The author is an educator and parent of six. She shares the hopes that most parents have for their children. Courage, resilience, empathy, and kindness are a few of these. The short rhymes are easy for young children to remember. Illustrations are multicultural and include references to the author’s own family as revealed in the fun facts at the end of the story. Adults and children will enjoy learning about the symbolism of nature and the themes included in this book.
A delightful read-aloud or bedtime story for elementary age readers.
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This book is recommended for children ages two through five. It teaches them that a superhero should focus on helping all members of the community through acts of kindness, empathy, making others happy, and treating others just the way you would like to be treated. A superhero does not need to perform herculean physical tasks.
The picture book is very short but gets the message across in easy-to-read speech bubbles with large colorful illustrations, reminiscent of a comic book format. It is a good introduction to digital citizenship and the building of strong community and family ties.
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One Big Heart: A Celebration of Being More Alike Than Different
Written by Linsey Davis
Illustrated by Lucy Fleming
This is a very short interactive book that parents or teachers may use to discuss diversity with preschool and primary grade children. The author presents the material from a Christian viewpoint. Some families who reject that concept will need to explain or eliminate those parts of the story.
Children are asked to study the pictures and relate how we are all alike, make friendship bracelets, draw faces with different skin tones, and share their favorite foods. The heart activity demonstrates the love we feel within for all.
The book is a good starting point on the topic of multiculturalism.
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The sparkly little red shoes sit on the shelf in the shoe store. They cannot believe no one has chosen them because they feel themselves superior to all the other kinds of shoes.
One day, Lisa and her mother visit the shop seeking a pair of shoes to wear on her birthday. Lisa chooses the red shoes, but after her birthday they are put away in the closet. The little red shoes need to learn there is a place and time for everything.
This is a short picture book with color illustrations. There is quite a bit of text in this short story which makes it suitable for a beginning reader. Recommended for ages four through seven.
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Poor giraffe tries so hard to make friends with the other mammals. He approaches rhinos, hyenas, ostriches, monkeys, and many others trying to imitate what they do. They all seem to ignore him. Finally, he gets some good advice. Why not try to be yourself? Don’t change your spots. Rejoice in them. After a while, the giraffe discovers his value to himself and others teaching young readers to be themselves.
Large colorful illustrations of familiar animals plus large font make the book a good choice for a child learning to read. Most pages contain only one sentence so it lends itself to being a bedtime story short enough for toddlers and preschoolers.
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Alice Eloise’s Silver Linings: The Story of a Silly Service Dog
Written by Sarah Kathryn Frey
Illustrated by Kit Nicua
This book is a beautiful picture book that effectively teaches children how service dogs assist disabled people. As the story opens, readers are introduced to Double Doodle pups awaiting adoption. Sarah Kate is a young woman with physical disabilities who is seeking a pup to train as a service dog.
Our young protagonist pup who is selected is named Alice Eloise. He is a fun-loving silly pup who must learn how to perform a very serious job. Throughout the book, readers discover how service dogs assist their owners. In addition, the biography of Sarah Kate is included.
I recommend this book highly for elementary and middle-grade students. Parents or teachers can use the tale to develop empathy and educate youngsters about people with disabilities. The illustrations are exquisite and the story opens up multiple avenues for meaningful discussions.
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A pleasant retelling of the City and Country Mouse fable. In this modern-day picture book, two cousins both love to camp but have different views on how to do so.
Thomas takes to the road with his tent, while his cousin, Harvey likes the comforts of his RV camper. Thomas convinces Harry to go camping with him in his tent. Both enjoy their daytime adventures but Harvey hates the inconveniences of sleeping in the tent. Next time, they try it with Harvey’s RV. Thomas does not think sleeping in an RV affords the real feel of a camp experience. Will they continue to disagree or can they find a way to agree to disagree?
This is a cute picture book with a lesson worth remembering. My only complaint is that the small size of the text is a bit difficult for the beginning reader that it is targeted for to read easily. Recommended for beginning and elementary school age readers, particularly camping enthusiasts.
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In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Kathleen T. Pelley.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Five Little Angels
Written by Kathleen T. Pelley
Illustrated by Dubravka Kolanovic
Ages 3-7 | Pages 54
Publisher: Elk Lake Publishing, Inc. | ISBN-13: 978-1649491794
Publisher’s Synopsis: Join this celestial romp with five little angels, who hop on a cloud to take a peek at the world below, and see all sorts of loving acts of kindness, which sends them into a frenzy of delight. A lyrical read aloud to teach your little angel how kindness can build heaven on earth.
KATHLEEN T. PELLEY is a native of Glasgow, Scotland, but spent most of her childhood summers playing on her grandparents’ farm in Ireland. Her passion for stories stemmed from listening to them on the radio during the BBC children’s story hour. She is the award-winning author of seven other picture books and hosts her own storytelling podcast, Journey with Story.
What a charming and sweet message for young children. The author has created a reverse counting book written in easy to read and listen to rhymes. As the story opens, five little multicultural angels are looking down on people on earth. Some of these are practicing acts of kindness like crowning their sleeping mother with a crown of flowers, others are arguing or showing signs of frustration. When the angels witness a good deed, they dance for joy. Unfortunately, that sometimes leads to a fall. The young reader is asked to study the pictures to see where each angel lands. That invites the child to become an active participant in the tale.
The language is easy to understand and full of words that encourage the child to imagine the scene and use his senses. Soft watercolor illustrations are pleasing to the eye. They are reminiscent of a child’s crayon drawings.
I highly recommend this picture book as a read aloud discussion activity with young children. It will encourage them to become little angels bestowing empathy and kindness on friends and family.
GIVEAWAY
Enter for a chance to win a Five Little Angels prize pack!
One (1) grand prize winner receives:
A set of seven books by Kathleen Pelley, including Five Little Angels
A $25 Barnes & Noble gift card
One Hugging Plush Angel Slap Bracelet
Your child’s name mentioned in the Journey with Story podcast
Five (5) winners receive:
A hardcover copy of Five Little Angels
One Hugging Plush Angel Slap Bracelet
Five (5) winners receive:
A paperback copy of Five Little Angels
One Hugging Plush Angel Slap Bracelet
The giveaway begins May 26, 2021, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends June 26, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. MT.
Virtual Blog Tour and Giveaway in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Next Pivot Point
ABOUT THE BOOK
Little Allies: A Children’s Story about Inclusion, Diversity, and Becoming an Ally
Written by Julie Kratz
Illustrated by Edwards Maiello
Ages 5-10 | 74 Pages
Publisher: Next Pivot Point | ISBN-13: 978-1736515907
Publisher’s Synopsis: As Ally navigates through her school day, she watches her classmates face bullying and discrimination. Ally realizes that they all want the same thing – to be accepted as they are. Ally learns an important lesson, brought to light by her teacher, that our differences make each of us unique and special, and that we can be an ally to others to help them navigate through life.
Little Allies is a touching tale that reminds us of the importance of accepting each other, celebrating our differences, and working to become an ally. The colorful pictures show Ally’s willingness to stand by her friends, even when she doesn’t know how else to help. Adults in the story are also important allies, helping kids navigate challenges, learn ways to support, and cherish their uniqueness.
The bonus material at the end of the book will spark discussion at home or in the classroom.100% of online book sale proceeds will be donated to a nonprofit or organization focused on children’s diversity and inclusion development or providing equitable access to opportunities for all children.
Julie Kratz is a highly acclaimed TEDx speaker and inclusive leadership trainer who led teams and produced results in corporate America. After experiencing many career “pivot points” of her own, she started her own speaking business, focused on helping leaders be more inclusive. Promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace, Julie is a frequent keynote speaker, podcast host, and executive coach. She holds an MBA from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, is a Certified Master Coach, and is a certified unconscious bias trainer.
Kratz has provided an interesting approach to handling discussions of diversity among elementary age and middle-school students. Through the eyes of the protagonist, Ally, each day of the week at school reveals a different character experiencing a challenge. Readers meet members of Ally’s fourth grade class who face opposition from fellow classmates. They represent different religious, cultures, special needs, gender, racial and family groupings. Ally stands up as a child willing to protect and empathize with these fellow students.
This book allows young readers to visualize and understand these situations. The discussion guide and glossary of terms to know provide valuable reference points. They can be used by adults such as teachers, counselors, and parents to encourage further discussion. It is my hope that the facilitators will not interject politics into the issues but use this framework to promote unity and healing.
GIVEAWAY
Enter for a chance to win a Little Allies ART-Stravaganza prize pack!
One (1) Grand Prize Winner Receives:
A copy of Little Allies, autographed by Julie Kratz
A $50 Target gift card
An ART-stravangza kit for your budding artist including:
A Sketchbook
Skin Tone Colored Pencils
Crayola Multi-Ethnic Skin Tone Washable Tempera Paints
Paint Brushes
Crayola Skin Tone Multicultural Crayons
Crayola Skin Tone Multicultural Markers
Two Winners Receive:
A copy of Little Allies, autographed by Julie Kratz
A Little Allies Slap Bracelet
A Little Allies Sticker
The giveaway begins May 17, 2021, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends June 17, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. MT
Monday, May 17, 2021The Children’s Book ReviewA book review ofLittle Allies: A Children’s Story about Inclusion, Diversity, and Becoming an Ally
Tuesday, May 18, 2021The Fairview ReviewA book review ofLittle Allies: A Children’s Story about Inclusion, Diversity, and Becoming an Ally
Wednesday, May 19, 2021Shooting Stars MagazineA book review ofLittle Allies: A Children’s Story about Inclusion, Diversity, and Becoming an Ally
Thursday, May 20, 2021Lisa’s ReadingA guest post by authorJulie Kratz
Sunday, May 23, 2021Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogA book review ofLittle Allies: A Children’s Story about Inclusion, Diversity, and Becoming an Ally
Monday, May 24, 2021Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersA book review ofLittle Allies: A Children’s Story about Inclusion, Diversity, and Becoming an Ally
Tuesday, May 25, 2021J.R.s Book ReviewsA book review ofLittle Allies: A Children’s Story about Inclusion, Diversity, and Becoming an Ally
Tuesday, June 1, 2021Mommy RamblingsA book review ofLittle Allies: A Children’s Story about Inclusion, Diversity, and Becoming an Ally
This book relates the sweet tale of a young girl with blonde hair who loves horses. She cannot have her own, so she is working in a barn with a horse trainer for the summer. A gray pony balks at everyone, but this young girl succeeds in developing a special relationship with the pony. As the summer wears on, the two seem to complete each other’s thoughts, hence the phrase, Me Too.
At the end of the summer, the pony is sold. For many years, their paths diverge. The girl begins college. Then she starts to reminisce and dream about the pony. She wants to reconnect. Will she succeed in tracking down the pony and can she restore that special bond of empathy, trust, and kindness?
The soft pastel illustrations impart a whimsical and light-hearted mood to the rhythmic storyline. Highly recommended for elementary grade readers.
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September 22, 2021
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