“I'm full of hope from head to toe. There's no limit to the places I can go! Plans before me–just walk them out, a future full of seeds to sprout. Goodness and mercy follow my days, and this crown of beauty will never fade,” Dorena Williamson ends her children's book, Crowned with Glory.
~ What ~
This forty-page hardbound targets mainly Black girls ages four to eight years old who like to be inspired and empowered. With no scary scenes, the tale covers a girl growing up and learning to embrace her ethnic characteristics, including her bountiful hair. The descriptive, full-color, and full-page illustrations are expressive and detailed.
The story involves Azira, a beautiful girl with a full head of hair that makes a special statement. From her birth to college, she enjoys her cultural hairstyle at home, school, the salon, church, and her community. She learns she is crowned by God's glory, and she is encouraged to accomplish anything she desires.
~ Why ~
This is a lovely read for girls who may feel insecure about their looks, especially if they have lots of curly hair. I like the theme throughout of the child taking the time to look good by having plaits, a topknot, Bantu knots, or textured buns plus adding a bow or hair gel and combing out tangles. The artwork is interesting, keeping younger readers engaged.
~ Why Not ~
Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ may not like the minor references to God. The book is geared mainly to girls so boys may feel left out. Beginner readers may struggle with the two and three-syllable words.
~ Wish ~
It would be helpful if all the rhyming worked better so the story flowed smoothly. I did not understand why a girl in a wheelchair was added only in the ending section.
~ Want ~
If you have a little girl who is of a colored race, this book would be ideal to gift her as it promotes being herself, knowing she is one of God's crowned princesses.
Thanks to WaterBrook and Multnomah Book Launch Team for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.
