Sarah Surgey

This was a really well-done picture book. My 9-year-old read it and immediately said she’d read it again and share it with friends. She gave it a 5/5 rating and thought the illustrations were “pretty good.”

From her perspective, the big takeaway was that it’s not about winning—it’s about friendship and trying your best. She doesn’t have Dyspraxia herself, but she said the book helped her understand what it might feel like for someone who struggles, and she thought it did a good show more job of showing that being different doesn’t make you less capable—it just means you might approach things differently.

From a parent standpoint, I appreciated how it quietly teaches empathy and understanding without being heavy-handed. It shows kids that struggles don’t define them and that perseverance and friendship matter more than any finish line.

Overall: 5/5 show less

Everyone is affected by grief. Well meaning adults think that they will upset a child if they talk about it so they say nothing. Reading this book to a child would open an important conversation. I have learned firsthand that talking about your grief is one of the first steps to healing. In the story Enid has just lost her grandfather and carries a backpack with mementoes of time spent with him. I loved the imagery of this - Enid's grief is in the backpack. One by one we learn what the show more mementoes are and how she can remember her beloved grandfather. Enid's feelings are validated. That's another important message. Everyone will lose someone they love in their lifetime. This book should be on your shelf to help your family deal with the loss. show less

An inclusive and moving children's book about kids with disabilities (specifically dyspraxia) and how awareness has a positive change on both themselves and others. I am loving that more children's books about kids with disabilities are being released. Personally, these books are encouraging, educational, and relatable, especially to a mother of a child with a rare disorder, and I enjoy learning and exploring with her. The artwork is emotive and works welll with the text.

LibraryThing Early show more Reviewer show less

I really like the lessons taught in this book. It is important to bring awareness to disorders such as dyspraxia as in this story. However this book also talks about the need to win and promotes good sportsmanship. I will be reading this to my niece for sure because she is obsessed with winning and needs to learn about doing your best instead.