REVIEWS

Reviewed by Amy Raines for Readers' Favorite

In Sie Sie Starfish’s Big Move by Kenndy Huras, Sie Sie loves her home in the coral reef. She loves her friends and the games they play together. As the coral reef she loves so much is slowly destroyed, Sie Sie is left with no choice but to move. Her new home is huge and beautiful and has lots of sea creatures but Sie Sie soon discovers a couple of problems. She can’t understand the language, so she can’t learn the new games. Confused, Sie Sie glides through the water and gets lost. Will Sie Sie find her way back to her new home? Will she settle in and learn the new language and the games? Will she make new friends to play with?

I love Sie Sie Starfish and the range of social issues that are incorporated into this story. The characters are unique and add depth to the problems they face. I enjoyed the way the degradation of the coral reef and cultural diversity were presented in this book. I also love how the decision and the stress of moving to a new place are covered in a way that will help kids realize they are not alone in how they feel about changing so much at once. The illustrations are beautiful and colorful and add depth to the story. I recommend Sie Sie Starfish’s Big Move by Kenndy Huras to young readers who enjoy stories they can learn from and that help them handle problems in the world in a healthy way.

Review by Shawna L. Thompson

Reviewed by:

Shawna L. Thompson

Review Rating:

5 Stars - Congratulations on your 5-star review! Get your free 5-star seal!

Reviewed by Shawna L. Thompson for Readers’ Favorite

Have you ever been so excited you couldn't sleep? In Gabby the Giraffe Goes to School by Kenndy Huras, a young giraffe named Gabby is all set to start her first day of kindergarten. Gabby is excited and ready for the big day with her pink backpack and new red shoes, and she can't wait to play dress up and build with blocks. Mama Giraffe is proud of Gabby, but letting go of her baby girl is hard. However, things don't go as planned when Gabby is called "Gigantosaurus Gabby" by Freddy the Fox, which deeply hurts her feelings. Gabby's self-esteem and courage are challenged, and she feels sad. Luckily, when she gets home, her mother comforts her and teaches her about empathy and self-love. Gabby is brave enough to face her fears the next day and returns to school. She helps get a ball off the roof, emerges as a soccer hero, and gains self-confidence all in one afternoon.

The engaging narrative and colorful illustrations make it perfect for read-aloud sessions, captivating the attention of children ages four through six. The characters in Gabby the Giraffe Goes to School are relatable and endearing, and children will love them. This book is an excellent resource for parents, teachers, and counselors as it teaches children how to handle unpleasant situations and treat others respectfully. Kenndy Huras has written a heartwarming story that conveys a positive message about empathy, self-esteem, and courage. It shows how even the smallest act of kindness can make a big difference, making it a must-read for children and adults alike.