Natasha Wing

Former American First Lady Jackie Kennedy leads the charge in saving New York City's Grand Central Terminal in this engaging work of picture-book history. Always interested in art and architecture, she had used her tenure as first lady to refurbish and restore the White House, collecting artifacts and historical treasures with significance for that great building and its former residents, and bringing them together at the "People's House." After her time as first lady, when she was again show more living in New York, Kennedy discovered that one of the great architectural wonders of that city was in danger of being torn down. Determined to save Grand Central, which she felt should be preserved as a historical and artistic monument, she led a public relations campaign to oppose its destruction, and was instrumental in motivating important public figures to join the fight, and mount a legal challenge to the owners' decision to demolish. In the end, Jackie was successful, and although she did not live to see the fully restored Grand Central, its survival is, in part, a monument to her vision and public spirit.

A wonderful book, every bit as engaging as it is informative, When Jackie Saved Grand Central reminded me of the many times I traveled through that famous train station, during the years I commuted to work in Manhattan, and the great pleasure I always took in its beauty. How thankful I have always been, on a personal level, that I had the pleasure of passing through so majestic and uplifting a space, on a regular basis, rather than finding my way into the city through such a space as the modern Penn Station. As every New Yorker knows, the current Penn Station was built in the 1960s, and replaced a far more beautiful, and architecturally interesting train station, bearing the same name. We can thank Jackie Kennedy - and I do! - that a similar fate didn't befall Grand Central. Natasha Wing is to be commended for bringing this story to young readers, who may have never thought before about the history of the structures around them, and about the complicated decision-making process involved in either maintaining older buildings, or replacing them with newer ones. The accompanying artwork by Alexandra Boiger, done watercolor, gouache and ink, is absolutely charming, capturing Jackie's elegant personal appeal, as well as the drama of the public events in which she was involved, perfectly. There is a detailed afterword from the author, as well as a note from the illustrator, and a brief list of further reading. Highly recommended to anyone looking for history for the picture-books set, or who has a child interested in architecture, Grand Central, or Jackie Kennedy. show less

This sweet read swirls with tap dancing delight and leaves behind glaze of warmth and happiness.

Bagel loves to dance and would like nothing more than to entire the Cherry Jubilee dance contest. But he doesn't have a partner. His toes might be talented, but finding a willing partner turns out to be an almost impossible quest. As the time to the contest nears and no partner is to be found, he's afraid he might be forced to give up on his dream.

This book made me smile. At first, I wasn't sure show more really what to expect—a bagel in love is a quirky concept—but it was a sugar-sweet delight. Bagel is a funny chump, self-assured and a dancing pro. As he gets denied by alluring eclairs, salty pretzels and fancy donuts, it's hard not to feel sorry for him. He may not be as fancy, but he doesn't deserve it. Young readers will notice this and sympathize with his little bagel heart (if bagels had one) and be elated right along with him when the ending finally brings the happiness he deserves.

The illustrations are bright and fun. Each yummy character brings across personality and easy for young listeners to identify. There's even a few exotic treats thrown in to expand horizons and give the book a more worldly atmosphere. The text runs along as smoothly as a song with making it easy to read aloud. Add the dash of sparkles on the cover and again on the last page spread, and this book glistens with sugary happiness. There's a message as well, and it doesn't stick out straight but rather rolls along on the emotions and leaves a lasting impression: stick to being you and chase your dreams even when others put you down.

My kids absolutely adored this book and grabbed it up more than several times.

I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed my kids and I enjoyed it so much that I wanted to leave my honest thoughts. show less

I am so happy that this book was written for young children about Audrey Hepburn. I have previously read one other book in this series of biographies and this one is even better than the last one.

I like how the words that children might not know are in bold type and then a definition of the same word is found in the Glossary.

There were many facts ,that I did not know: that Audrey Hepburn was born in Belgium, she went to boarding school in England and was sent back to her mother and two show more brothers to live in the Netherlands, she hid secret messages in her shoes and bicycled the information to help the Dutch Underground. Food was scarce after the invasion and Audrey lost a lot of weight and had to give up her dream of being a ballerina because her muscles were never strong. Audrey was smart, wise and very generous.

I hope that many young children read this book. show less

Such a cute book!

This is a delightful long poem with adorable illustrations and encouragement for all soon-to-be kindergartners. I find this book especially precious because the first of my own grandchildren is about to enter kindergarten soon. I can identify with the teary-eyed parents of the kindergartners in this book. This book is a stark, but loving, reminder of how quickly our children grow up!