Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

Gertie Braves the River by Louis Papadakis is a delightful children’s picture book about a giraffe named Gertie who faces a significant challenge when a wide, deep river blocks her path. The story unfolds in a vibrant savanna setting, where Gertie, despite her initial doubts, discovers her inner strength and resilience. The story opens by establishing the scene in the heart of the savanna, where Gertie stands tall and proud, her spirits high. It quickly presents the central conflict: a river too wide to leap over and too deep to wade through. This obstacle tests Gertie’s determination and cleverness. As Gertie tries to cross the river, she fails repeatedly, sinking and slipping with each attempt. Nevertheless, she refuses to give up. Her resilience is further enhanced by the arrival of Yank, a strong and wise character who encourages her to discover her inner strength and clear her mind.

The story culminates in Gertie’s triumphant crossing, a metaphorical “leap of courage” that earns her the admiration and applause of her peers. It concludes with a moral, emphasizing that persistence and heart lead to victory, delivering an inspirational message to young readers about overcoming obstacles through determination and clever thinking. Louis Papadakis also illustrated the book, enhancing the tale with vibrant, colorful scenes of Gertie and her friends. Gertie Braves the River is a story about adventure and courage and is a visually captivating book for young readers. It’s an excellent bedtime story and would be perfect for classroom storytime.