Review Detail

ETTA EXTRAORDINAIRE is a charming picture book about reaching for your goals and being brave. Etta is excited to learn that there is going to be a talent show at her school. She wants to compete and makes a plan with her parents to create a practice stage and practice a lot before the show. She does all of this, but when it comes time for the show, she is too nervous. Luckily, she spots her parents in the audience and musters her bravery to go out on stage and sing!

What I loved: This is a sweet story about family, practice, and reaching for your goals. Etta has a goal of the talent show, and she makes her way towards it through practice and the plans that she makes to do so, such as creating a practice stage. These methods will help children to apply this to their own lives, creating plans and practicing for things that they want to do - but need to muster their courage. I loved that her family gives her strength, and especially her parents as she spots them at the show - a really sweet touch!

The illustrations in this book are really fantastic throughout, capturing Etta and her cat so well. There is plenty of detail and color to really make each page great for visual exploration. The story flows smoothly, and the font is clear and easy to read throughout. This would work well for preschoolers and young elementary school readers who will get into the story and understand being nervous before a big event.

Final verdict: ETTA EXTRAORDINAIRE is a delightful and charming picture book about finding your bravery and reaching for your goals!