Kristina Rodanas

It's rare to come across a story where the meaning behind it jumps out at you, but I found it in The Story of Wali Dad. A man who lives only on necessities and helping others sends his most prized position to a princess that he heard has the kindest heart. Gifts are exchanged back and forth between Wali Dad, the princess and a prince, each gift more and more extravagant. With each wonderful gift, Wali Dad recognizes that he does not need them as they are not necessities and he passes them show more on. The swap of gifts eventually brings the Prince and Princess together where they find love, thanks to Wali Dad.
The meaning in this story (to me) is that helping others and recognizing our needs versus our wants can lead to the greatest gift that can not be bought; love. show less

(Included in the Brown Fairy Book)

This was an unexpectedly charming tale I came across in Andrew Lang's Brown Fairy Book, about a simple but good-hearted old man who, by one kind deed of his, spurs a chain of events that leads to not only himself but others having an happily ever after. Such a refreshing story!

Flamingo Sunset tells the story of the life cycle of a flamingo, starting with the mother flamingo laying her egg up to when the baby flamingo grows up enough to fly on his own. Although this is a non-fiction picture book, it is written in a story form. Kids probably won’t even realize they’re learning something by reading it! The gorgeous illustrations also give it the feel of a story book. I liked the fact that there is an author’s note at the end of the book that gives more detailed show more information about flamingos. If your little ones have questions while you read this book to them, the author’s note comes in very handy.

I love flamingos and this is a great book for children to learn about these beautiful birds. show less

In my opinion the book The Story of Wali Dad is not the greatest children’s book I have ever read. It wasn’t terrible, but it was boring. The language is dull and lacks emotion and is very monotone. The illustrations follow suit and are dull and do not add any excitement to the story. The characters are not believable nor are they developed. Unfortunately that was a book I could not wait to finish reading and had no desire to pick back up again.