Be Bold, Baby: J.K. Rowling by Alison Oliver
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on September 3rd 2019
ISBN: 1328519937
Pages: 20
Goodreads

Be Bold, Baby! is a series of board books that feature famous women such as Oprah and Michelle Obama and lists some of their attributes along with quotes.  This entry in the series features J.K. Rowling.  Most of the two page spreads have a piece of advice, i.e. “Be a Rebel” followed by a Rowling quote that emphasizes that point.  Page two is an illustration that features a young girl in a situation that is supposedly showcasing that point, with a heavy Harry Potter fan vibe. Some of the quotes are quite awkward, grammatically, leaving me wondering if there weren’t better quotes that could have been used.  The final page is a mirror that says “Be You!” On the inside back cover is a short biography of Rowling.

This book (and series) has a great premise and means well, but it doesn’t quite meet its goal of encouraging girls to be strong and independent.  Not worth purchasing. For ages 1-4.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Maine State Library