The Blue Ribbon Day

With a granddaughter in primary school, I am always on the lookout for books that will encourage a love of reading and spark her curiosity about the wonderful adventures that await in the world of books. To this end, I have found that rhyming stories add more fun to early reading. Couric uses this technique to tell of the latest adventures of Ellie McSnelly and Carrie O'Toole, as the two friends try out for soccer together. Unfortunately, only one of the girls excels in the sport and is chosen for the team. Not to worry; Couric has plans for Carrie and an important life lesson as well. With a little help from her friend Lazlo and her mother, Carrie learns to appreciate her own special talents, in this case a successful effort at an academic school competition. There is much to be learned in this lighthearted romp through the joys of girlhood; mostly, that each child is blessed with her own special gifts. The girls share in each other's endeavors and realize that different talents make life more interesting for both. The illustrations are bright and full of energy, the perfect complement to the optimistic rhymes that propel the story. Little girls are constantly beset with choices while making a place in the society of young girls. This enthusiastic approach to problem solving is a delightful read, with subtle lessons of acceptance for differences. Ellie McSnelly and Carrie O'Toole are perfect role models who take on the world hand in hand. Luan Gaines/2004.

How do you help a disappointed child? How would you restore his self-confidence? Katie Couric deals with this topic in a very entertaining, straightforward way with her "Blue Ribbon Day" that is enhanced with the illustrations provided by Marjorie Priceman. "The Blue Ribbon Day" could have been a moralistic lesson in life were it not for Katie Couric's wit and "cool" verse as well as her understanding of pre-teen lingo. This is the second children's book by Newswoman NBC-TV's Katie Couric. Her writing reflects her bubbly, warm, no-nonsense TV personae. Best friends Ellie and Carrie try out for the school soccer team. The two girls are very disappointed when Carrie is not selected along with Ellie. With Carrie's mom, and her friend Lazlo's help, Carrie overcomes her disappointment, discovers what she excels at, enabling her to win The Blue Ribbon! Boosting Carrie's self-esteem and perception is the loving help of her mom and friends! What better example to set for an insecure child! Marjorie Priceman has succeeded in matching Katie Couric's words to perfection. Her illustrations are fresh and tender, somewhat "cartoonish." Her use of primary colors on a white background conveys the importance of the characters. They make you smile at some of the innocent pranks that children pull in a group setting (Science Fair pages!). The book jacket is also very attractive with its bright yellows and reds. "The Blue Ribbon Day" is for every reader, young or old, who has to cope with disappointment or rejection. You never know what you're good at until you try! Lily Azerad Goldman, Artist and Author Reviewer for Bookpleasures.com

Very nicely done and the lesson it teaches is an excellent spirit lifter. Fail at one thing, win at another. This is something all our children should learn as competition becomes increasingly tough. Even if you fail at something, remember "You couldn't feel good if you never felt bad". A very good lesson -- even for adults.