The Search for Delicious

"Of course it's silly. But a lot of serious thing start silly." -- Prime Minister

Source:goodreads.com

Title: The Search for Delicious

Author: Natalie Babbitt

Publisher: Camelot Printing

Date of Published: April, 1974

Number of pages: 166 pages

The Prime Minister is compiling a dictionary, and when no one at court can agree on the meaning of "delicious," the King sends his twelve-year-old messenger, Gaylan, to poll the citizenry. Gaylen soon discovers that the entire kingdom is on the brink of civil war, and must enlist help to define "delicious" and save the country.

To be honest, I always like to read a children book. If we have grown up, we would realize how much children book could give a lot of moral lessons.

So, in attempt to enrich my vocabulary in English, I decided to try to read a classic children book. Actually, I borrowed this book from my senior. She suggested me to read this book if I want to learn more about English.

The Search for Delicious

Gaylen is the King's messenger. He carried a mission to search the definition of delicious. It seems it would be an easy task, but in the fact it isn't. DeCree the Prime Minister is creating a dictionary. Every alphabet has its own definition. Unfortunately, everything doesn't go well when DeCree tried to define 'D'. There's a disagreement between him, the King, the Queen, and the General. As ridiculous as it sounds to be, those argument will lead to civil war if it's not handled well.

Therefore, DeCree asked Gaylen to go all around the Kingdom and ask everybody. The majority answer for the question will be used in the dictionary. For Gaylen, he didn't have any preference regarding what't the thing that he thinks delicious. So, he carried the mission and hopping there will be any problem.

But then, the argument about what is delicious made all of the people gone wild. They disagree with another's opinion. Since then, Gaylen knows very well that his mission won't be easy at all.

This story also bring your childhood memory with Gaylen's meeting with the worldweller, a wise 900-year-old creature who lives alone in the forest, Canto, the minstrel, the underground domain of the dwarfs, and Ardis, the mermaid that to be believed can save the Kingdom.

What will happened to Gaylen's journey? Read this book to know more about it.

I thought it would be philosophical

Source: google, edited by me

The first time I read the premise of this book, I thought the final answer for the Gaylen's journey would be philosophical. I mean, something like, everyone have their own definition for delicious and it will be based on their preference. But, at the end, I'm wrong. There is one thing in this world that could be categorized as delicious by everyone.

In my opinion, this book is very simple. The storytelling is not really difficult to understand. So, I believe this book could be a good one for light reading. Somehow, I questioned my self why I like to read children book. But, well, I read it to fulfill my curiosity. Hmm, I have so many wish list, tho. Even though it's hard to keep it, I will try my best to complete my reading list.

Conclusion

It's been a while since the last time I enjoyed reading a children book. But, I won't force my self to read and make review for it. I just want to enjoy my life and share my enjoyment through writing in my blog.

3.5 out of 5 stars.

Sincerely,

Ra

Don't Check Out this Book

"Maybe Appleton is where I belong after all." -- Rita

Source: Goodreads.com

Title: Don't Check Out this Book
Author: Kate Klise
Illustrator: M. Sarah Klise
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
Year of published: 2020
I got this ARC directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Is the sweet town of Appleton ripe for scandal?
Consider the facts:     

 Appleton Elementary School has a new librarian named Rita B. Danjerous. (Say it fast.)       

Principal Noah Memree barely remembers hiring her.      Ten-year-old Reid Durr is staying up way too late reading a book from Ms. Danjerous's controversial "green dot" collection.       

The new school board president has mandated a student dress code that includes white gloves and bow ties available only at her shop. Sound strange? Fret not. Appleton's fifth-grade sleuths are following the money, embracing the punny, and determined to the get to the funniest, most rotten core of their town's juiciest scandal. Don't miss this seedy saga from the creators of the award-winning Three-Ring Rascals and 43 Old Cemetery Road series!

***

To be honest, I decided to receive this ARC and agree to make the review in March. But, I got a lot of hurdles by the time. Yeah, dealing with my reading slump, anxiety, and all of my negative thoughts, made me choose to bring my attention to another thing. Gratefully, I can overcome all of those things and back to writing again.

So, actually, this book isn't really a hard book. Yet, I have to admit that this book is a unique children book. It is still about elementary student girls that have big curiosity. It is still about how this girl tried to adjust herself to the new school. Yeah, it looks like an ordinary children book. But, more and more I read it, I have to give a big clap towards Kate Klise. She is indeed a genius at making the story become more engaging.

The story began with the announcement that Rita B. Danjereous will be the new librarian of Appleton Elementary School. The strange thing about her is, the principal, Noah Memree didn't remember about hiring her. Moreover, please, her name is very weird. Is that the pronunciation of dangerous?

The new school board has been chosen. Ivana Beprapwa is the name. She is the owner of the Beprapwa Attire. As the school broad, Ivana adjusts many rules there, including the outfit rule for students. The conflict began from the desire of Ivana to fire Rita B. Danjerous.

Well, what will happen then? Will the Appleton Elementary School could survive?

Edited by me via Canva

When the first time I put this book in my reader apps, I didn't expect anything. But, after I open the book, I know that this book is very unique. They use such a unique format. Yeah, if I have to recall back then, this book's format is quite similar to Life on the Refrigerator Door by Alice Kuipers. The story is been told through letters and memos. The letter and memo itself came from Ivana Beprapwa, Rita B. Danjereous as the librarian, Principal Noah Memree, the secretary of the school, and others. So, there's no real narrative here.

As I said before, I like that unique format. Then, I like the story too. It's not only about how the librarian and her daughter were adjusting their life into the new environment. It's more than that. One thing that I can assure you are, you will hate Ivana so much. Lol.

Okay, that's all for my today review. I got a lot of fun when reading this book. I hope you can feel it too.

4 out of 5 stars for Rita B. Danjerous.

Sincerely,

Ra

Stella Diaz Has Something to Say

I'm really happy that giggling and smiling is something that doesn't have to be translated. You just know it when you see it. -- Stella

Source: Goodreads

Title: Stella Diaz Has Something to Say
Author: Angela Dominguez
Number of pages: 192 pages
Date of Published: January 16th, 2018
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

In her first middle-grade novel, award-winning picture book author and illustrator Angela Dominguez tells a heartwarming story based on her own experiences growing up Mexican-American. 

Stella Díaz loves marine animals, especially her betta fish, Pancho. But Stella Díaz is not a betta fish. Betta fish like to be alone, while Stella loves spending time with her mom and brother and her best friend Jenny. Trouble is, Jenny is in another class this year, and Stella feels very lonely. 

When a new boy arrives in Stella's class, she really wants to be his friend, but sometimes Stella accidentally speaks Spanish instead of English and pronounces words wrong, which makes her turn roja. Plus, she has to speak in front of her whole class for a big presentation at school! But she better get over her fears soon, because Stella Díaz has something to say! 

Stella Díaz Has Something to Say introduces an infectiously charming new character with relatable writing and adorable black-and-white art throughout. Simple Spanish vocabulary is also integrated within the text, providing a bilingual element.

***

To be honest, I choose this book to complete my Balabala Reading Challenge 2020 for a book written by a South American. I thought, Angela Dominguez is from South American since she talks in Spanish. But, the more I read this novel, the more I realize that Dominguez is Mexican. So, this book failed to make me complete the challenge. Sigh.

But anyway, for a children book, this book has a something that we should appreciate.

Stella and her insecurity

For Stella, attending school with a new friend is a hard thing to do. Moreover, for this year, she couldn't be in one class with her best friend, Jenny. Somehow, Stella felt so insecure when she knows that she wasn't American. Yeah, her family is from Mexico. So, in some occasions, Stella couldn't manage to speak in English. She usually mixed up with Spanish when she is really nervous.

Stella's shyness to talk made her another classmate make fun of her. Jessica is one of the worst. She always insult Stella and make Stella questioning whether she literally belongs to he class or not. Onde day, there was a new student that will be in Stella's class. Stella wonder whether she can make friend with the new classmate or not.

Source: google, edited by me

My opinion

Well, at first, this is just an ordinary children book with an ordinary story. But it turns out that I was wrong. In this book, Dominguez tried to tell us about the difficulty of a Mexican children that have to struggle to attend school in America. The language barrier somehow make them shy and insecure. Just like Stella, she didn't know what to say because she feels different. She isn't American but she does living in America. How she can adjust her life into the American's live with the whole differences that she may have, is the main story of this book.

The character of Stella maybe is not really adorable in my opinion. But, she is a kind a girl who never give up. At first maybe you can find her shyness is really limiting her, but after all, she can manage it well. The character changing process is quite believable here.

Conclusion

It's a good children with a unique topic, tho. It will be relatable to some points and good for children to acknowledge the diversity around them.

3 out 5 stars for Stanley.

Sincerely, 
Ra

The War I Finally Won

You can know things all you like, and someday you might believe them.

The War I Finally Won. Sumber: goodreads.com

Title: The War I Finally Won
Author: Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Number of pages: 387 pages
Series: The War That Saved My Life #2
Date of Published: October 3rd, 2017
Publisher: Dial Books

Ada and her younger brother, Jamie, now have a permanent home with their loving legal guardian, Susan Smith. Although Jamie adapts more easily, Ada still struggles with the aftermath of her old life, and how to fit into her new life. 

 World War II continues, and forces the small community to come together and rely on one another. Ada has never been interested in getting to know her friend’s family—especially Maggie’s mother, the formidable Lady Thorton. However, circumstances bring them in close proximity along with other unexpected characters.

Ada comes face to face with another German! This time she isn’t sure what she should do. How can she help the ones she loves and keep them safe?

***

This second book is still about Ada. Ada and her brother, Jamie. Ada and her legal guardian--now, as of her mam has death, Susan. Ada and her first friend ever, Maggie. Ada and her favorite horse, Butter. Ada and the World War II. Yeah, there's no much change in this second book. This book is slightly thicker than the first one but still have the first book's ambiance.


More complicated story

If the first book mostly talk about how Ada can survive the war inside herself, for now the conflict is more complicated. One of them is about how Ada has to deal with another person around her. Moreover with someone that she barely know like Lady Thorton. After the war in Britain that made Ada's mam dead, Ada and Jamie back to live with Susan. Susan assured both of them that she would take care Ada and Jamie no matter what happen. Therefore, Susan fought for Ada's foot operation. Yeah, this book is opened with the decision of Susan to operate Ada's foot.

"Religious beliefs are complicated. You can’t call someone else’s religion a mistake. There isn’t a right and a wrong. There are just different ways of thinking.” - Susan.

So, Ada now was no longer crippled. After the recovery, Ada could walk easily and did everything that couldn't she did when she still crippled. Ada started to ride Butter and help Fred--the horse keeper in the Thorton house, worked at stable. Ada felt that all of those experience were amazing. Moreover, she could stand by her own foot. She didn't need any help anymore.

But, now Ada has to face another challenge in her life. Start from Lady Thorton's decision to live at Ada's cottage, Maggie that couldn't get home easily from school, until the arrival of Ruth, a Germany girl that should be a suspicious person. So, how Ada could handle this condition? Could she survive again like before?

War was as complicated as religion, when you started to think about it - Ada.

Ada's reflection

Sumber: google.com, edited by me

Well, if I ever said that Ada was annoying, I assured you that in this book she still stubborn. She still couldn't accept the fact there were a lot of people around her that love her. Even, accepted her just like what she were. She couldn't believe if Susan could be her mam and if Lady Thorton was soft.

Words could be dangerous, as destructive as bombs. - Ada

“Love isn’t as rare as you think it is, Ada. You can love all sorts of people, in all sorts of ways. Nor is love in any way dangerous." -- Susan 

Even though Ada was stubborn, somehow I could understand the reason behind of it. After all, Ada had succeed to change her way of thinking, behavior, and all. So, I appreciated Bradley for making Ada still lovable. One thing for sure, Ada was really a definition of a brave girl. You should took an example from her.

From all of the parts, I should admit that some part is bothering me. Yeah, I think, in the last part, Bradley is too much rushing the ending. So, most of the important part, in my opinion, hasn't explained yet. One of them is about the relationship between Susan and Becky. I had assumption back then about their relationship, but seems like Bradley won't go any further to explain it. In another hand, I like the author's not part very much. At least, finally I know what work that Lord Thorton did together with Ruth and Ruth's father. No one would expect it will related to Enigma, right?

Conclusion

"Better to be miserable together than miserable apart. I suppose.”-- Ruth

Even though there are some part that couldn't make me satisfied, I still can feel the sweet part of this book. I like this book as much as the first one. So, you should still to read because you will know how Ada's life continue after the war that saved her life.

4 out of 5 stars for the author's not part. Hoho.

Sincerely, 
Puji P. Rahayu

The War That Saved My Life

"Saying something stupid doesn't make you stupid. Luckily for all of us." - Susan

Sumber: Goodreads.com

Title: The War That Saved My Life
Author: Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Number of page: 316 pages
Series: The War That Saved My Life #1
Date of Published: January 8th, 2015
Publisher: Dial Books

An exceptionally moving story of triumph against all odds set during World War 2, from the acclaimed author of Jefferson’s Sons and for fans of Number the Stars.  

Ten-year-old Ada has never left her one-room apartment. Her mother is too humiliated by Ada’s twisted foot to let her outside. So when her little brother Jamie is shipped out of London to escape the war, Ada doesn’t waste a minute—she sneaks out to join him.  

So begins a new adventure of Ada, and for Susan Smith, the woman who is forced to take the two kids in. As Ada teaches herself to ride a pony, learns to read, and watches for German spies, she begins to trust Susan—and Susan begins to love Ada and Jamie. But in the end, will their bond be enough to hold them together through wartime? Or will Ada and her brother fall back into the cruel hands of their mother?  

This masterful work of historical fiction is equal parts adventure and a moving tale of family and identity—a classic in the making. 

***

The initial idea to read The War That Saved My life is when I want to finish one of categories from Balabala Reading Challenge 2020. This reading challenge has made by me and my so-called big sister, Zis from Zelie, the book-admirer. That category is books about special needs children. Without further thinking, I tried to search a book recommendation from Google. Then, this book appeared as one of the books that caught my attention.

The Newbery Book

We’d escaped. Mam, Hitler’s bombs, my one-room prison. Everything. Crazy or not, I was free. -- Ada

The War that Saved My Life is written by Kimberly  Brubaker Bradley. To be honest, I never heard of her name as an author. I only want to read this book because this is a children book. Since my reading mood hasn't being that stable, I though reading a children book can ease my feeling to some extent. When I want to add this book into my Goodreads account, I just realized that this book got a medal from Newbery. So, I expected this book could really offer an interesting story.

Ada was a crippled. She had a clubfoot and her mum was ashamed because of it. She never let Ada went out from home and always beat Ada whenever Ada made a mistake. Ada, herself, was only can see the world through the window. Because her mum rarely at home because she had to work, no wonder if Ada hadn't enough knowledge about word or language.

One day, when the war was gotten worse, all of children in London had to be evacuated.  So did Jamie, Ada's brother. Mum never bother to Ada's condition. She didn't register Ada to be evacuated. But, Ada knew that she had to fight for herself. So, without her mum noticed, everyday Ada tried to walk with her clubfoot. Of course it hurt her so bad but Ada never giver up. She had to walk no matter what.

On the evacuation day, Ada and Jamie sneaked out to the Jamie's school. That was the first time Ada felt free. During the trip, Ada never admitted that she had clubfoot and she didn't know where the train will go. The Iron Lady--the one who managed the distribution of the children, said that there will be a place for Ada and Jamie. Inside her heart, Ada was afraid that no one want take them. Then, in the end of the village, the Iron Lady marched them to the house. Here was a young lady that argued a lot to the Iron Lady, but seems the young lady has defeated. She had to take care Ada and Jamie.

"I never want to have any children," she said. "I won't care both of you."

Will Ada face another threatening life again? Will she and Jamie survived the war?

And then the hall was empty, save the teachers, the iron woman, Jamie, and me. Mam had been right. No one would have us. We were the only ones not chosen. -- Ada

***

Sumber: google.com, edited by me

As a book with the war setting, I should admit that this book was interesting. At least, I knew about the children's fate when Germany invaded England in World War 2. The character, Ada, wasn't a lovable character, to be honest. She was stubborn and quite. She never told anyone about what's she feeling. She afraid that everyone will only judge her by foot. Okay, I would like to blame her mum for that. Ada's depression and fear made her build her wall so high. She never want to be touched, even by Susan, her guardian. 

"I know you aren’t stupid. Stupid people couldn’t take care of their brother the way you do. Stupid people aren’t half as brave as you. They’re not half as strong." -- Miss Smith 

Jamie, in my opinion, most likely had the same attitude as Ada. He was more influenced by his mom, so she thought Ada shouldn't walk by her own foot. He thought that being a crippled was a sin. Yeah, after I read this book, I started to like Susan. How she managed to take care Ada and Jamie very nicely. Susan had a big role for Ada and Jamie's life. She feed them, took care of them, and also taught them how to behave and also about knowledge like reading and math. She acted like a parent.

I like when Ada started to change her behavior. She became more mature as a children, even though sometimes her stubbornness still very annoying. One thing that I realized when I read this book is when Bradley describe the war situation. I don't know if this is proper or not, but as a children book, this book has a quite detail for the war. It was about the Germany's invasion, how hard the situation to get food in the middle of the war, or when one ship full of injured soldier came to Ada's village and Ada tried to help Susan to help them.

Hero wasn’t a word I was used to hearing. The admiration was interesting, but the attention made me feel unsettled. -- Ada

Yeah, even though I still with an opinion that Ada is very annoying, I still can enjoy the story. Even, I started to curious with the second book, The War I Finally Won. Anyway, the title of this book is very relatable with the story. So, you should read it by yourself.

4 of 5 stars for Butter, Ada's pony and Susan's kindness.

Sincerely,

Puji P. Rahayu

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

"Oh, how he loved that smell! And oh, how he wished he could go inside the factory and see what it was like!"

by Roald Dahl

4 of 5 stars

image credit: goodreads.com

Title: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Author: Roald Dahl
Genre: Fantasy, children book
Series: Charlie Bucket #1
Illustrator: Quentin Blake
Publisher: Puffin Books, Penguin Group
ISBN: 978-0-141-96061-6
Year of publish: 2010
Number of pages: 271

Willy Wonka's famous chocolate factory is opening at last!

But only five lucky children will be allowed inside. And the winners are: Augustus Gloop, an enormously fat boy whose hobby is eating; Veruca Salt, a spoiled-rotten brat whose parents are wrapped around her little finger; Violet Beauregarde, a dim-witted gum-chewer with the fastest jaws around; Mike Teavee, a toy pistol-toting gangster-in-training who is obsessed with television; and Charlie Bucket, Our Hero, a boy who is honest and kind, brave and true, and good and ready for the wildest time of his life!

More info:

Goodreads

Like I said before, children book was a kind of book that I like the most. The reason was, because children book was a type of light reading, and no need more effort to finish it. Well, actually, Roald Dahl's book have been on my reading list since.. I didn't know.. maybe one year ago? Sadly, I didn't have much chance to read it but now. I found this epub at one of telegram channel that I subscribed. Then, I felt lucky cause finally I can read it.

"You never know, darling. It's your birthday next week. You have as much chance as anybody else."
-- Grandma Georgina

So, if you read about Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, I won't blame you if you did comparison with the movie. Yeah, you will picture Johny Depp as Willy Wonka. To be honest, I did that too when I read this book.

Just like at the movie, the story began when Willy Wonka decided to open his factory for five lucky children who got golden ticket on their chocolate bar. Charlie is a boy from a very poor family. Buying chocolate was something that really precious for Charlie, because he could only get it once per year, and it's on his birthday. Everyone, start from Charlie then his parent and grand parents, hope that Charlie could get the chance to enter Wonka's Chocolate Factory. So, even though they can't expect too much from one chocolate bar, all of them wish Charlie could get that golden ticket. Long story short, after so many drama here and there, finally Charlie can get that golden ticket. Yeay!

"He spoils her. And no good can ever come from spoiling a child like that, Charlie, you mark my words."
-- Grandpa Joe.

How about the other four? Okay.. Let's see.. when I read this book, I don't know why but I was starting remember the seven deadly sins. There's Augustus Gloop who's really like to eat. Like there's no tomorrow if he can't eat now. So, yeah, I think Augustus stands for gluttony. Next, Veruca Salt. Veruca is a type of girl who want anything. Because her parent spoiled her so much, Veruca thought that he can get anything she want. That's why, her attitude makes me remember about the greed sin. Then, there's Violet Beauregarde. I thought, Violet stands for pride because she was really enjoying showing off her talent--event the disgusting one. The last, a boy who's named Mike Teeves. He really like watching television and I thought he was part of sloth sin. Okay, I know that it shouldn't be like that. But, I just remember about that sin when I read it.

"Are the Oompa-Loompas really joking, Grandpa?"
"Of course they're joking. They must be joking. At least, I hope they're joking. Don't you?"
-- Charlie and Grandpa Joe

In my opinion, children book is a simple story that can give you many moral values. Road Dahl was succeed bring many moral values with the story of Charlie. Then, if you asked about the movie adaptation, hmm, it wasn't much different actually. But, maybe there was some differences here and there. But so far, I enjoyed reading this book. Moreover, the illustration from Quentin Blake was match with the story. I like it.

"How can they see where they're going?"
"There's no knowing where they're going!"
-- Violet Beauregarde and Mr. Willy Wonka

So, if you wanna have some nostalgic memory about your childhood, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory could be your choice. 

4 stars for Charlie :)

Sincerely,

Puji P. Rahayu

If My Moon was Your Sun

"You can't always see the moon, but you know it 's always there. Right?" -- Grandpa.

by Andreas Steinhofel

4 of 5 stars

Image source: goodreads.com

Title: If My Moon Was Your Sun
Author: Andreas Steinhofel
Illustrator: Nele Palmtag
Translator: Mathew A. Anderson
Genre: Children fiction, illustration book
Publisher: Plough Publishing House
Date of Publish: November, 1st 2017
Number of pages: 80 pages
ISBN: 9780874860795
I got this ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Did you hear the story about Max, the boy who kidnapped his grandfather from a nursing home ? You didn't see it on the news? Well, let me tell you about it.

Max lives in a small town, much smaller than yours. His grandpa is losing his memory, but still remembers quite a bit. You can imagine how they hurried, Max and his grandpa, followed by old Miss Schneider, who insisted on coming along. Why were they in a hurry? Because everyone was after them. Max had skipped school to rescue his grandpa, and they were just starting out on what promised to be one of the best days of their entire lives.

A touching story about dementia and the special relationship between grandparents and grandchildren, with full-color illustrations and a read-along CD audiobook featuring twelve classical pieces for children by Georges Bizet and Sergei Prokofiev.

More info:

Goodreads

Well, in my opinion, If My Moon was Your Sun is quite different compared to another children's book that I've read before. But, it doesn't mean that I don't like this book. I really like it. The story and the illustrations are really heart-warming. 

The nursery house

One day, Max woke up from his sleep. He felt something missing. After he thought for a sec, he realized about something and decided to make some crazy plan. So, he started to prepare everything. Then, he went out to go to nursery house. Well, long story short, Max missed his grandfather. No wonder if he want to do something. Some plant that wouldn't please his mom if she knew. Do you know what Max would do? Yeah, Max would kidnap his grandfather along with Miss Schneider. What will happen next? Just read the story, guys!

Max and Miss Schneider

First of all, I would like to say, good job for the story! Maybe, you will think that this book is only about Max's adventure with his grandfather, but, there's something behind it. There is some moral value that Steinhofel want to share with. It's about family, and in some way is about the knowledge of moon. Second, I really like the illustrations. It's really good and very impressive. In my opinion, it's more like painting--and in some way, it remind me with Naela Ali's work at Story for Rainy Days. I like the color combination and the drawing itself. Nele palmtag has done her job nicely! Thumbs up for her.

Max and his grandfather

So, if you wanna know more about the story, just buy this book and feel the excitement when you read it.

4 stars for the nice painting.

Sincerely,

Puji P. Rahayu

The Girl Who Said Sorry

All I can do is be myself. Without apology!

by Hayoung Yim

5 of 5 stars

Image credit: goodreads.com

Title: The Girl Who Said Sorry
Author: Hayoung Yim
Genre: Children fiction, illustration book
Publisher: Rhyming Reason Books
Date of publish: October 5th 2017
Number of pages: 16 pages
ISBN: 9780993717499
I got this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Too girly or too boyish. Too thin or too fat. Too quiet, too loud. Be ambitious, but don't hurt feelings. Be inquisitive, but don't interrupt. Be outspoken, but don't be bossy. Most of all, be yourself--but be a lady.

What's a girl to do in a world filled with contradicting gender expectations, aside from saying sorry?

The way we teach politeness norms to children is often confusing, changing based on gender--and can have lasting effects. And while everyone should be courteous and accountable for their actions, apologetic language out of context can undermine confidence and perceived capability.

Within the subtle yet beautiful illustrations and powerful rhyme of "The Girl Who Said Sorry," developing girls will learn that self-expression and personal choices can be made without apology, and with confidence.

50% of profits from this book is donated to Girl Up, a United Nations Foundation campaign dedicated to empowering young girls to take action on global issues

More info:

Goodreads

Sorry. I am sorry for can't being perfect. I am sorry for everything I did. I know that everyone don't want me to do that. I am really sorry.

As a girl, you must be realize that the society ask you too much. They want you to be the girl that they want to. They never ask your opinion. They never give you a chance to speak up by your own voice. When we think about this deeply, we should know that everything in this world still into patriarchal system. When woman or girl should act and behave according the traditions. In the end, woman or girl still get the limit to express themshelves.

The excerpt

First, I thought that this The Girl Who Said Sorry was just like another children's book. But, the author, Hayoung Yim, tried to make this book different. She tried to include many moral value about a girl in society. Honestly, I really like the way Yim did what she did. I could relate with the story. The illustrations itself was really simple. But, the meaning behind it was so complicated and of course relate with the real condition in my society.

In essence, one important thing that Yim would to tell to the reader is, no matter what society want to, you should be your own self if you wanna be happy and no need apology for everything that you do.

5 stars for the discourse behind the story. 

Sincerely,
Puji P. Rahayu