realize they are doing this. Neither do the parents. The cardboard doll her dad made for Emma in this book replaces her absent dad. After accidentally damaging her doll (Rosie), Emma realizes that the doll is not important, but it was her dad that she really missed.
Is there someone missing in your life? If so, you will love Cardboard Rosie by Cazzy Zahursky. The lesson learned by Emma is invaluable. Cazzy has a mother’s heart and loves leading her children to learn. This love transfers to other children through her writing. This book reminds me of my many attempts to make my uncle’s pound cake. I never quite made it taste like his. Finally, I realized my uncle was the missing ingredient. Cazzy takes this situation to a child’s level and writes a lovely story to teach this principle. She also is the illustrator and draws in a style very appealing to youngsters. Parents, use this book to teach your children what is necessary for life—love. As long as your family has love for each other, it has enough.
Recommend this book:
A Star Upon a Dream
Kendall Newell
2022 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Children - Social Issues
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
Did you know that everyone is a superstar? Unique and special in their own way? Even you! Just like all the sparkling stars in the night sky, each one of us is different. Bigger or smaller, brighter, and in many different shapes – we can shine in our own way and achieve our own dreams. Meleah is excited that it’s career day at school and the teacher has arranged for special guest speakers to come and talk about their chosen careers. There’s a doctor, who inspires Meleah, but her friends put her down by reminding her that she needs really high marks to become a doctor. Meleah is usually an average C student. Discouraged, she picks up when she listens to the police officer, the firefighter, and the zookeeper. Each time, her fellow classmates put her down and point out one of her deficiencies that would prevent her from pursuing any of these careers. She really wants to help people, but she’s forgotten the helpful, loving advice of her father that she really can be whatever she wants to be: “There is only one you, so embrace your shine because there is nothing else like it in this universe.”
Kendall Newell’s picture book story, A Star Upon a Dream, is a sweet story with a profound message: to believe in yourself and aim for the stars. The story emphasizes the importance of dreams and working hard to follow those dreams in spite of the odds stacked against you. The plot follows Meleah’s journey from excitement to despair and back to excitement again as she is presented with multiple career choices. The simple conversation with her father, both before and after school, will soften the heart and strengthen the resolve of many a young reader. The language is aimed at the young early reader and the illustrations are bright and colorful to add appeal and interest to the story. Like the stars in the sky, we are all a “star upon a dream,” unique and original and powerful in our own diversity and our own abilities. Beautifully told.
Did you know that everyone is a superstar? Unique and special in their own way? Even you! Just like all the sparkling stars in the night sky, each one of us is different. Bigger or smaller, brighter, and in many different shapes – we can shine in our own way and achieve our own dreams. Meleah is excited that it’s career day at school and the teacher has arranged for special guest speakers to come and talk about their chosen careers. There’s a doctor, who inspires Meleah, but her friends put her down by reminding her that she needs really high marks to become a doctor. Meleah is usually an average C student. Discouraged, she picks up when she listens to the police officer, the firefighter, and the zookeeper. Each time, her fellow classmates put her down and point out one of her deficiencies that would prevent her from pursuing any of these careers. She really wants to help people, but she’s forgotten the helpful, loving advice of her father that she really can be whatever she wants to be: “There is only one you, so embrace your shine because there is nothing else like it in this universe.”
Kendall Newell’s picture book story, A Star Upon a Dream, is a sweet story with a profound message: to believe in yourself and aim for the stars. The story emphasizes the importance of dreams and working hard to follow those dreams in spite of the odds stacked against you. The plot follows Meleah’s journey from excitement to despair and back to excitement again as she is presented with multiple career choices. The simple conversation with her father, both before and after school, will soften the heart and strengthen the resolve of many a young reader. The language is aimed at the young early reader and the illustrations are bright and colorful to add appeal and interest to the story. Like the stars in the sky, we are all a “star upon a dream,” unique and original and powerful in our own diversity and our own abilities. Beautifully told.
Contact Author -
