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.
