Broccoli Rob Book Review

                                                                   Available On Amazon

Author: John S. Armstrong

Illustrator: David Miles 

Publisher: Heartland Publishing LLC

Released: August 15, 2020

Format: Kindle, Paperback, Hard Cover

ISBN: 978-1735432007

Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn

Rating: 5 Lemon Drops

Broccoli Rob follows the story of one shy, little vegetable who finds his courage and overcomes stage fright.

Review:

Summary:

It’s been days since the sun has shone on the garden where Broccoli Rob lives. Hoping to draw the sun out, Broccoli Rob sings softly to it. He’s much too quiet for the sun to perceive, so the clouds remain.

Broccoli Rob realizes he can’t carry this task out alone. He enlists the help of his friends to sing along with him. Rosy Tomato and Carlton Carrot consider his idea crazy, but wise, old Poppy Cornstalk thinks they should give it a try.

At first, the song doesn’t work. No one can hear Broccoli Rob. After reassurance from Poppy Cornstalk, Broccoli Rob raises his voice, and the sun responds by beaming on them.

Opinion:

From the clever title to the charming illustrations, everything about this book is adorable. Children and parents will appreciate the positive messages of accepting others’ ideas and pushing through your fears to meet your goal. Broccoli Rob shows children that instead of hiding their talents, they must use them for the benefit of all. Mr. Armstrong definitely did.

David Miles’ illustrations are cozy, comforting, and warm—a bushel of joy. I love the characters’ cute little faces and large round eyes. I know youngsters will delight in them too.  

I give it 5 Lemon Drops!

Classroom Connection:

Targeted Vocabulary: encourage, secret, discouraged, confident, respected, wisdom, apologized, embarrassed

Broccoli Rob is an excellent source for an All About Me theme or a lesson on positive self-esteem. It would make a fine addition to a classroom library or the book bin of a student who requires a little confidence.

The book can also promote a classroom community. The characters in the book model how to accept fresh ideas and implement them.

After a read-aloud of the book, students can draw or write about a skill they’ve mastered or would like to learn. You may even want to put on a talent or art show to honor everyone’s achievements. Don’t skip the refreshments following the exhibit. A vegetable tray is perfect!  

Resources:

https://www.pinterest.com/ellwynautumn/socialemotional-strategies/

https://www.pinterest.com/ellwynautumn/nutrition-lessons/

About The Author:

John S. Armstrong lives in Downers Grove, Illinois with his wife, Allison, and daughter, Madison Leigh. He has a passion for writing children's books. John's passion aims to encourage parents to engage with their children in early reading practices. Evidence shows daily reading sessions in early childhood helps promote focus, imagination, comprehension, and concentration.