Picture Book Wednesday: Flying High

A picture book of Simone Biles - from her young days to her star status. 

A great picture book showing the strength and determination it takes to become a star.  I love how it mentioned her younger troubled days and then she found gymnastics. But not everything was easy and it took lots of work. The rhymes in this book flow, making this a fun book to read. And the illustrations are amazing.

Library Recommendation: This is a must have book for your collection. Simone Biles is one of the greatest athletes of all time.* A fantastic picture book biography to showcase all year round.

* She one of my favorite athletes.

If You Like Pitch

If you like(d) Pitch.

I loved this TV show and will always mourn it's ending. Especially after that cliff hanger. Every so often my hopes are high that it's going to come back, but so far nothing.

Still, this show left a huge impression on me.

And this picture book reminded me of it.

Mamie Peanut Johnson had a dream. She wanted to play baseball professionally. But the All-American Girls Baseball League rejected her - not because of her talent but because of the color of skin. Mamie didn't give up. Instead she became the first female pticher (at the age of 19) in the Negro Leagues' Indianapolis Clowns - a male team. She pitched for the team for three years breaking records and barriers. 

A great story and a must have book for school and public libraries!

It's also a wonderful book for Black History Month and Women's History Month

Picture Book Review: Parker Looks Up

Parker, her sister, and her best friend are visiting the National Portrait Gallery. Together they respond to the paintings and how they make them feel. At the end of the day, Parker looks up and spies the portrait of First Lady Michelle Obama. And she's stunned!

I loved this picture book and the true story behind it. I loved the wonder of the girls looking at the paintings - especially the moment in the front of the ballerinas. I love that Parker saw Michelle Obama as a Queen and that she saw all the possibilities for herself in that moment. I love the hopes and dreams this painting inspires. A fantastic children's picture book with great art and a great message.

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: A must have book for school and public libraries

* this book is great to showcase during Black History Month, but it's also an amazing story to share throughout the year.