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 Diana Lopez for Readers' Favorite
Tey Van Jaarsveld teaches young readers about love and empathy in Duke and Leia. Leia is a big, sweet dog. But one day, her owner had to say goodbye to her for a while to perform his military service. He leaves her in the care of his parents, who are Leia’s grandparents. Fortunately, Duke, a small dog with a big heart, is there to keep her company. However, when he tries to comfort her, she responds aggressively because of her sadness. Her grandfather tells her this is no way to behave, and she apologizes to Duke. The little dog understands, gently approaches her, and they observe the birds together, sharing quiet, pleasant moments. These small actions begin to help Leia feel better again.
These situations can be hard for children when a loved one has to leave to serve their country. This can bring confusion and sadness that can be difficult to process. Tey Van Jaarsveld addresses the subject in an accessible way, with a touching narrative. Leia is a character who tries to be strong but has to learn to manage her emotions, and although she feels frustrated, she has Duke, who gradually learns how to comfort her. Their friendship grows stronger through trust, and it offers a meaningful lesson about patience and emotional growth. I also loved the illustrations for their warm colors. I appreciated that the book includes a real photograph of both dogs at the end. Duke and Leia: A Story for Brave Military Families shows us that bravery doesn’t mean avoiding sadness, but learning to manage what we feel.
