Eva ChenRecensioni

1.I would recommend this book to early to middle elementary school kids.
2.This book goes through a story of what it is like to be first generation asian American living in the united states. She tells of people saying she is different. This book also brings out a lot of culture and shows struggles that she has to deal with.
3.I would highly recommend this in a classroom to teach diversity and understanding another's perspective.

A Is for Awesome! is a children’s picture book in Eva Chen’s Awesome! series of educational stories that feature inspiring women. Juno Valentine, a character from another book series by the same author, makes a brief appearance at the beginning as well. Parents can teach children their ABCs while also helping them learn about twenty-three famous women who helped change the world around them. There are lots of iconic women featured within this book’s pages, such as Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Oprah, Malala, and many more. Each page gives a brief explanation of who that person is/was and their contributions to the world, and most pages also feature a brief quote from the person.

This is a book I’d been very eager to read. As a relatively new grandparent with a young granddaughter who’s very spirited, I’m always looking for books with strong female role models to share with her and this one definitely fits the bill. It features an interesting and diverse group of women from all walks of life that should be inspiring to girls of all ages and backgrounds. Then it’s capped off with a mirror page, celebrating the child who’s reading it and all the adventures they might have in the future. The text is accompanied by fun cartoon renderings of the women discussed that should delight little readers. Right now, the print version of the book appears to only be available as a board book, which typically means that it’s aimed at the littlest readers. It’s certainly appropriate for infants and preschoolers, but I think that even early elementary age kids could glean something from its pages. There were a few of the women that I didn’t even know, and since the book only gives the barest amount of information about each one, it could create a jumping off point for older readers to further research or read about any of the women that catch their interest. I highly recommend the book for parents who are looking for empowering learning books for their little ones.

Instagram superstar Eva Chen, author of Juno Valentine and the Magical Shoes, is back with an alphabet board book depicting feminist icons in A Is for Awesome: 23 Iconic Women Who Changed the World, featuring spirited illustrations by Derek Desierto.

-Amazon description

One of the most impactful illustrations and text papers is where the parents acknowledge becoming immigrants for a better life for their child.....and how their child is their interpreter, their teacher and translator. Not many texts acknowledge this fact and to me, it is another window/mirror/door. Because it IS what happens for many with ESL homes.

Okay, so.....I don't love some of the women chosen (more just because I would have done something different personally....not because they don't deserve recognition.) But I want Audrey to see the scope of things women have done and will do!

I am trying to figure out which one I like better--Juno exploring fashions and interacting with famous women throughout history. OR do I like her wearing and "walking around in someone else's shoes." Regardless, this picture book appeals to the fashionista in me.

Now many people will question why certain women are used in the book and not others. Well, that's on the author, Eva Chen. Yes, some would argue that there is a decidedly feminist slant to those chosen. However, all of those women have some admirable character quality. I hope that people realize THAT and don't focus so much on a person's political ideology. For me, having Audrey Hepburn is enough!!

I have been a fan of this book for a while now. Other reviewers have said that it does not lend itself well to a storytime and they are right. Indeed, I don't ever intend to try it in one because I know it just won't work. What draws me to this book is the female empowerment to be found....and SHOES. Anyone who knows me knows that I am a shoe person. (Yes, I will even wear heels to drive the Bookmobile)

It's the story of Juno who doesn't think she, or her shoes, are anything special. So she interacts with the shoes of women throughout history--Cleopatra, Frieda Kahlo, and others. Yes, there is a decidedly liberal slant....but honestly, there are golden nuggets to be gleaned. Regardless of personal feelings, women like Oprah and Hilary Clinton have had major milestones in women's history.

As to the shoes, well, those are such fun!!

I like the sentiment behind the book, but I'm just not a fan of picture books that choose to offer vague, inspirational rah-rah over an actual story.

(Another project! I'm trying to read all the picture books and graphic novels on the kids section of NPR's Books We Love 2022.)

AUDIOBOOK VERSION

This book is amazing, even though, for me, listening to an audiobook of a picture book is hard. Eva Chen, the author, narrates this fast read. While I miss the illustrations, she takes me on the journey with her.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for making this audiobook available for an honest review.

Summary: The main character mei, represented the good blessings that her parents wanted her to have, beauty and seeing the beauty around her. The book is written as an encouragement for Chinese American children to embrace their culture and believe in and love themselves.

This review is for the audiobook, which is captivating and incorporates beautifully chosen music, but it is difficult to review a picturebook one hasn’t seen. The language is as melodic as the music and the message of Asian American love, affirmation, family, and culture comes through exquisitely. The text of family celebrations, “delectable deliciousness” is an apt description of the mood of the book.
The cover illustration is gorgeous and I look forward to seeing the art that accompanies the text. The audiobook is read by the author and includes an autobiographical note at the end about the author's childhood and the inspiration for the story.

I received an Audio Advance Reader Copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

friendship

This book is about Mei who is born in America but her parents name her Mei because it mean beautiful. Throughout the story, her parents show her love and describe to her that she is different, unique and golden. Describing the beauty of Asian heritage from the myth and tradition, flowers that is well represented in Asian culture, to the food we eat, and we are expert at multiple things we do. Mei have a flame in her heart and that what keep her golden. This is a well represented for Asian culture and show how we can be different from others, not needing to be fit in.

An alphabet of women who have made to world a much better place. This is such a girl power moment, and I think all little girls should read this. I love reading this to my daughter, and it is also a great reminder to me as a mom about all the women who I have to be thankful for.

The colors and visuals of this book are very vivid and engaging. The book follows Roxy, a young Unisaurus, try and find out where she belongs. She eventually finds someone like her (though not exactly the same) and becomes best friends with. This book is great at showing kids that even if they don't fit in with certain cliques, there will always be someone out there that they belong with (as friends, this is not a romantic book).

I loved the premise of this book and the illustrations were excellent. I was slightly underwhelmed by the prose.

An alphabet book where facts are given for accomplished women: Example - A is for Amelia Earhart.

When Juno Valentine heads to her closet for her favorite pair of shoes, only to find that they have gone missing, the young girl is at first dismayed. Although a little plain, her shoes are just right for her. Then she falls through a magical portal at the back of her closet and gets to try on the shoes of many famous women, from Queen Elizabeth I of Britain to celebrated Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. It's a fabulous experience, and leads Juno to alter her own white shoes, when she finds herself back home...

A picture-book debut from both author Eva Chen, who is head of fashion partnerships at Instagram, and illustrator Derek Desierto, a freelance artist and animator, Juno Valentine and the Magical Shoes offers a sweet little tale about taking inspiration from some of the women trailblazers of world history, as well as figures from contemporary culture. The artwork is colorful and cute, capturing the fun of Juno's magical adventure. Recommended to young fashionistas in particular, who will undoubtedly enjoy it.