Sponsored post, courtesy of The Children’s Book Review and Next Pivot Point
Welcome to my stop on the virtual tour for Little Allies by Julie Kratz and illustrated by Edwards Maiello. Kratz is a a highly acclaimed TEDx speaker. Before we get to the tour wide giveaway, I have a book review to share.
Little Allies: A Children’s Story about Inclusion, Diversity, and Becoming an Ally
copy for review; all opinions are my own
This is a quick read for ages 5-10, though I kind of felt it would be better understood by those 7+. While the book has lovely black and white illustrations throughout by Maiello, and the story isn’t terribly long, it’s still written in a format that a younger reader (or listener) might have a harder time understanding. These are still important concepts for kids of any age, so I think parents or teachers could easily break down the various “stories” within.
Little Allies is written in the first-person POV, following a young girl named Ally. Throughout the week, she realizes the differences in many of her classmates and friends – while steadily standing by their side and sticking up for them when someone says something mean or just ignorant. There’s Prisha whose family is from India and celebrates Diwali, not Christmas. There’s Jack, who has two moms instead of a mom and a dad.
I wouldn’t say the story is entirely realistic in terms of all these experiences happening in a week and one girl being the person who notices and appreciates the differences in others. Regardless, it’s a good book to show examples of how people can be different, yet the same. It would also serve as a way of showing children how they too can stand up for their friends, perhaps even copying some of the things that Ally said or did.
While the illustrations are in black and white, you could still see the diversity in Ally’s classmates, which I always appreciate! It’s obviously important for Little Allies, but I think more illustrated books that feature groups like a classroom should make sure that everyone looks different – in big and small ways.
Finally, I liked the inclusion of The Ally Promise (al-eye this time instead of the name Ally, which is included in the book and was a fun touch!). The Ally Promise is a series of statements that kids can learn to lead more inclusive lives. Some examples: I empathize with others. I believe in equality. I ask questions in a way that is respectful. After The Ally Promise, there are even a set of questions that parents and educators can use to really help facilitate a discussion after reading the book.
Giveaway Time!
Enter for a chance to win a Little Allies ART-Stravaganza prize pack!
One (1) Grand Prize Winner Receives:
A copy of Little Allies, autographed by Julie Kratz
A $50 Target gift card
An ART-stravangza kit for your budding artist including:
A Sketchbook
Skin Tone Colored Pencils
Crayola Multi-Ethnic Skin Tone Washable Tempera Paints
Paint Brushes
Crayola Skin Tone Multicultural Crayons
Crayola Skin Tone Multicultural Markers
Two Winners Receive:
A copy of Little Allies, autographed by Julie Kratz
A Little Allies Slap Bracelet
A Little Allies Sticker
The giveaway begins May 17, 2021, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends June 17, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. MT.
Ohhh I love this. All the resources to help kids understand race and racism and how to fight it that didn’t exist for me…it’s heartening (though, of course, shouldn’t have taken this long). But really, it gives me a lot of hope for the future.
Oh I love this! Great gift for the booknerdlets in our family.
Seems like such a perfect book for a kid these days. Thanks for sharing!
Sounds like this would be a good one for parents to read with younger kids to help them with the tougher subjects.
I know it would be greedy of me to hope to win this prize after winning one of the darling Alice cup and saucers last month. But how I love this prize package and the sound of this book. Will check it out for my grands. We are a mixed race bunch over here. Mixed races/cultures and I love having a variety of flesh tones/skin tones in our family and now available to children for their art. I wrote about the hideous one-color-fits-all Bandaids and Ace bandages in a blog post once. Time something was done about that. And Banana Republic Factory/Outlet has the best nude colored bodysuits. So proud of them to have so many shades. Finally nude shoes are coming in a variety of colors, too. We are making progress.
Sounds like a great way to educate younger ones on an important subject. Great giveaway! 🙂
This sounds like a great book to help kids understand and value diversity. Fantastic giveaway!
I’d love to win this for my daughter (a teacher) to share with her class.
Thank you!
What a great book wit ha lovely message 🙂
What a wonderful giveaway and this book sounds fabulous! I would love to read to Mila when she’s a bu older and can understand some of these concepts.
I would love to win this giveaway in order to gift this prize package to my grandson who is quite the artist already, not that I’m biased or anything. He would really appreciate these supplies. Thank you for the chance