This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite
Can you remember the excitement, anticipation, and slight bit of nervousness you felt on the first day of school? Well, that’s precisely what Badi feels in Badi Blesbok Says Hello by Patricia Bardina and Joanne Burgess. The story begins with Badi’s mother taking him to school after a long summer break in Kuume, South Africa. However, the first time he sees his friends, he feels ignored, which makes him feel sad. His wise mother gently reminds him that he should also give his friends a friendly greeting. This prompts Badi to give the situation some thought, and he realizes that maybe his friends thought he was ignoring them, too. The illustrations by Paul Sharp bring Badi’s world to life, showing all the fun ways animals say hello and helping him find a way to come out of his shell. In the end, Badi learns that a simple “hello” can open the door to friendship, understanding, and a great start to the school year.
From an educator's perspective, I found Badi Blesbok Says Hello by Patricia Bardina and Joanne Burgess to be heartwarming and a good way to show children the importance of greeting their friends and making them feel welcome, especially on the first day of school! Badi’s first-day jitters feel just like something any kid might go through. The authors keep it simple, and this works since it’s a children’s picture book. It can also be used in a classroom or at home to start discussions on the importance of being polite, showing empathy, and being friendly. There’s also a helpful page at the end that shows fun and easy ways to say hello, complete with pictures. The bright, fun illustrations make the story even more engaging—definitely an excellent pick for both home and classroom bookshelves.
