Amanda Dade's New Year's Parade : Book Review

"Amanda Dade's New Year's Parade" by Harriet Ziefert is a charming children's book that captures the excitement and anticipation of a New Year's parade. The story centers around Amanda Dade, who is honored with the role of grand marshal for the parade. As she prepares for her important role, she learns about the history and tradition of parades, as well as the significance of celebrating the New Year.

Ziefert's writing style is engaging and filled with warmth, allowing young readers to easily connect with the story and its characters. The illustrations by Ricardo Homers beautifully enhance the narrative, bringing the parade and its vibrant atmosphere to life. The use of bright colors and attention to detail create a visually appealing reading experience.

One of the book's highlights is the focus on community and togetherness. Amanda, along with her family and friends, actively participates in the preparations for the parade, highlighting the importance of unity and cooperation. This theme promotes a sense of belonging and delivers a positive message to young readers.

Additionally, the book introduces children to the concept of time in a subtle and educational way. As Amanda learns about the New Year and the significance of the countdown, young readers gain a better understanding of the passage of time and the cultural importance of New Year celebrations. This aspect makes "Amanda Dade's New Year's Parade" a valuable tool for both parents and teachers to teach children about these concepts.

Overall, "Amanda Dade's New Year's Parade" is an engaging and educational book that celebrates community spirit, tradition, and the joy of coming together to welcome the New Year. Harriet Ziefert's storytelling and Ricardo Homers' illustrations make it a delightful read for children, encouraging them to appreciate community celebrations and the significance of embracing new beginnings.

What are readers saying?

"Amanda Dade's New Year's Parade," a book written by Harriet Ziefert, has elicited a range of responses from readers. The initial wave of reviews applauded the book for its captivating narrative and relatable characters. Readers appreciated how the story explored themes of friendship, perseverance, and the excitement of celebrating the New Year. The illustrations were also lauded for their vibrant colors and appeal to young readers.

However, there were also readers who felt let down by the book. They believed that the plot lacked depth and that the characters remained underdeveloped throughout. Some comments remarked on the rushed pacing of the story and the absence of a clear resolution, leaving them wanting a more substantial and satisfying ending.

Interestingly, a few reviewers mentioned their enjoyment of the book's educational aspect. They appreciated how it introduced different cultural traditions and celebrations associated with the New Year. This additional layer of information added educational and informative value for young readers.

That being said, there were readers who felt that the book did not effectively explain these cultural traditions, resulting in confusion for children. Some suggested that more context and explanation could have been provided to enhance the educational aspects of the story.

Lastly, a subset of reviewers commended the book for its positive representation of diversity through its characters. They admired the inclusivity and appreciated that young readers from various backgrounds could find themselves represented in the story. This particular aspect of the book was highly valued by these readers.

AmandaDade NewYearParade BookRecommendation