Review of Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love

 

In an exuberant picture book, a glimpse of costumed mermaids leaves one boy flooded with wonder and ready to dazzle the world.

While riding the subway home from the pool with his abuela one day, Julián notices three women spectacularly dressed up. Their hair billows in brilliant hues, their dresses end in fishtails, and their joy fills the train car. When Julián gets home, daydreaming of the magic he’s seen, all he can think about is dressing up just like the ladies in his own fabulous mermaid costume: a butter-yellow curtain for his tail, the fronds of a potted fern for his headdress. But what will Abuela think about the mess he makes — and even more importantly, what will she think about how Julián sees himself? Mesmerizing and full of heart, Jessica Love’s author-illustrator debut is a jubilant picture of self-love and a radiant celebration of individuality.

Available on Amazon

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**My thoughts**

This book is beautiful. It's so full of imagination and creativity. Julian loves mermaids and is ecstatic when he and his abuela run into some women dressed as mermaids when they are out and about. He is inspired to create his own costume from things around the house. The best part is, his abuela completely embraces his creativity, contributing to his costume and then taking him on an adventure to visit some other mermaids.

This is the way that it should be. We should embrace the dreams of our children and harness those creative imaginations. Let them be who they are. 

The pictures are beautiful and help to tell more of the story. You don't need a lot of words to narrate it. Instead, they can invite conversation if it is wanted. They also capture body love and awareness, finding the beauty in all types as you see all of the other characters.

I had heard about this book before, particularly because some small-minded people think it needs to be banned. I want to add this one to my physical book collection and am excited to see that Julian has some more adventures! I look forward to reading them.

Review of Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry, illustrated by Vashti Harrison

 

A New York Times Bestseller and tie-in to Academy-Award Winning Short Film "Hair Love"

"I love that Hair Love is highlighting the relationship between a Black father and daughter. Matthew leads the ranks of new creatives who are telling unique stories of the Black experience. We need this."
- Jordan Peele, Actor & Filmmaker

It's up to Daddy to give his daughter an extra-special hair style in this ode to self-confidence and the love between fathers and daughters, from Academy-Award winning director and former NFL wide receiver Matthew A. Cherry and New York Times bestselling illustrator Vashti Harrison.

Zuri's hair has a mind of its own. It kinks, coils, and curls every which way. Zuri knows it's beautiful. When Daddy steps in to style it for an extra special occasion, he has a lot to learn. But he LOVES his Zuri, and he'll do anything to make her -- and her hair -- happy.

Tender and empowering, Hair Love is an ode to loving your natural hair -- and a celebration of daddies and daughters everywhere. A perfect gift for special occasions including Father’s Day, birthdays, baby showers, and more!

Buy on Amazon

(affiliate link included)

**My thoughts**

Hair Love is probably one of my favorite picture books to have come out in the last several years. It's based on the Academy Award-winning film short of the same name. In the film, Zuri is determined to have her hair look absolutely perfect for a very special day: her mom is coming home following cancer treatment. She tries to do it herself, following a very special someone's video instructions online. It's too much of a struggle, so her father gives in and helps her do it. 

I defy anyone to not cry watching that film.

The book is a little bit lighter, but just as moving. Zuri shows off different hairstyles that she has worn in the past and talks about how they make her feel. But on this special day, Zuri needs her hair to be absolutely perfect. Daddy offers to help, but of course has a few struggles along the way. And then, perfection, just in time for Mom to come back home.

I still get emotional reading this and was even before I finally got around to watching the film. 

It's acknowledging feeling good in the natural hair you're in. It's about the bond between father and daughter. It's about appreciation and love for a mother. The little girls in my classrooms look at this book and like to compare their own hairstyles to the ones Daddy tries. They see themselves in the book, which is so important. 

Some schools have banned this book. While I have read their supposed reasons behind doing so, I simply do not understand them. This book is absolutely beautiful and belongs on all the bookshelves.

Review of A Surprising Friendship by Andrew Wald

A SURPRISING FRIENDSHIP, THE ENDEARING CHILDREN’S BOOK FROM AUTHOR AND THERAPIST ANDREW WALD, HELPS CHILDREN, ADULTS AND FAMILIES UNDERSTAND DIVERSITY AND THE IMPORTANCE OF UNIQUE AND ENDURING FRIENDSHIPS.

Tales from Cloud Canyon by Dr. Rachel Kowert, PhD Kickstarter Campaign

 

Get to know the characters and stories from Cloud Canyon and see how you can help Dr. Rachel Kowert, PhD with her Kickstarter campaign! Take a peek inside and follow the tour for more. Let her know what you think in the comments section. And check out the amazing giveaway!

Review of My Beautiful Curly Hair by Kiana & Arya Holder

 Welcome to the review tour for My Beautiful Curly Hair by the mother-daughter team, Kiana & Arya Holder! This book is just as beautiful as her hair! Read an excerpt and my review before you purchase your copy. Then follow the rest of the tour for even more! Best of luck in the giveaway!

This is a story about a little girl who struggles with keeping her hair neat all the time, but grows to love and accept her wild and messy hair.

Kiana and Arya think having messy hair is more fun. Keeping your hair neat all the time is a lot of work.

Read an excerpt:

When I am home... I like to play in my toy room. I build forts and princess castles and pretend I’m a firefighter or a princess.

But even when I’m just playing, my hair still gets messy!

Messy hair comes in all different styles, colours, shapes and sizes.

I know I’m not the only one whose hair gets messy. I see it happen to my mommy, my dad, my sister, my cousins and my friends.

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON.COM * BARNES & NOBLE * BOOK DEPOSITORY

(affiliate link included)

**My thoughts**

The illustration on the cover of this book is absolutely stunning. It's simple and beautiful. I love that a mother-daughter team created this story. And I am so happy to have another diverse book that I can add to my collection. It's perfect for at home and for in the classroom. I think all of us can relate to having messy hair at different times. And this book is teaching us to embrace ourselves, even when we're messy. I loved it and I think your kids will, too.

I received a requested review copy from the publisher and Goddess Fish. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Kiana and Arya are a mother-daughter duo who enjoy reading. The storyline for this book came from Arya's and Kiana's childhood experiences.


CONNECT WITH KIANA & ARYA

WEBSITE: https://worldofkicreations.ca/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mybeautifulcurlyhairbook/

Kiana Holder and Arya Holder will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review of I Want to Be ... A Gutsy Girl's ABC by Farida Zaman

Some jobs immediately sound fun―Candy Maker anyone?! And some jobs sound exciting―Oceanographer, Sportscaster, Aerialist! And some jobs―Kite Designer, Wind Farmer, Party Planner―sound so wonderful it’s hard to believe that they exist! Babies and toddlers will follow along with this ABC as it explores some of the amazing, and often unusual, jobs that people do. Each fun letter is complemented by an illustration of a girl filled with delight and wonder as she shows us how we can be, quite literally, anything we want to be.

Book Links

Goodreads * Amazon * BN * IndieBound

**My thoughts**

I liked this book much more than I thought I would. When I was growing up, I went to Montessori where we were taught "You Can Be What You Want to Be," which was also the title of a play and song about Maria Montessori. And this book really echoes that idea. Each letter of the alphabet gets its own page with a potential occupation and one sentence describing what that job would be. They're all fun possibilities and definitely think outside of the box. And in the illustrations, she included different races and ethnicities as well as differently abled people. It's subtly obvious. And fear not, boys, you will be inspired by this book as well.

Thank you to the publisher for fulfilling my review request via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

It's OK to be Different by Sharon Purtill

*Gold Award Winner, Literary Titan 2019

Every Child is Unique!

It's OK to be Different written by Sharon Purtill and illustrated by Sujata Saha presents individuality. Everything about it is inspiring.

Children will enjoy the fun and clever rhymes, as they are drawn in by the bright and cheerful illustrations. It is one of those books that both children and adults can enjoy, as it delivers the perfect message to young readers.

This story has effectively imparted an ever-important lesson that individuality should be celebrated and not shunned. It helps children to accept themselves as the beautifully unique individuals that they are, and appreciate all the wonderful diversity around them. By encouraging kids to accept and befriend those who are different from themselves, it shows young children that they don't have to look alike or enjoy doing the same activities to be kind to one another.

When the author wrote this children's book, she did so with one idea in mind. Purtill said "If we can instill positive messages, from a young age, about all the diversity our children will see in the world, we can help raise up compassionate and caring children. When children are raised to accept and embrace those who are different from themselves they are far more likely to be a friend than an adversary to their peers. This can lead to less bullying among children. And that is a beautiful thing."

Readers are left with the message: "You should always be kind to those who are different from you. Because to them, YOU are different too."

The book closes with a short survey for children about kindness. A great way to start an important conversation with young children.

A wonderful picture book for educators and caregivers alike.

"It's OK to be Different, celebrates children who have the courage to be themselves, and to accept others as they are. Young readers with an eye for exceptional artwork and clever wordplay will enjoy it over and over again." Reader's Favorite - 5 Star Review

Buy on Amazon

US * UK * CA

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Sharon Purtill was a stay at home mom and entrepreneur when she stumbled into publishing in 1998. That year, along with her husband, she wrote and published her first book. That book’s success took them both by surprise when it went on to sell tens of thousands of copies right out of their garage. Today, Sharon is an award winning author who publishes in multiple genres under a couple of different pseudonyms. Her passion for writing, family and a positive life motivates her to create books that she hopes will enrich the lives of others. She hopes to one day escape the cold, and write from a tropical beach somewhere where her biggest concerns will be sand sticking to her suntan lotion and an empty margarita glass. But, for now, Sharon treasures the warm summer months and the time she gets to spend with family and friends in Ontario, Canada.

I was compensated via Fiverr for sharing this post. I only share those books that I feel will be of interest to my readers.

Zebert the Rainbow Striped Zebra

Zebert the Rainbow Striped Zebra by Janice Beier is a delightful new book for children that teaches about diversity and being comfortable in one's own skin.

Zebert is just like any other zebra, having black stripes on his white body. But after witnessing the multicolored beauty of a rainbow, Zebert wishes hard to have his own rainbow stripes.

The next morning, Zebert wakes up, covered in rainbow stripes. At first, he is excited and proud to look different. But no one wants to play with him, and the other animals think he looks weird. So, he desperately tries to cover up the rainbow stripes. Each attempt simply manages to draw more attention to his differences.

Zebert finally manages to prove to his friends that despite his different looks, he can still be a great friend and is a beneficial teammate.

The illustrations in the book are beautiful, yet simple. The muted backgrounds enhance the brightness of Zebert and his independence, while enhancing the murkiness of others being small-minded. Children will enjoy trying to recreate the illustrations.

The language is clear and easy for children to understand. The large print and spacing on the pages will allow early readers to easily practice independent reading or to read along with an adult.

The book was also accompanied by a read-along cd, including a cute little song about Zebert.

Janice Beier was inspired to write this book because she is raising three bi-racial children, and wants them to understand that everyone has inner beauty, despite their outward appearance. Families can use this book to celebrate their own special qualities. Educators will enjoy using this book to promote diversity in their classrooms. Follow-up activities can include creating their own versions of Zebert, listing ways in which they are alike and different, and even a study on the different animals featured throughout the book.

I shared this book with my class of 3-6 year-olds, and they loved it!

Zebert the Rainbow Striped Zebra is currently only available for sale through the author's website at http://authorsden.com/janicebeier.

Andrea Coventry is a reviewer for Bookpleasures.com.