AUTHOR: Alysia Ssentamu & Michael Ssentamu
This is the first book in the Sticky Icky Vicky series. Sticky Icky Vicky is a girl who wants
to get over her fear, once and for all. She is a fun-loving girl who doesn’t
mind getting a little messy and dirty, which is how she’s earned her ‘Sticky
Icky’ nickname; she loves rolling down hills and playing in mud but when it
comes to water, Sticky Icky Vicky’s fear prevents her from joining in the fun.
She gets an invitation for a waterpark party, and she decides that she really
wants to go, even if it means ignoring the Negative Ned voice in her head and
getting over her fear.
This entertaining and imaginative
story illustrates how courage can overcome fear. Sticky Icky Vicky: Courage Over Fear is a
reading experience that leaves children believing that they, like Vicky, can
get past any obstacle in their way.
This is a delightful story for
children with catchy rhymes which the whole family will enjoy. The
illustrations are vibrant, expressive, colourful, and imaginative. I especially liked the realistic expressions
portrayed on the characters' faces. The words are lyrical and in bold letters which
makes it easier for children to read along. The plot progresses at a good pace
with important life lessons intertwined. Children will relate to Vicky on so
many levels.
Courage Over Fear offers children
an inspirational, loveable heroine who learns some valuable life lessons, such
as courage, positive thinking and goal-setting.
The book has amazing characters;
I loved Vicky and her friends, but I especially loved how the authors
intuitively and smartly created Negative Ned and Positive Ted. I think it is a
stroke of genius as it makes this book a precious resource that will teach
children about the negative and positive voices inside their heads; it is a very educative and
entertaining read which teaches children as well as entertains them. Vicky
learns life is full of choices; she opts to confront her fear by believing in
herself. I loved this story because every child experiences fear and could
benefit by learning how to overcome it.
The plot progresses at a good pace with important life lessons
intertwined and I loved the language, positivity and energy in the book along
with the mix of ethnically portrayed characters.
At the end of the book there are
discussion topics readers, families and teachers can use to define fear and
decide the best path to defeat it. I
especially liked the questions for starting conversations, a very good addition
which will initiate talking about fear.
The book is aimed primarily at readers aged six to ten.
The book is beautifully illustrated by Noor Alshalabi.
Reviewer - Anne Pritchard
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