Messy Bessey's Family Reunion

We LOVE Messy Bessey in our home. The text is warm, inviting, engaging, and the fact that it rhymes really helps early readers. The story lines are really fun. I also love that she is just a real American girl that happens to be Black. Because of this, there are no stereotypes she is trying to live up to. You see the diversity of Black American's in her books, some with lighter skin and long or short hair, others with darker skin, etc. Her family is multi-generational - with grandparents and even cousins being seen in this book. It has been so nice to find a book series my kids could open up and immediately see themselves inside. My only "complaint" is I would like to see more of these books as well as some longer readers being produced for slightly older children.

This is a pleasant rhyming story about Bessey Brown, a little African-American girl attending her family reunion. Her relatives span three generations, and their faces are expressive as they go swimming, sailing, and horseback riding in the park. Although their reunion is a success, Bessey points out that their playtime isn't over until they've cleaned up their mess. She organizes the family clean up, and she is praised for her leadership and initiative. These qualities are going to come in handy for Bessey, and you'll see why when you reach the end of the story.This is a good book for the little helper who keeps your family on its toes. Your little one will enjoy the colorful illustrations and the simple story's rhyme and rhythm. I recommend this book for children between the ages of 2 and 8.