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Ella Minnow P.
Ella Minnow P. is a sweet and clever picture book that follows a bright little girl named Ella on her first day of school. Excited to learn and meet new friends, Ella introduces herself during a name game, only to be met with giggles because her name sounds suspiciously like the trickiest part of the alphabet song. As the class struggles to recite the letters past “K,” Ella draws strength from her name and confidently sings the entire song, earning cheers from her classmates and ultimately helping them remember the tough part. More importantly, she shows kindness and empathy to those who once laughed at her, turning a moment of teasing into a lesson in courage and friendship.
I loved how this picture book turned a simple pun, “Ella Minnow P.,” into something that felt meaningful and empowering. It’s lighthearted and fun, but also carries real heart. The writing is bouncy and rhyming, and the story moves along at a perfect pace for young readers. The way Ella turns a moment of embarrassment into triumph felt really satisfying, and I appreciated that the message wasn’t heavy-handed. It felt like a genuine moment any kid could go through, and the solution came from confidence and kindness instead of an adult swooping in to fix it.
What I really liked was Ella’s response to the teasing. She doesn’t just bask in her success; she makes a point to reach out to the classmate who laughed at her. That felt powerful. It would’ve been easy to let the story end with her being the hero, but instead it went further to show what empathy looks like. The idea that even young kids can choose to be kind, especially after being hurt, makes this more than just a fun classroom tale.
I’d recommend Ella Minnow P. to parents, teachers, or anyone helping a child start school or navigate new social situations. It’s especially great for kids who feel nervous about fitting in or getting laughed at, because Ella shows them that being yourself is actually your superpower. It’s joyful, warm, and wise.
Pages: 30 | ASIN : B0F42YJXSR
Piper’s Perfect Pick
Piper’s Perfect Pick, by Peni Clark, is a charming tale of perseverance and discovery. Piper is eager to find a sport she excels in, but her journey is fraught with mishaps. From running the wrong way on the basketball court to tripping on the soccer field and missing every tennis ball, Piper tries every sport imaginable, yet success eludes her. Feeling disheartened, Piper confides in her cat, Tater Tot, who playfully swats at her. At first perplexed, Piper soon realizes that Tater Tot might be suggesting boxing. Intrigued, Piper gives boxing a try and discovers it might just be the perfect sport for her. The story leaves readers wondering if boxing will be Piper’s ultimate pick.
I thoroughly enjoyed Piper’s journey, as it resonates with many children who struggle to find their niche. Piper’s determination and resilience are inspiring, teaching young readers the importance of persistence and the value of not giving up, no matter how challenging the quest. The story also beautifully highlights the supportive role of Piper’s family, reinforcing the message of familial love and encouragement. Piper’s family’s unwavering support is a heartwarming aspect that underscores the importance of having a nurturing environment.
An additional delight is the “Boxing Basics” sheet included at the end of the book. This educational feature introduces readers to various boxing terms and their definitions, enhancing their understanding of the sport. Peni Clark, a retired kindergarten teacher, brings her passion for storytelling to life, aiming to encourage, motivate, and empower readers of all ages. Her fondness for boxing is evident, making it a fitting central theme for this children’s book. The illustrations, by Penny Weber, are vibrant and engaging, complementing the story perfectly. Each page is detailed and colorful, creating a vivid visual experience that feels like watching a movie unfold.
Piper’s Perfect Pick is an enjoyable and relatable read for children. Piper’s determination and her journey of self-discovery are both inspiring and heartwarming. This book is highly recommended for young readers and their families, offering valuable lessons in perseverance and the joy of finding one’s passion.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0D913V2DB
SMUGGLED
Smuggled by Angela Karanja is the story of Tuliana, a fourteen-year-old orphan from Kenya, who finds herself trapped in a world of human trafficking. Barely remembering her mother from childhood, Tuliana grew up never having a home of her own or a sense of stability. Then, one morning, she finds herself on a plane with a group of kids and has no idea where she’s going. When they arrive in London, Tuliana is separated from the kids and whisked away in a stranger’s car, which marks the beginning of her new life.
Terrified of her new life and unaware of her fate, Tuliana hangs on to what she remembers: Jonathan, a friend she made on the plane. He becomes her anchor in a way she would have never imagined and vows to find her. As she moves from one home to another, she is treated differently in each setting, though she is always a servant (slave). She later realizes that she’s a victim of human trafficking. Jonathan realized Tuliana was a victim of something uncanny as soon as she was snatched and began to investigate her whereabouts, concerned for his friend.
This emotional book does a fantastic job of diving into the bleak and often invisible lives of children and people who are victims of human trafficking. It’s a tragic reality that we often don’t associate with the modern world. The author brings the real story of one girl, who represents many children globally who fall prey to smuggling and slavery. Karanja carefully explores children’s different perspectives and trauma experiences during this process. Tuliana is a great character who displays great strength, intelligence, and resilience in her life.
I highly recommend Smuggled by Angela Karanja for the humanity it gives victims and survivors of human trafficking. It’s a great story about an important topic that deserves more attention on a local and global scale.
Pages: 189 | ASIN : B0BB1VZ4JG
A Calf Named Brian Higgins
A Calf Named Brian Higgins, written by Kristen Ball, is a child-friendly story that addresses serious and interesting topics, including poverty, different cultures, friendship, mourning death, and personal development. The story follows Hannah Higgins, a typical grumpy teenager from suburban New York who is dragged to the plains of rural Kenya to visit her Uncle, Brian Higgins, while he is there doing charity work. Leaving behind her comfortable American lifestyle for one that is drastically less comfortable poses many challenges that Hannah needs to overcome, such as limited access to fresh water. By spending time with the local people and being immersed in the culture, she slowly understands why her Uncle loves Sauri so much.
This story answers a couple of important questions. How would a typical white teenager react to going into rural Africa? And what does it take for that teenager to change their perspective on their life? Ball tackles both of these questions in a way that is simple enough for children to understand but sophisticated enough for all ages to appreciate. This is a story of personal growth. Hannah goes from a naive and unworldly teenager to an individual who begins to value her life, others around her, and opportunities wholeheartedly.
Ball’s debut novel was written based on her experiences of being the first westerner to live in Sauri, the Kenyan village where her story is set. Therefore the book touches on many of her first-hand experiences, enabling her to paint a far more vivid and authentic landscape of an environment many Westerners (especially children) are likely not to be familiar with. Ball’s spin on the story’s events helps to give the story a more genuine and sincere feel. The reader is not being presented with a shallow story from someone with limited knowledge of these complex topics. Still, they’re experiencing the insight of someone who lived under these circumstances.
A Calf Named Brian Higgins is a fantastic novel to introduce children to heavy and challenging topics, such as poverty or entitlement, in a simple and engaging way. It’s essential for children to be exposed to several cultures and walks of life, and reading this novel with them and discussing it would be a great starting point.
Pages: 272 | ASIN : B07DNKC7G4
LITERARY TITAN 