Weekend Round-Up Part One

Looking for a picture book for a holiday gift?  Consider this one. 

As soon as I saw this book online

I knew it would be the perfect holiday gift for my daughter's  kindergarten class. Perhaps you recall pictures of their shoes I've posted over the years from my classroom visits.  I am always so taken with their footwear. Such a snappy, sparkly, colorful array of shoes these kindergartners are proud to own. And the fact that many of their shoes light up is even better.  

Brown Boy Brown Girl, LLC is a publishing company dedicated to empowering and inspiring brown boys and brown girls through reading and literacy programs. Helping parents to raise confident children who see the beauty of their true selves.

http://www.brownboybrowngirl.com/
Their mission is to cultivate a culture that enriches the lives of children; to foster, nurture and celebrate their gifts and talents.

"Josie's Bedazzled Shoes" is their first published book. Since my daughter teaches at a very diverse school the mission statement of Brown Boy Brown Girl publishing company aligns quite well with her school's philosophy. 

Teresa Baker and Lydia Miles teamed up to create a fun story aimed for ages 4-7.  Entering a new school and/or relocating can be very intimidating for children to adjust to new teachers and find friends. It can be especially difficult if your child is shy and lacks self confidence.  It's good to discover a book where the story line creates a relatable scenario providing an opportunity  for parents and teachers to discuss Josie's insecurities and shyness preventing her to make new friends.   

Ruth Klassen Andrew's illustrations were one of the things that really sold me on this book.  The pictures depict children found in my daughter's classroom. Andrews made some astute  creative choices when developing her illustrations. As the reader turns the pages, you see the progression of Josie moving away from being  a shy to a more confident girl noticeable in each new illustration. This was my favorite page. 

Here we see Josie wearing her dazzling hot pink and brown leopard-print canvas high tops with rhinestones on the toes and a glittering hot pink heart on each side of the shoe. Her mother helped her accessorize her outfit with a cute hot pink dress, a sporty denim shirt and a leopard print bow of pink and brown to adorn her hair. Love the descriptive words. 

I've been in the classroom  and watched how proud children can be when they have something new to share.  A book bonus-learning a new word bedazzled. It just rolls right off your tongue.  

Books can be ordered on Amazon. 
https://www.amazon.com/Josies-Bedazzled-Shoes-Lydia-Miles/dp/0997373407

Check back next weekend when Ever Ready rounds up another diverse book for review.