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Reviewed by Keana Sackett-Moomey for Readers' Favorite
DeAnn Spellman’s James & Jolene Visit the Queen tracks two well-dressed kids who head out for a whirlwind vacation across London. The story begins with James and Jolene arriving at Buckingham Palace, where they stop to admire the silent royal guards standing on duty. From there, the duo hops into a classic black cab and starts ticking off a fast-paced checklist of iconic city landmarks. They visit a historic church, peek out the windows of the Tower of London, and even take a ride on a huge riverside Ferris wheel. The kids spend their entire day traveling from one famous tourist destination to the next as the sun sets over the city. Will these two eager young travelers actually manage to see the monarch after a busy day of exploring the city?
James & Jolene Visit the Queen by DeAnn Spellman is a children’s picture book that feels exactly like looking through a child’s colorful vacation scrapbook. The plot is breezy and cheerful because the story flows through simple, peppy rhymes that make it perfect for reading aloud to young kids. The book is fast-paced, jumping from one landmark to the next without getting stuck in long descriptions, which keeps younger readers interested. Remesh Ram’s illustrations are a major highlight here. His artwork uses bright, warm tones and gives the characters big, expressive faces that grab your attention right away. I really love how the book sneaks in a bit of learning, featuring a fun glossary at the back that teaches kids playful British slang — like chuffed and gobsmacked. Parents looking for a lighthearted introduction to travel or UK landmarks for kids will find this book to be a great addition to story time.
