Disclaimer: I was provided copies of these books from the author in exchange for an honest review.  All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Do you ever wonder what some famous people were like as children?  What was their family life like?  What were their favorite hobbies and who were some of their early childhood inspirations? I certainly think about questions like these and more.  Well, thanks to the new Leaders Doing Headstands series of books we can find out the answers to some of our most burning questions as they pertain to famous people like Rosa Parks, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Walt Disney, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and more!

When Rosa Parks Went Fishing by Rachel Ruiz

Synopsis: No discussion of the Civil Rights Movement is complete without the story of Rosa Parks. But what was this activist like as a child? Following young Rosa from a fishing creek to a one-room schoolhouse, from her wearing homemade clothes to wondering what “white” water tastes like, readers will be inspired by the experiences that shaped one of the most famous African-Americans in history.

Reflection
“Rosa grew up trying to stop the unfair treatment of others. And then one day in 1955, she did something simple and brave. She sat down in a bus seat-and became a hero to millions of people.”

What a beautifully illustrated and informative book about Rosa Parks and her childhood!  Little readers will enjoy learning about a side of Rosa’s life seldom heard. Follow young Rosa from her favorite fishing creek and her one-room schoolhouse to the busy streets of Montgomery, Alabama.  While Rosa’s mother worked at the school, she and her younger brother Sylvester spent time with their grandparents at a nearby fishing creek.  Rosa learned a lot from her grandparents like standing up for things you believe in and not allowing others to push you around.

There is also some additional information about Rosa’s life as a teenager into adulthood.  I never knew she dropped out of school when she was 16 years old to care for her ill grandmother.  Many years later in 1934, she finally earned her high school diploma.  Nearly 20 years after that accomplishment, Rosa became famous for standing up for herself by refusing to give up her seat on a local city bus.

The back of the book contains: an afterword about Rosa Parks, a glossary, additional references and critical thinking questions to discuss as an extension activity for deeper thinking.

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When Hillary Rodham Clinton Played Ice Hockey by Rachel Ruiz

Synopsis: Hillary Rodham Clinton has always dreamed big … and achieved big too. But she didn’t become the greatest woman in US political history overnight. She was a kid first-organizing neighborhood carnivals, playing backyard ice hockey, and writing NASA to volunteer for astronaut training. This story shows readers the fun, fears, and challenges young Hillary had and encourages them to find their own strengths and dream big.

Reflection

This book starts off with a very distraught 4 year-old Hillary crying to her mother about being bullied by another girl. Hillary’s mother didn’t know what to do so she tells her to go back outside and stand up to the girl, so Hillary did. Thanks to her parents, young Hillary learned very quickly how to stand up for herself and speak up for what’s right.

The book then introduces little readers to Hillary’s father and hew two younger brothers, Hughie Jr. and Tony. Hillary’s mother was always sure to tell her she could do whatever her brothers did.  The rest of the book talks about some of Hillary’s milestones and achievements like going to Yale Law School (where she met President Bill Clinton), getting married, having children, becoming a U.S. Senator for the state of New York and more!

The back matter contains: an afterword about Hillary Clinton, a glossary, additional references and critical thinking questions to discuss as an extension activity for deeper thinking.

I love the fact that both of these books are so inspirational and informative for young readers.  I learned information about both of these women that I didn’t know before like Hillary writing to NASA at the age of 14 because she wanted to become an astronaut.

The only thing I didn’t really understand was why there was no significant tie in to the title of each book.  For example, the Rosa Parks book only has one page of Rosa going fishing as a child.  I was expecting to learn what made the creek where Rosa went fishing so significant and special to her (if anything)?  Did she continue going fishing in her adult years?  The same is true for the Hillary book.  Again, there is only one page showing Hillary and her friends playing ice hockey during her childhood. Did Hillary go on to join an ice hockey league or did she play at her school?  Maybe this isn’t relevant or important, but it’s just an observation.

Although both books are historical picture book biographies, there are lots of lessons to help reinforce concepts of: hard work, speaking up for yourself and standing up for what is right.  Both Hillary and Rosa are excellent examples of strong women who continued to persist and persevere despite the consequences or roadblocks they faced.  I think these books would both make great additions to any home or school library and would be valuable for an elementary aged student working on a biography project for either Rosa or Hillary.  Recommended for readers ages 6 -12 and up.  32 pages.

Your turn: What famous person’s childhood would you like to learn more about?  Feel free to share in the comments.

Doc Like Mommy by Dr. Crystal Bowe, illustrated by Mike Motz

Synopsis
A beautiful story that teaches you that you can be anything you want to be.

Reflection
At some point during your childhood, do you remember having a desire to be just like your mom or dad when you grew up? While not all children feel this way, there are some who do like the adorable little girl in this rhyming book. She aspires to be a doctor just like her mommy.

What I like about this book is not only does the girl want to have the same career as her mom, she also wants to do some of the other things her mom does. Like cooking healthy meals for the family, kissing boo-boos when you get hurt, reading bedtime stories and attending ballet recitals. I think this book does a great job showing a healthy work/life balance despite having a busy career like a doctor. Yes, moms can in fact have it all! Most importantly, it shows children they are the more important than any job or career could ever be.  Check this one out for little aspiring doctors or for any kids who want to be just like their mom when they grow up.  Recommended for ages 2-6.

About the Author

Dr. Crystal Bowe is a dedicated, bilingual, board certified family physician who serves all ages in Gaston County North Carolina.  She is the mother of 2 wonderful children who have inspired her to create literature that promotes diversity and inclusion.

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

Leaf by Sandra Dieckmann

Publisher: Flying Eye Books
Pages: 32
Format: Hardcover
Age Range: 3 – 5
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Publication Date: October 3, 2017

Synopsis
When a polar bear arrives unexpectedly in the woods, the animals fear and avoid him, suspecting him to be dangerous – and his habit of collecting leaves only adds to their distrust. Then one day, they watch as he attempts to fly over the water with wings made of colorful leaves…just trying to go home.

Maybe he needs some help?

Reflection

Creatures crave companionship and love just like people do.  No matter what you look like or where you are from, love and feelings are the same.  I think Leaf offers a beautiful visual representation of what love and kindness is and shows how even animals possess the incredible gift of giving and receiving love.

When a polar bear named Leaf arrives unexpectedly in the woods, the other animals fear and avoid him.  They automatically think he is dangerous simply because he looks and acts unlike any of the other animals in the wild wood.  With his white fur and weird leaf collecting habit, Leaf is an outsider.  After being carried upon shore due to melting ice in his natural habitat, Leaf is forced to make a home among an old, overgrown cave on the hill.

Needless to say, Leaf feels lonely and misses his family dearly.  All he wants to do is go back home to his family. Animals are not immune from experiencing complex emotions, such as sadness and loneliness.  I love the way this book tackles complex emotions in a way that makes it easy for little readers to grasp.

This book can spark so many discussions with the following themes:

• loneliness
• sadness
• acceptance
• empathy
• community
• family & love
• friendship
• kindness
• feeling and being treated like an outsider
• global warming & climate change (discuss reasons why the ice may be melting)

In addition, I like how this book comes full circle with the clever and wise crows.  I won’t spoil the ending for you, but I’ll just tell you it’s beautiful and truly brought a tear to my eye.  I love how the simple act of kindness the crows showed to Leaf had the power to dispel his feelings of loneliness.  Oh, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention how beautiful the illustrations in this book are. Every page is a work of art worthy to be framed.  The color palette used throughout is so stunning and truly pops off the page!

Not only does the story illustrate all of the themes mentioned above, but it also shows beauty in diversity and illustrates how creatures are all the same no matter how different they may be.  I think children need to be exposed to books like this with powerful and poignant overall messages.  Although this book is about animals, it’s very relevant to feelings of isolation and loneliness that humans may face too.  In today’s political climate, it seems that resisting isolation and staying open to being connected to others will be more important than ever.  I highly recommend checking out this book with your little readers when it publishes on October 3, 2017.

Your turn: Are you looking forward to reading this with your little readers?  Feel free to share in the comments.

Disclaimer: I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher to facilitate this review.  As always, all opinions are my own.

A Night Out With Mama by Quvenzhané Wallis, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Pages: 40
Age Range: 4 – 8 years old
Grade Level: Preschool – 3
Available for Sale: October 3, 2017

Synopsis
From Academy Award–nominated actress Quvenzhané Wallis comes a story about glitz, glamour, and the most important thing of all—family.

A very talented little girl has a very special night ahead of her. A night where she’ll get to wear a new dress in the most beautiful shade of blue with shoes that match it perfectly. A night where she’ll get to ride in the biggest car she’s ever seen! A night that will, of course, include ice cream.

But most special of all, it will be a night out with her mama.

Reflection
A very talented little girl has the pleasure of going with her Mama to her very first fancy awards show. She’ll get to wear her blue shoes along with her matching dress and headband, ride in a limousine and of course, eat lots of ice cream.

I love picture books like this that showcase everyday kids being kids. Of course, it’s not everyday a kid gets to attend a glamorous awards show or take pictures on the red carpet, but many kids do have family interactions.  You see the family eating breakfast together, the girl getting teased by her big brother, and being given a flower by her baby brother.  That scene reminds me of myself and my son.  My son loves giving me flowers and it warms my heart every time he does it.  It’s also so cute to see the girl and her mother all dressed up having such a great time out on the town.  This book inspires me to start having regular one-on-one mommy and me dates with my kids no matter how glitzy and glamorous or laid back they may be.  The main thing is they be FUN!

At first I’m shy…but then I relax and get into it.

The book doesn’t specify whether this story is based on a real life experience, but I’m willing to bet it is.  Especially since the author is actress Quvenzhané Wallis.  At the age of 9, Wallis was the youngest ever nominee for the 2013 Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the movie Beasts of the Southern Wild.  To me, this picture book appears to be a fictional (or real) account about Quvenzhané ‘s first academy award experience.  The topic is lighthearted and understandable with minimal text that is easy to read.  There are themes of: family, confidence, overcoming fears, love, mother-daughter bonding, glitz and glamour.  An absolutely adorable book with gorgeous illustrations for mothers and daughters to enjoy reading together!

Your turn: Are you looking forward to reading this book?  Feel free to share in the comments.  What are some of your other favorite “Mommy and Me” themed books?

Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of this book from the publisher to facilitate this review.  As always, all opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

I Just Kept Spinning by Destini Berry, illustrated by Ashley Foxx

Publisher: Kifani Press
Format: Hardcover
Age Range: 5-8 and up

Can Black girls do ballet?  Oh yes, they can (and so can other girls too)!

Synopsis
Follow the story of 7-year-old Destini, who wants more than anything to dance but is banned from her first recital because her long locs seemingly don’t fit the mold of a prima ballerina. Little readers however, will see that Destini won’t let anyone else define her beauty or her destiny.

Reflection
One day after ballet class, little 7 year-old Destini is pulled aside and told by her dance teacher she can no longer participate in class because she has dreadlocks in her hair. Her teacher tells her ballet dancers should be “neat and clean”. She calls her braids unruly and tells her they must go. Feeling devastated and dejected, Destini tells her mother what happened. Soon the news spreads like wildfire and the local media is involved. In the end, the teacher has a change of heart and Destini gets to keep on spinning. Based on a true experience, this beautiful book inspires young girls to believe in themselves.

The “ideal” ballet standards have alienated many non-white women from the dance world for decades here in America and worldwide. Non-white girls and women have been told they have flat feet, they’ve been criticized and ridiculed about their hair, skin color or weight.  I’m so happy there are books like this to remind little girls not to accept “no” for an answer when they are faced with obstacles. It also teaches themes of self-acceptance, standing up for yourself and confidence.

The hand drawn illustrations by Ashley Foxx are so colorful and gorgeous and really make this book come alive. A great book to read with aspiring ballerinas, lovers of dance or anyone who is striving to make it with the odds against them.  Little girls with dreadlocks or braids who dance ballet are sure to be delighted to see themselves reflected in this wonderful book.

Kifani Press is committed to publishing high-quality works of fiction featuring characters of color by authors and illustrators of color. Recommended for ages 5-8. Visit http://ijustkeptspinning.com for more information or to pre-order.  You can also use discount code DYS15 to receive 15% off your entire order through September 15, 2017.

Your turn: Are you looking forward to reading this book with your little readers?  Feel free to share in the comments.