The Blue Ribbon Day
Doubleday Books, October, 2004.
Picture Book, 32 pages.
ISBN: 0385501420
Ages 9-12
Ellie McSnelly and Carrier O'Toole are best
friends who decide to try out for the girl's
soccer team. Unfortunately, only Ellie makes the
cut, leaving Carrie feeling rejected and worthless.
Fortunately, she quickly finds another talent as she
and a friend enter the science competition and win
a blue ribbon.
Ellie and Carrie were first seen in Couric's The Brand New Kid, which was a #1 New York Times bestseller. The multi-talented Katie Couric, who is an Emmy and Peabody award-winning journalist for NBC's Today show and Dateline NBC, is also raising two girls -- which no doubt gives her plenty of source material. This heartwarming story about girls remaining friends and realizing they can't be good at all things in life is told through catchy rhymes like, "Over here! Over here! Ellie heard Carrie shout. Carrie ran up to kick but instead she wiped out." Marjorie Priceman, a former Caldecott Medal winner, provides lively and colorful illustrations that help add emotion and fun to the storyline. This story will especially resonate with kids who are just getting started in sports, theater or an after-school activity.
The Blue Ribbon Day is available for purchase on Amazon.com
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This review was published in the November-December, 2004 of The Internet Writing Journal.
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