Book Review: Kami Visits...
- Jake Evanoff
- Jul 17, 2024
- 3 min read
With Star Ship Reviews, our goal is to bring attention to some of the wonderful independent authors and illustrators out there. For this week's entry, we'll be trying something a touch different with our first ever double feature review of "Kami Visits Connecticut, Georgia, and Idaho + Kami Visits Arizona, Minnesota, and North Carolina" Written by Lisa Galdos and Illustrated by Brooke Beaver.
Kami Visits... Lisa Galdos
The Artists:
Lisa Galdos I created BIG HUGS for Kids - Learn and Move Series to inspire kids ages 3-7 to embrace movement and self-confidence while exploring the wonders of the United States. As a two-time cancer survivor and a certified Health and Life Coach, this series holds a special place in my heart. Formerly a court administrator and lawyer, my journey has been about helping others. Today, I live in Arizona, continuing my passions for faith, family, friends, and an active healthy lifestyle, all while inspiring and motivating others to be the best versions of themselves.
Brooke Beaver is an Illustrator with a BFA in Graphic Design. She loves bringing fun, whimsical stories to life with her art. A lot of inspiration for her work comes from beautiful scenes of wildlife and nature.
The Story's:
"Experience the Ultimate Adventure Across America with BIG HUGS for Kids - Learn and Move Series: Where Every Move inspires Learning, Health and BEING YOU! Kami, the Flamingo, visits three of her fifty state friends in each book designed for kids ages 3-7. Each friend shares a cool move called BIG HUGS, which symbolizes something about that state. Fun, interactive, and educational activities are included throughout each book."
The Review:
This was a pair of books that just made sense to combine into a double feature! I had a ton of fun learning facts about the different states along with Kami.
The story begins with Kami, a Flamingo, worried that her new friends may not like her because she doesn't quite look like any other flamingo. Her new (state) friends are quick to accept her and each of them shares a fun fact about themselves. (I had no idea that two Minnesota students who played ice hocket invented the rollerblades) This is directly followed by a short activity the children can participate in which I thought was such a neat idea. Kami suggests that their cool moves be called "BIG HUGS" "Because moving and hugging makes us feel good." Inspiring everyone to then take on Kami's grandmother's advice "You be you". Overall I really enjoy what Lisa has done with the series; through a combination of teaching children to be confident in who they are, in an educational way that inspires fun engagement through activities!
The illustrations from Brooke add so much to the captivation of each page, presenting fun and colorful depictions that are easy to follow along with!
The Mini Interview:
To wrap things up, we've asked Lisa to answer three quick questions for us!
What was your inspiration for the story?
Connection, Curiosity and Courage
My inspiration for this series/story line began back in 2020 during Covid. I initially started a YouTube channel, Noni’s BIG HUGS, to stay connected to my grandkids. Each week I posted a new video which included three exercises, I called BIG HUGS, to represent something unique or curious about one of the fifty states in the United States.. I called the exercises BIG HUGS to remember my cousin, who passed away in January 2020 due to ovarian cancer. My goals are to encourage movement, embrace individual uniqueness, and enjoy learning. I want kids to feel confident and courageous that however, they do the BIG HUGS is perfect! YOU BE YOU is my motto!
What was your favorite book growing up?
In my early years, Dr. Seuss was my book of choice. The story line was easy to follow and illustrations were vivid and lively. Later in life, the Nancy Drew series grabbed my attention for hours. I loved the suspense and would work along with Nancy Drew to unravel the mystery and solve the problem.
What piece of advice would you give to aspiring children’s authors?
Follow your heart, pursue your passion, be true to yourself (YOU BE YOU) and love what you do! I believe children’s books bring a special joy and curiosity to kids that last a lifetime.
The Links:
If you'd like to grab your own copy of the books, they can be purchased here:
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Cheers,
-JE
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