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children's books
August 28, 2018
Mrs. G

The Ultimate List of African-American Baby Boy Names Inspired by Children’s Books from Alfonso to Ziggy

There are so many wonderful picture books that feature strong, Black males as the main protagonist. Little boys (or girls) can read about heroes from the past and present who have emerged as role models for all children. They can explore nonfiction books about famous male inventors who have contributed to society. Or they can enjoy stories about everyday kids just being kids. Whatever they’re in the mood to read, either on their own or with a grown-up assisting, the one thing I can bet is they’ll be able to find a book to fit!

Below I’ve rounded up a list of picture books that feature African-American boy protagonists with first names from A to Z.  Some are popular names that you see often and others are unique like my name.  Is your name or your son’s name listed here?  What other books would you add to this list?  Feel free to share in the comments.

To see the ultimate list of girl names click HERE!

A

AlfonsoArt
Arturo

B

BarackBen
BobBud

C

CastleCharlie
ClaytonClive
Cornelius Charles
Cole

D

DaveDavid
DevonDominic
Deshawn

E

ElijahEmmanuel
Ernie

F

Frank

G

GeorgeGordon
Gregory

H

HenryHorace

J

JabariJacobJackson
JadenJamesJameson
JeremyJeromeJohn

K

Kevin

L

LennyLeoLewis
LindenLonnieLuke

M

MalcolmMalusiMarcus
MaxMichaelMiles
MatthewMuhammad

N

NeilNelson

O

Olu

P

Peter

R

RayReginaldRichard
RodneyRomareRon
RileyRufus

S

Sam

T

ToniehToshTravis
TreyTyrell

W

WilliamWillie

Y

Yosef

Z

Ziggy
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Book Reviews
August 27, 2018
Mrs. G

Coding for Parents: Everything You Need to Know to Confidently Help With Coding Homework

Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

Coding for Parents: Everything You Need to Know to Confidently Help With Homework by Frazer Wilson

Publisher: Sterling Publishing
Pages: 208
Format: Paperback

Synopsis
Facing the daunting prospect of helping your children with their coding homework?  Coding for Parents teaches you what you need to know . . . so you can teach your kids!

Unlock the mysteries of coding with this easy-to-follow and well-illustrated guide—and help your kids ace their coding homework! Organized by age and grade, It takes you by the hand and leads you through the basics, building your knowledge of key concepts, terminology, and techniques, and giving you the language you’ll need to explain it all to your child. Instructional diagrams and compelling illustrations appear throughout to enhance your understanding, and the book covers the most popular software, including Scratch, Python, and Java.

Reflection
The introduction of the computer has changed the world forever, for better or for worse.  The US Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports that by 2020, there will be 1.4 million jobs in computer science.  President Barack Obama said it best when he said, “In the new economy, computer science isn’t an optional skill – it’s a basic skill.”

In the new economy, computer science isn’t an optional skill – it’s a basic skill.” – Barack Obama

And yet, computer science is not part of the required curriculum in many US public schools.  That means it’s up to adults to help their children get more familiar with computers, technology and coding when it’s not offered to them in their school.  With the help of great books like Coding for Parents: Everything You Need to Know to Confidently Help With Homework adults can cultivate a child’s interest in computing, even if they’ve never written a line of code on their own a day in their life.

I like that this book is organized by age and grade level for different software like: Java, Scratch and Python.  It’s a compact and comprehensive introduction to all things coding broken down into digestible bites that are easy to comprehend.  There are also helpful diagrams with some added humor to help take a bit of the edge off if you’re new to the world of coding.  The book also contains a helpful glossary and index making it easy to find and reference information throughout.

Coding is all about learning by doing.  And the more kids feel like they can “do” computers, the more likely they are to pursue technical careers.  An added bonus is having a parent or adult who understands coding and can help a child easily understand it too.  That’s where  Coding for Parents: Everything You Need to Know to Confidently Help With Homework comes into play.  Check it out if you want to be able to confidently help the special kiddo in your life with their coding homework.  Makes a great back to school gift idea for parents!

Your turn: Is Computer Science a part of the curriculum at your child’s school?  What other books would you recommend for adults to help children with coding homework?  Feel free to share in the comments.

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Book Reviews
August 16, 2018
Mrs. G

Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse: Book Review

Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse by Marcy Campbell, illustrated by Corinna Luyken

Synopsis
Adrian Simcox tells anyone who will listen that he has a horse–the best and most beautiful horse anywhere.  But Chloe does NOT believe him. Adrian Simcox lives in a tiny house. Where would he keep a horse? He has holes in his shoes. How would he pay for a horse?

The more Adrian talks about his horse, the angrier Chloe gets. But when she calls him out at school and even complains about him to her mom, Chloe doesn’t get the vindication she craves. She gets something far more important.

Written with tenderness and poignancy and gorgeously illustrated, this book will show readers that kindness is always rewarding, understanding is sweeter than judgment, and friendship is the best gift one can give.

Reflection
At first glance, one might think this is just a book about a boy and his horse.  But once you open it up and start reading, you are introduced to so much more!

First, little readers are introduced to Adrian Simcox sitting all by himself (probably daydreaming again) at the lunch table in the school cafeteria.  Off to the side you see a crowd of other diverse kids all sitting together having their own group conversations.  Right off the bat, you can tell Adrian is a loner who probably doesn’t have many friends.

Next, you find out Adrian has a horse that he loves dearly and will tell just about anyone who will listen how beautiful his horse is.  “It has a white coat and golden mane and the biggest, brownest eyes of any horse, anywhere…”

Everyone at school is convinced Adrian has a horse EXCEPT for Chloe.  She’s not buying Adrian’s story for one minute.  She know’s her friend Kelsey’s cousin has a horse and that horses are super expensive to take care of.  Besides, Adrian lives in small house, he gets free lunch at school and he has holes in his shoes so there’s NO WAY he could possibly have a horse, right?

After being sick and tired of hearing Adrian brag about his horse, Chloe can’t take it anymore.  One day at recess she yells out loud so everyone can hear, “He’s lying! Adrian Simcox does NOT have a horse!”

Shortly after, little readers meet the real star of this book, Chloe’s mother.  It’s through her subtle, yet powerful action of showing her daughter Chloe to stop being so judgmental that finally makes Chloe start to see Adrian in a different light.  Chloe’s mothers’ simple action at the end of the book tie in beautifully with a quote from Chloe’s teacher mentioned earlier in the book:

We must try to be understanding.  We have to be patient.

I love this book for so many reasons:

  • The gorgeous illustrations by illustrator Corinna Luyken will take your breath away!  (Look closely so you won’t miss the sightings of Adrian’s horse!)
  • The contrasts between Chloe and Adrian (Adrian’s messy desk, his run down neighborhood, holey shoes)
  • It has some wonderful messages of kindness, empathy, feelings, and friendship woven into it
  • It teaches children not to judge others based on things they have or don’t have
  • Adrian’s vivid imagination and his creative ability to see things in a different way
  • The way Chloe’s mom subtly shows her daughter about true kindness, respect and acceptance without saying a word.  It’s so beautiful to see how Chloe figured everything out on her own and realized her mistakes.

I think this is such a great book to read during the back to school season (or anytime of the year).  Messages of kindness ring out loud and clear.  Don’t miss this one!

About the Author


Marcy Campbell lives in Ohio with her family and menagerie of rescued pets. Her writing for adults has been published widely in journals and magazines, including Salon. She grew up on a farm filled with cows, chickens, cats, and dogs, but she never had a horse. Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse is her debut picture book. You can visit her at www.marcycampbell.com.

About the Illustrator
Corinna Luyken grew up in different cities along the West Coast, and after studying at Middlebury College, she settled in Washington State, where she draws inspiration from nature, her family, and the human form. Her debut picture book, The Book of Mistakes, received four starred reviews and has been praised by Entertainment Weekly, The Wall Street Journal, Nerdy Book Club, and more.

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Book Reviews
August 10, 2018
Mrs. G

Fiona the Hippo Review+ A Giveaway!

Disclaimer: We’re thrilled to partner with Zonderkidz for this adorable giveaway based on the true life story of internet sensation Fiona the Hippo from the Cincinnati Zoo!  Enter for your chance to win a copy of the picture book Fiona the Hippo, a Team Fiona plush and sippy cup.

About Fiona the Hippo
Fiona the Hippo, by New York Times bestselling artist Richard Cowdrey of Bad Dog, Marley fame, tells the story of Fiona, the adorable internet sensation from the Cincinnati Zoo who captured hearts around the world with her inspiring story and plucky personality.

Born prematurely, at 29 pounds, Fiona was not expected to live. But her spunk and determination helped her thrive and become a happy, healthy hippopotamus. With every challenge she faced, Fiona let out a snort, wiggled her ears, and said “I’ve \got this.” And she did! In this delightful story, inspired by the real adventure of this heroic hippo, join Fiona and her lovable animal friends at the zoo as she is introduced to the world in this whimsical and inspiring tale of perseverance and friendship.

Reflection
I remember hearing about Fiona the Hippo last year and seeing her photo all over the Internet.  She’s the lovable little hippo who made her grand entrance to the world at the Cincinnati Zoo.  Born prematurely, and cared for with the assistance of the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Fiona is the first Nile hippo born at the zoo in 75 years!  No wonder why she’s so irresistible to people of all ages.

I was surprised at how valuable lessons of determination, grit, overcoming challenges and family came through in this book.  I was expecting to just read about Fiona’s background and journey, so the lessons sprinkled throughout the book was an added bonus!  It definitely helped me come up with a few discussion questions to talk to the kids about after the story ended which was great!

 

About the Author

Richard Cowdrey’s favorite things to draw and paint are the common things seen everywhere in nature. He especially enjoys capturing the expressions, eyes, and gestures of both humans and animals. Drawing and painting Fiona was challenging as the hippopotamus is a very unique yet beautiful creature! Richard’s bestselling children’s books include Legend of the Candy Cane, Bad Dog, Marley, and A Very Marley Christmas.

The Giveaway!

One (1) US-based resident (age 18 and over) winner will receive:

Fiona the Hippo Prize Pack Sponsored by ZonderKidz

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family fun
August 3, 2018
Mrs. G

My Favorite Canvases: Canvas on the Cheap + Discount!

A couple of weeks ago on Instagram, I shared a canvas print we received from Canvas on the Cheap.  It turned out to be far more fantastic than I expected and now I seriously want to re-do every family photo in our home.  Canvas on the Cheap has many options to choose from 8″x8″ to 30″x40″, but I fell in love with 16″x20″ frame we received.  And guess what…..there is an exclusive link for Here Wee Read readers below!

There are so many things I love about these canvases.

QUALITY: The quality is amazing.  The thickness, the detail, the coloring, the packaging they were shipped in….they pay attention to every single detail!  All photos have a gorgeous semi-gloss finish.

EASY TO HANG: All I had to do was hang it on my wall, make sure it was level, put my nail and hook up and ta da…..it was perfect!  Seriously took me 5 minutes!  My husband couldn’t believe how fast I did it on my own!

FAST TURN AROUND:  I got everything in about 2-3 days.

I wish I could invite you all over to see it in person because the pictures really don’t do it any justice.  Buy one for yourself and your family to enjoy! Everyone needs one of these canvases in their home.

SAVE BIG ON CANVAS PRINTS FOR YOUR HOME!

Head to Canvas on the Cheap using my special link to order today!  The 8″x8″ canvases would make a great back to school gift for teachers, birthday presents or anytime of the year.

Your turn: Have you converted any of your family photos into canvas prints?  Feel free to share in the comments.

PIN PHOTO BELOW TO SAVE THIS COUPON CODE ON MY FAVORITE CANVAS PRINTS

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children's books
July 26, 2018
Mrs. G

3 Tips for Preparing Your Child for Reading In First Grade

This post is sponsored by HarperCollins and the I Can Read! books.  Be sure to enter the book giveaway listed at the end of this post.

It’s almost back-to-school time, and children nationwide will soon be getting ready to return to school or start for the first time.  Starting the school year off right is so important when building the foundation of a successful school year for both teachers and students.  It is a time to develop classroom community, set expectations for the year, and build relationships.

This school year my daughter will be starting First Grade, which is so hard for me to believe!  Time, please slow down!

Making the transition from Kindergarten to First Grade is a big one for parents and children.  As a parent or caregiver, one of the best things you can do to help your new first-grader prepare for the school year is to start having conversations at home early on about what they can expect.  From my own research, I’ve learned that in First Grade reading skills come into play, math becomes more complex and science and social studies expose children to new worlds.  Here are three tips to help prepare your child for reading in First Grade:

1. Read, read, and read some more!

First grade is a BIG reading year so it’s important to set aside regular time to read aloud with your children every day.  Many children begin the year sounding out basic consonant-vowel-consonant (cvc) three letter words such as “big” and “cat.”  However, more advanced readers may be given more challenging words.

Spelling lists and weekly spelling tests are common in most first grade classrooms too. These spelling lists might focus on teaching word families and basic word patterns. By the end of the year, first graders are reading more complicated sentences such as “She jumps up and down.” without needing to sound out known words. Most first graders are also learning to answer questions about key story ideas, retell the story, describe the characters or maybe even asked to write short book reviews.

One of my favorite series of early reader books for kids is the I Can Read! series.  I like them because they have great repetition and words that kids can sound out without too much help from an adult.  I know it can seem a bit overwhelming when trying to decide what early reader books to buy for your child because it can be confusing to figure out what book level to purchase.  I find the I Can Read! books to have appropriately labeled and color-coded levels for their books (Levels 1 – 4).  The “My First: Shared Reading” and “Level 1: Beginning Reading” books are perfect for incoming Kindergarten and First Grade students.

They have over 400 titles to choose from like I Want to Be a Doctor and Pete the Cat: Too Cool for School.  If you want to learn more you can download their handy printable activities, teacher’s guide or review their list of 100 Tips for Beginning Readers.  They also have a helpful parent guide and YouTube Video.

2. Look for reading problems early.

Teachers do not always detect children’s reading problems until they’ve become more serious. If possible, find out early in the school year from your child’s teacher if they can sound out words, know sight words, use context to identify unknown words, and clearly understand what they read.  If any reading problems are identified, be sure to seek help.  The more likely problems are identified early, the more likely your child will become a good reader.

3. Encourage a wide variety of reading activities.

Make reading an integral part of your child’s life. Have them read menus, highway and road signs, game directions, weather reports, movie time listings, grocery lists and other practical everyday information. Also, make sure they always have something to read in their spare time when they could be waiting for appointments or riding in a car.  I like to keep a tote bag of a few books in the back seat that are within reach for my kids.

Showing enthusiasm for your children’s reading is also important too.  Your reaction has a great influence on how hard they will try to become good readers.  The most important thing to remember is to let your child set his or her own pace and have fun at whatever they are doing.  The last thing you want to do is discourage them from reading or see it as a boring chore.

 

The Giveaway!
Our friends at HarperCollins were generous enough to sponsor this awesome prize pack for one lucky US resident winner.  One (1) winner will receive:

5 I Can Read! Books Plus a State Bags Lunchbox!

Your turn: What reading tips do you have for parents of rising First Graders?  Feel free to share in the comments.

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Book Cover Reveals
July 13, 2018
Mrs. G

Cover Reveal: Sing to the Moon

I’m thrilled to participate in this beautiful book cover reveal in partnership with Lantana Publishing.  From the creators of the book Sleep Well, Siba and Saba, comes this forthcoming picture book featuring a little boy from Uganda who likes to dream big.

This story was inspired by the rainy days the author spent with her family in Uganda during the rainy season. It’s a beautifully written and illustrated story that shows the precious bond between a grandfather and grandson.

Available for Sale: October 1, 2018
Age Range: 4 – 8
Grade Level: PreK – 2

Synopsis
For one little Ugandan boy, no wish is too big. First he dreams of reaching the stars and then of riding a supernova straight to Mars. But on a rainy day at his grandfather’s house, he is brought down to earth with a bump. Do adventures only happen in galaxies far away or can he find magic a little closer to home? A touching story of a grandfather’s love for his grandson and the quiet pleasures of a rainy day.

About the Author
Nansubuga Nagadya Isdahl was born to Ugandan parents in Cambridge, MA, USA. For over ten years, Nansubuga has worked in international development in East and Southern Africa. In her current role as a technical writer and editor, she produces a range of written work for international organizations such as the UN and the World Bank. Having lived in seven countries across three continents, creative writing has always been her way to re-connect with her cultural heritage. Sleep Well, Siba and Saba is her first children’s book.

About the Illustrator
Sandra van Doorn was born in a small medieval town in France and now lives in Australia. She attended art classes at Emily Carr University in Vancouver before embarking on her career as a children’s illustrator. You can find out more about her work at www.sandravandoorn.com.

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children's books
June 26, 2018
Mrs. G

Riley Knows He Can + A Book Giveaway!


We’re celebrating the second book in the “Riley Books” series which is entitled Riley Knows He Can.

Riley is excited about starring in his first school play – but his nerves keep getting the better of him. His Mummy and Daddy will be in the audience and Riley is excited that they’ll be there to watch him in his starring role as the wise king. In addition, Riley can’t wait to put on his costume – a kingly cape and crown! But he keeps getting overwhelmed by the butterflies in his tummy! What if he walks on the stage and freezes? Or what if he walks on the stage and sneezes? Thankfully, Riley’s big sister Ella is on hand. Not only did Ella help her little brother to practice his lines for the play, she also gives him the encouragement he needs to take to the stage with kingly confidence. With Ella’s help, Riley learns how to ditch the doubt and tell himself he can do it – because deep down, he knows he can!

Photo Credit: A Mum Reviews

The follow-up to 2017’s Riley Can Be Anything, Riley Knows He Can follows young Riley on a new and exciting journey of discovery. In this wonderful rhyming tale, our young hero learns, with the help of his big sister, how to conquer his fears by believing in himself.

The Giveaway!
We’re giving away three (3) copies of this book to three (3) different winners.  This giveaway is open to anyone age 18 and over internationally.  Good Luck!

Riley Knows He Can Book Giveaway!

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children's books
June 26, 2018
Mrs. G

The Ultimate List of African-American Baby Girl Names Inspired by Children’s Books from Abigail to Zulay


I grew up being embarrassed by my first name until I went to college.  I used to despise the first day of school because it was inevitable the teacher and students would mispronounce my name.  When I got to college I realized I should no longer be ashamed of my name, but be proud of it.  Now I understand that I have a unique and beautiful name that is sometimes difficult to pronounce for some people.  And that’s ok.  I fully accept that.  No longer do I feel “left out” when I don’t see my name engraved on items in a store like I did when I was a child.  It makes me feel special to have such an original name that isn’t so common.

I love the story of Barack Obama making the decision to tell his family he wanted to be addressed by his given name, Barack back in 1980.  Up until that time, he was known early in life as Barry.  It wasn’t until he was a student at Occidental College, that he decided to make a change and stand up to prejudice associated with his name.  I personally can’t imagine calling him Barry Obama anyway.  I think Barack Obama definitely suits him much better and it asserts a certain power and authority.

Below I’ve rounded up a list of picture books that feature African-American girl protagonists with first names from A to Z.  Some are popular names that you see often and others are unique like my name.  Is your name or your daughter’s name listed here?  What other books would you add to this list?  Feel free to share in the comments.

A

AbigailAda
AhniAllie
AnnAnna
AnnieAria

B

BeatriceBella

Bessie 

Bidemmi

C

CassieCece Clara

D

DestiniDestiny

E

EfaEffa
EllaEllen
ElizabetiEmi

F

FaithFaye

G

GraceGwendolyn

H

HandaHelenHope

I

IkennaImaniIvy

J

JamaicaJamelaJazmin
JojoJosephineJune

K

KateKatherineKeisha
KenyaKeyanaKiely

L

LenaLillianLily
LolaLorraineLou

M

MackenzieMadisonMaeMakayla
MariamaMayaMichelleMimi

N

Nia 

O

OdettaOliviaOprah

P

PatriciaPriscilla

R

RayeRoseRuth

S

SareenSophiaSydney

T

TalishaTameka

V

VioletVirginnie

W

Winifred

Y

Yatandou

Z

ZazaZoraZulay
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children's books
June 21, 2018
Mrs. G

Drawn Together + A Giveaway!

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Disney-Hyperion.  Thanks, Disney for sending us this book for free and allowing us to host a giveaway!

We’re so excited to partner with Disney to celebrate the release of their picture book entitled Drawn Together, which is now available for purchase.   It’s a beautifully illustrated story about a grandfather and his grandson and how they learn to overcome their language barrier through a shared love of art and storytelling.

About the Book
When a young boy visits his grandfather, their lack of a common language leads to confusion, frustration, and silence. But as they sit down to draw together, something magical happens—with a shared love of art and storytelling, the two form a bond that goes beyond words. With spare, direct text by Minh Lê and luminous illustrations by Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat, this stirring picture book about reaching across barriers will be cherished for years to come.

Grandparents are a unique and special gift that fill our children’s lives with sweets, fun and lots of love. If your child is lucky enough to have grandparents involved in their life like mine are, savor each and every precious moment they have together.  Some grandparents have a great wealth of experience and time, and many love nothing more than making a significant impact on the lives of their grandchildren.  Oftentimes, grandparents (and other family members!) can also play an important role in your child’s literacy development, offering experiences that can be unique from what you do with your kids.

I love the bond the grandfather and grandson share in Drawn Together and how beautifully the story bridges the gap between two generations and languages through pictures.  It shows that despite your differences you can still be accepting of other people and find a common bond.  This book is so powerful and meaningful.  One not to be missed!

About the Author

Minh Lê is a writer but, like his grandfather, is a man of few words. He is a national early childhood policy expert, author of Let Me Finish! (illustrated by Isabel Roxas), and has written for the New York Times, the Horn Book, and the Huffington Post. A first-generation Vietnamese-American, he went to Dartmouth College and has a master’s in education from Harvard University. Outside of spending time with his beautiful wife and sons in their home near Washington, DC, Minh’s favorite place to be is in the middle of a good book. Visit Minh online at minhlebooks.com or on Twitter @bottomshelfbks.

Minh Lê’s debut, Let Me Finish!, received critical acclaim, and this new picture book once again demonstrates his sensitivity to readers and mastery of the form.

About the Illustrator

Dan Santat is the author and illustrator of the Caldecott Award-winning The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend, as well as The Cookie Fiasco, After the Fall, and others. He is also the creator of Disney’s animated hit, The Replacements. Dan lives in Southern California with his wife, two kids, and a menagerie of pets. Visit him at dantat.com.

Illustrator Video
Dan Santat’s illustrations are robust, vibrant, and packed with emotion, a perfect match for Minh Lê’s poignant, and ultimately cheerful, story. Learn about the Drawn Together art process from Dan Santat himself!  Watch the video on YouTube!

Connect with Disney-Hyperion!

Website  |  Twitter | Instagram  |  Facebook

The Giveaway!

One (1) US-based resident will receive:

  • Copy of Drawn Together
  • Plus a sketchbook and kid-friendly art materials!

Drawn Together

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Book Reviews
June 3, 2018
Mrs. G

Grandad Mandela (A Book Review)

Grandad Mandela by Ambassador Zindzi Mandela, Zazi and Ziwelene Mandela, illustrated by Sean Qualls

Publisher: Quarto Kids
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 40
Age Range: 4 and up
Publication Date: June 28, 2018

Synopsis
Nelson Mandela’s two great-grandchildren ask their grandmother, Mandela’s youngest daughter, 15 questions about their grandad – the global icon of peace and forgiveness who spent 27 years in prison. They learn that he was a freedom fighter who put down his weapons for the sake of peace, and who then became the President of South Africa and a Nobel Peace Prize-winner, and realise that they can continue his legacy in the world today. Seen through a child’s perspective, and authored jointly by Nelson Mandela’s great-grandchildren and daughter, this amazing story is told as never before to celebrate what would have been Nelson’s Mandela 100th birthday.

Reflection
Born on July 18, 1918 Nelson Mandela is best known for promoting messages of forgiveness, peace and equality.  He spent 27 long years in prison, but when he was released he became the first Black President of South Africa and eventually won the Nobel Prize for Peace.  In 1994, Mandela successfully brought down the Apartheid government abolishing the original ruling of separating White people from Black people.

Grandad Mandela is a beautiful and important story told from the perspective of Mandela’s two youngest great-grandchildren and daughter.  The story begins with little Zazi and Ziwelene approaching their grandmother (Mandela’s youngest daughter, Zindzi) to tell them about their great-grandfather after finding a photograph of him around the house.  Mandela’s daughter goes on to her grandchildren the story of why Mandela went to jail when she was just eighteen months old.

In true childlike fashion, the kids continue to probe asking a series of 15 different questions about their great-grandfather.  They are curious and want to know more like:

Why did grandad go to jail?
Why did the white people start making everybody’s lives sad?

I love how Mandela’s daughter carefully responds to each question in a way that’s easy for smaller children to understand.

He went to jail because he was fighting against apartheid.  Apartheid was a law in South Africa that separated black people and white people, and said that white people were better.  Grandad was fighting for us all to be equal.

It’s because white people were taught under colonization and apartheid to hate.  They were taught that they were better than black people.

I think each question and answer response is well thought out and easily digestible for little readers.  The illustrations beautifully capture each memory and the time period so well.  You’ll see pictures of Winnie Mandela silently celebrating Mandela’s birthday each year he was in prison.  She kept the wedding cake they never had a chance to cut when they got married.  Every year on Mandela’s birthday, she would bring it out, light a candle, and say a prayer for him.  Be still my heart!

In the end, Mandela is finally released after spending nearly three decades of his life behind bars.  Everyone in South Africa is seen rejoicing, White and Black people.  What an amazing day that must have been for the people in South Africa who spent so many years living under apartheid!

I remember seeing some of the television coverage on that glorious day back on February 11, 1990.  It seemed like the whole world was rejoicing and celebrating.  It was as if Nelson Mandela’s release set us all free in a way.  His release helped set people free from anything they may have been  struggling with at the time.  His release gave me a renewed sense of hope and optimism.  From that day on, I held Nelson Mandela in such high regard often looking to his words for guidance in coming to grips with the ways—the sometimes brutal ways—in which the world works.

To say that I am grateful for Nelson Mandela’s example doesn’t suffice.  That’s why I’m so glad this picture book exists so I can keep his legacy alive by reading it with my children and for new generations to come.  His legacy lives on and we can all learn valuable lessons from him and his humanity.  Grandad Mandela is sure to inspire readers to achieve anything they want in life.  It inspires me to keep showing up daily, to keep writing, to keep fighting, to keep forgiving, and to keep loving.

Your turn: Are you planning to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s upcoming centenary (100th birthday)?  If so, how will you be celebrating?  Feel free to share in the comments.

For more information about Nelson Mandela’s forthcoming 100th birthday celebration visit The Nelson Mandela Foundation website.

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Book Reviews
May 30, 2018
Mrs. G

Sisters and Champions: The True Story of Venus and Serena Williams (A Book Review)

Sisters and Champions: The True Story of Venus and Serena Williams by Howard Bryant, illustrated by Floyd Cooper

Synopsis
Everyone knows the names Venus & Serena Williams. They’ve become synonymous with championships, hard work, and with shaking up the tennis world. This inspirational true story, written by award-winning sports journalist, Howard Bryant, and brought to beautiful life by Coretta Scott Kind Award and Honor winner, Floyd Cooper, details the sisters’ journey from a barely-there tennis court in Compton, CA, to Olympic gold medals and becoming the #1 ranked women in the sport of tennis. Here is a worthy ode to Venus and Serena Williams, the incredible sister duo who will go down in history as two of the greatest athletes of all time.

Reflection
Every time I read this book it moves me to tears. Not because it’s a sad story, because it fills my heart with so much joy and inspires me to keep on pushing and grinding despite any odds, haters or obstacles I may face.

Venus and Serena’s tennis careers began before they could even hold a racquet properly at the tender age of 3. Their father, Richard Williams a former sharecropper from Louisiana, knew from the day he put tennis racquets in their hands they would be known as the greatest tennis duo in the world. Others laughed whenever Richard would talk about it.

Sisters and Champions gives you an inside glimpse into the lives of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams. You learn about some challenges they overcame (like racism and health issues) and their many impressive victories.  Floyd Cooper’s vivid and gorgeous illustrations really complement the story so well.

I love how the girls’ parents took a gamble by putting everything they had on making tennis stars out of their daughters. All of their hard work and dedication eventually paid off…big time! In February 2002, Venus was ranked number one in the world. Six months later, it was Serena’s turn to be number one. It is the only time in history two siblings were ranked first and second in the world.

Check this one out if you want to read about Venus and Serena’s story, if you need a dose of inspiration, or if you have any aspiring little tennis players in your life. Makes a nice addition to any home or school library. Now available wherever books are sold. Recommended for ages 4-8 and up.

“It’s not about winning today, it’s about winning tomorrow. You’re building your game.” -Richard Williams

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