A Is for Awesome!: 23 Iconic Women Who Changed the World – A Heartfelt Review
As a mom, there are those precious moments during bedtime when you’re frantically rummaging through the bookshelves, trying to find the perfect story to calm your little ones down after a long day. This week, among the usual suspects, I stumbled upon A Is for Awesome!: 23 Iconic Women Who Changed the World by Eva Chen. I felt a swell of excitement, not just because it’s a beautifully illustrated alphabet book but because it’s packed with inspiring stories of incredible women—a topic I wholeheartedly wanted to introduce to my kids.
This delightful book is not your ordinary ABC primer; it features 23 remarkable women, from Amelia Earhart to Ruth Bader Ginsburg, sharing their stories and the impact they’ve had on our world. As I flipped through the pages with my two daughters, aged 5 and 3, they were instantly captivated by the vibrant illustrations by Derek Desierto. Each page offered a unique visual treat, showcasing these iconic figures in a fun and engaging way. As the girls pointed out their favorites—Oprah! Tina! Malala!—I noticed their eyes sparkled with curiosity.
What struck me the most was the way this book sparked conversation. My eldest, always brimming with questions, stopped on the page about Malala and inquired, "Mommy, why did she stand up for girls?" That small moment opened up a heartfelt discussion about bravery and the importance of education, leading us to share our own family values. I couldn’t help but feel a mix of pride and joy; it’s moments like these that make reading together so rewarding.
Eva Chen’s writing style is approachable yet uplifting, making it perfect for little ones. My daughters giggled at the clever rhymes and playful phrasing. There’s a lovely surprise at the end—a mirror that encourages kids to see themselves as part of this extraordinary lineage of powerful women. My girls took turns gazing into it, a twinkle of inspiration in their eyes; they clearly loved the idea that they, too, could be someone who changes the world. “Look, Mommy! We can be awesome too!” my youngest exclaimed, as we closed the book.
With its enchanting illustrations and powerful messaging, A Is for Awesome! has solidified its place in our nightly reading rotation. I can safely say this book isn’t just a one-time read; it’s a treasure that we’ll revisit time and again. It’s perfect for any little girl—or boy—who needs to be reminded that they can be anything they want to be.
I’d wholeheartedly recommend this book for ages 1 to 4, but honestly, I believe it resonates with children of all ages. If you’re looking for a special gift for a baby shower or first birthday, this book has found a permanent spot in my go-to list. Above all, it reminds me that instilling values of empowerment and curiosity in our children is an everyday journey, and this book is a delightful companion along that path.
Discover inspiring stories of trailblazing women with A Is for Awesome! >>
