Kid Konnection: Chronicle Picture Books

Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you a couple of picture books that are coming soon from Chronicle Books.

Summary: It's the day before the big parade. Alta can only think about one thing: Wilma Rudolph, three-time Olympic gold medalist. She'll be riding on a float tomorrow. See, Alta is the quickest kid in Clarksville, Tennessee, just like Wilma once was. It doesn't matter that Alta's shoes have holes because Wilma came from hard times, too. But what happens when a new girl with shiny new shoes comes along and challenges Alta to a race? Will she still be the quickest kid? The Quickest Kid in Clarksville is a timeless story of dreams, determination, and the power of friendship. -- Chronicle

THE QUICKEST KID IN CLARKSVILLE by Pat Zietlow Miller and illustrated by Frank Morrison is a wonderful story about a young girl determined to be the fastest kid in Clarksville, Tennessee... just like Wilma Rudolph was. Alta, is certain she is fast despite having shoes with holes in them; however, when Charmaine, the new girl in town (with brand new sneakers), challenges her to a race, she has to channel her inner Wilma if she wants to win!

Both girls are desperate to prove that they are the fastest kid in Clarksville, and their determination and jealousy causes them to exhibit some less than stellar behavior. Can the big parade and the real-life Wilma Rudolph bring these two together?

I thought the QUICKEST KID IN CLARKSVILLE was delightful. The story was adorable and the illustrations were the perfect complement to the story. I especially appreciated the messages in this picture book. I think all children will relate to the powerful lessons about jealousy, determination, confidence, dreams, and friendship.

Another special aspect of this book was the author's note at the end. There is a page devoted to Wilma Rudolph and her accomplishments. I love that this book is not only entertaining but educational as well!

This book will be available on February 9th, and it's perfect for February's Black History Month and March's Women's History Month! Highly recommended!

Summary: Join Aaron Reynolds and Sara Varon as they explore the ideal qualities of leaders, diplomats...and giant squid. Squid knows all about being president. It means living in a big house, doing all the talking—oh, and having a tie is crucial. He's all set! In the next election, make a more informed choice. Vote for President Squid! -- Chronicle

Just in case you can't get enough about presidents and presidential candidates, PRESIDENT SQUID by Aaron Reynolds and illustrated by Sara Varon might be the perfect picture book for you. In this very cute book, a giant neon pink squid shows what he thinks it takes to be president!

He outlines all of the important things that make up being a president like wearing a tie, living in a huge house, being famous, and more! He tries to convince his fellow sea creatures that he should be President Squid, the greatest president who ever lived. Unfortunately for Squid, none of the sea creatures are hailing him!

When Squid learns that there are more important qualities that make up a president, he discovers that his friends suddenly find him very presidential! But is that enough for the giant squid?

I admit that I had to chuckle when I read PRESIDENT SQUID. The book is silly and, given the political environment in our country right now, I found a few things to be very entertaining. I was happy to see that the giant squid began to realize that the president has many important responsibilities such as service and helping others; however, his awareness seemed to be short-lived.

I do think kids will enjoy Squid's antics because he is rather silly, and I think parents might just chuckle as parts of this book hit a little too close to home. PRESIDENT SQUID will be in stores on March 1st... which just happens to be Super Tuesday.

Thanks to the publisher for providing review copies of these books.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!