Today's read is another one, which has been peering up at me from my pile for awhile. I simply wasn't able to get to it faster and am thrilled that I'm about to open it up and take a peek. Part of this is because I worked in the office of an auto mechanic the last few years. Loved it, too, thanks to the most amazing boss ever. The owner was a woman, but she decided to sell and become a full-time grandma. The other reason I can't wait to take a peek is that I'm a huge supporter of kids learning to do a broad range of activities. Even car repair. Thanks to Youtube and the internet, instructions are plentiful. Believe it or not, my youngest daughter is about to replace the fan on her pickup (interior air) herself this weekend. So, this book is right down our lane.
I'm going to grab my jack, yoga mat (most comfortable way to lay on the ground and peer under the car), and pink bag of tools because it's time to see what skills this little character has.
SARABETH'S GARAGE
by Melanie Florence
Illustrated by Nadia Alam
Tundra Books
Picture Book
40 pages
ages 4 to 8
A picture book that celebrates doing your own thing in the face of society's expectations . . . and a sweet story about a girl, her dad, her disapproving grandma and, most importantly, cars.
Sarabeth loves cars.
She loves the way the engines sometimes roar like lions and other times purr like kittens. She loves seeing sports cars that are sleek and fast like cheetahs and boxy SUVs that trundle along like elephants.
And most of all, she loves to help her dad out at the garage.
Sarabeth’s Grandmother feels differently. She thinks little girls should play with dolls and wear dresses. But when her car starts grumbling like a walrus instead of purring like a kitten, will Sarabeth’s hobby save the day?
A delightful story about an independent and spirited girl who has no time for the limitations that society wants to put on her, and a grandma who gets the opportunity to change her way of thinking.
Sarabeth loves cars.
She loves the way the engines sometimes roar like lions and other times purr like kittens. She loves seeing sports cars that are sleek and fast like cheetahs and boxy SUVs that trundle along like elephants.
And most of all, she loves to help her dad out at the garage.
Sarabeth’s Grandmother feels differently. She thinks little girls should play with dolls and wear dresses. But when her car starts grumbling like a walrus instead of purring like a kitten, will Sarabeth’s hobby save the day?
A delightful story about an independent and spirited girl who has no time for the limitations that society wants to put on her, and a grandma who gets the opportunity to change her way of thinking.
MY TIDBITS
The phrase 'be true to yourself' echoes loud and clear as a little girl follows her heart despite some voices around her.
Sarabeth loves cars and engines and all sorts of things like that, which leaves her grandmother huffing that dolls and being lady-like is better. But Sarabeth can't think of anything better than spending time with her father at his auto shop as she helps him repair car after car. Maybe, something will help prove to her grandmother than girls can like cars and repairing them, too.
Starting with a familiar scene of a family sitting in a living room and watching the little girl play on the floor with cars, the wholesome atmosphere of warmth and family support sets the stage for the rest of the read. So, when her grandmother comes with mumbled words of disagreement, it hits with a sharp edge, but Sarabeth still carries the loving encouragement from her parents to add a caring cushion. The time she spends with her father at his shop is presented with energetic positivity and even inspires, which brings across the message of 'staying true to yourself' clearly. Readers will be able to sympathize as the grandmother's opinion isn't easily changed and, most likely, recognize similar situations from their own lives. Of course, there's a lovely round off to the entire story which brings goodness and smiles.
The illustrations are inviting and bring across the emotions, atmosphere, and tale nicely. The text makes a lovely read aloud and fits well to the audience level. Readers, who are more sure of their words, can pick this one up on their own. Plus, the illustrations will help them along, since it's pretty clear what's happening in each scene.
Sarabeth's enthusiasm is addictive, making this a read, which is sure to leave listeners inspired.
And here they are...
MELANIE FLORENCE is an award-winning writer based in Toronto. She is the author of the picture books Sarabeth’s Garage, The One About the Blackbird and Missing Nimâmâ, which won the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award, the Forest of Reading Golden Oak Award and was a finalist for the First Nation Communities READ award. Her other picture book, Stolen Words, won the Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children’s Book Award, was shortlisted for the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award, and was given a starred review by Kirkus, who listed it as one of the best picture books of 2017 to give readers strength.
NADIA ALAM is a second generation Bangladeshi-Canadian. She is an avid daydreamer and meanderer who draws to capture the world as she sees it. She is the illustrator of Sarabeth’s Garage; The Wishing Machine; Awake, Asleep; Mauntie and Me; and The House Without Lights. She lives in Toronto with her two lovely kids and a dog named Momo.
