This past week I made a pumpkin roll. It was only my third ever attempt, and like the first two, it cracked. And while it didn't look as perfect as I wanted it to, it was delicious. It also affords me the opportunity to keep practicing until I figure out just what I need to do to deliver a crack free sliver of pumpkin cake filled with cream cheese goodness.
Much to my surprise, the book I chose to review this week was about never giving up and the fact that our failures don't define us, but instead offer us the opportunity to learn and move forward. The book titled, She's Got This, by Gold Medal winning Olympic Gymnast, Laurie Hernandez, is the story of Zoe. After watching a gymnast on television who seemed to soar like a bird, Zoe wants to fly as well. So she joins a gymnastic class and begins to learn the art of stretching, tumbling, swinging, and balancing. But when a hard fall dims Zoe's excitement for gymnastics and leaves her wanting to give up, her family encourages her to try again. Eventually, Zoe comes to realize that trying again and again is the only way to find out if she can indeed become the gymnast she longs to be. And when you check She's Got This out at your local library or when buy a copy of your very own, be sure you also take note of the illustrations, by Nina Mata, which enhance this positive and encouraging story!
I hope you've enjoyed a brief glimpse into my week as well as my foray into the kidlit world. I also hope to see you here again next Monday.
Wishes for a week full of wonder!