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Gertie Braves the River is a gem for parents, teachers, and anyone looking to share a story about courage and cleverness with children. The story is simple yet profound, delivering a lesson about overcoming obstacles with determination and a dash of ingenuity. Papadakis' writing is playful and rhythmic, which makes it a joy to read aloud. What I loved most was the relatable and empowering message — Gertie's story reminded me that even when we are out of our depth, creativity and persistence can see us through. If you enjoy books that mix heart, humor, and life lessons, Gertie's journey across the river is one you will not want to miss.

This sweet story about Gertie the giraffe is the perfect reminder that even small steps can lead to big victories. The rhyming text and beautiful illustrations make it both engaging and meaningful for kids. A lovely read for any child who needs a little boost in self-belief.

My daughter and I loved this children's book of Gertie, a gritty giraffe, that braved crossing a river that is too wide and deep to tread. The lyrical and colorful pages added to a heartwarming story on resilience and grit even if a giraffe, in spite of its height, can be capable of the task at hand. It also teaches children humility to listen to others' advice.

Reading with your children is also an ideal time to bond, while instilling wonder and good values. Gertie, the shy giraffe, teaches children that though they may face obstacles in life, with persistence, grit, and some creativity, no obstacle is insurmountable. Love the story, the characters, and the illustrations. Can't wait for Gertie's next book!

Gertie Braves the River is such a heartwarming read! Gertie the giraffe may be unsure of herself at first, but her journey across the river is the perfect reminder that courage comes one small step at a time. The rhyming text makes it fun to read aloud.

This is an absolutely adorable story with fun, vibrant illustrations. The moral is wonderful — persistence does indeed pay off! Gertie Braves the River would be a great addition to any child's library. It would also make a great Story Time book for all you Youth Librarians out there!

Gertie Braves the River is a beautifully illustrated, funny, and inspiring children's picture book by author Louis Papadakis. The story follows Gertie, a gentle and lovable giraffe with big dreams and an even bigger heart, as she faces the challenge of crossing a daunting river. Gertie's journey is relatable for readers of all ages, as she struggles, learns, and ultimately triumphs by finding strength within herself. Papadakis' illustrations are magnificent, bursting with color, comedy, character, and charm. Written in playful rhyme, this is a fun, read-aloud experience for adults and children alike. Highly recommended for families, educators, and anyone who loves a fun story with a positive message.

A Splash of Courage for Little Hearts. Louis Papadakis delivers another gem in his Inspirational Books for Kids series with Gertie Braves the River, a tender yet empowering tale about a giraffe named Gertie who faces her fears head-on. Gertie's journey across the river is more than an adventure — it's a masterclass in resilience. The river metaphor cleverly mirrors childhood challenges, making abstract concepts like perseverance feel tangible. A must-read for bedtime shelves and classroom libraries alike, Gertie Braves the River proves Papadakis understands the alchemy of turning jitters into joy. An instant classic that pairs The Little Engine That Could energy with modern charm.

Purchased the set as a gift for my nephew, he was so excited!!! He loves it, didn’t let go of the tote with his books inside, carries it everywhere. It’s such a cute set. The canvas bag fits the books perfectly and is great size for the little hands of a child. Beautifully illustrated picture book with an important message for children. I also liked that the coloring book is the same illustrations, which makes it even more engaging for kids to embrace the lesson in the story. Would highly recommend!!!

As an ex-elementary school principal, I spent many hours in classrooms watching teachers read to and with their students. A good book for early readers and pre-readers is one that not only tells an inspiring story (portraying a world where good happens) but also provides readers with an opportunity to relate to and discuss issues that are important in life.Gertie Braves the River is a wonderful example of a story that ticks all these boxes. The story is inspiring—a giraffe overcomes an obstacle in her life, relying on her own wit and determination. She practices patience and even a bit of meditation to solve her problem. She calms her mind and comes up with a solution. She takes advice from others who are wiser.The story is also told in rhyming verse—another plus, because all children love the sound of language.The illustrations of Gertie in her world, the other animals—the fish and monkeys—are colorful, imaginative and, in short, beautifully done. Looking at the illustrations help readers make sense of the story.I also like this book because the story itself is a good opportunity to have a reader identify an obstacle in their life and discuss ways of overcoming it.I heartily recommend this book to early readers. 5 stars.

This is an inspirational story about finding our inner strength. I love how Gertie actually listened to her friend’s advice, a rare and refreshing reminder that we don’t have to figure everything out on our own. It reminded me that when we’re faced with something difficult, sometimes we just need to pause, think, and then have the courage to trust ourselves with our actions. A powerful message in a sweet story.

Gertie is an irresistibly sweet giraffe, and both kids and grown-ups will find themselves cheering her on as she faces the challenge of crossing a wide, rushing river. She tries and tries, and gets frustrated. Then, a wise friend reminds her to pause, breathe, and think things through. That moment of calm leads her to a wonderfully creative solution that shows little readers the power of perseverance and problem-solving.The illustrations are delightful and imaginative (the scene where Gertie uses her long neck as a mast for a sail was our family's favorite), and each page will have you rooting for her success. "Gertie Braves the River" is charming story with a good message for young children and their grown-ups alike!

Reading with your children is also an ideal time to bond, while instilling wonder and good values. Gertie, the shy giraffe, teaches children that though they may face obstacles in life, with persistence, grit, and some creativity, no obstacle is insurmountable. Love the story, the characters, and the illustrations. Can’t wait for Gertie’s next book!

Our little grandkids love the cuteness of Gertie, the giraffe strolling around her native land, the Savana. The storyline needs a little continuation to understand the message, but the illustration keeps the grandkids laughing and imitating the poses Gertie made.

Love the illustrations and the message for kids. We need more books like this.