Press Kit — Gertie Braves the River
Press Kit
Gertie Braves the River by Louis Papadakis
Everything journalists, bloggers, podcast hosts, and reviewers need to cover Gertie. Contact Louis directly below.
The Book at a Glance
Gertie Braves the River is an award-winning picture book for children ages 3 to 8. Written in warm rhyming verse with vibrant full-color illustrations, the story follows Gertie — a brave little giraffe who faces her biggest fear, tries and fails, almost gives up, and finds her own creative way through. She builds a raft of vine and crosses the river on her own terms.
The core message is universal: failure is not the end. Getting back up is where the winning happens. Persistence and grit taught through emotional storytelling — never through lectures.
Awards and Recognition
What Educators and Reviewers Are Saying
"Gertie Braves the River is a visually captivating book for young readers. It is a story about adventure and courage. It's an excellent bedtime story and would be perfect for classroom storytime."— Carol Thompson, Editorial Review, Readers' Favorite
"Louis Papadakis's children's book Gertie Braves the River is a great book for young readers that blends adventure with valuable life lessons. It's a story that promotes perseverance and bravery — traits that help foster positive character development."— Maria Bolos, M.Ed., School Director, Plato Academy
"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 as much a teaching tool as it is an entertaining adventure."— Thomas Anderson, Editor in Chief, Literary Titan
"The story Gertie Braves the River was adorable! Its message to the reader is about overcoming any obstacle that comes your way and being brave no matter what. This is such a great theme to teach the young mind and young reader!"— Amanda Donnelly, Assistant Director, KinderCare Learning Center
"Gertie Braves the River ticks all the boxes — inspiring story, relatable challenge, beautifully told in rhyming verse. The story is a good opportunity to have a reader identify an obstacle in their life and discuss ways of overcoming it. I heartily recommend it."— Kate L., Former Elementary School Principal
"As a teacher who reads and recommends picture books all the time, Gertie Braves the River offers a gentle inspiring tale. The story is charming and relatable, especially for children who are learning that small steps matter."— Sa. Hawk, Elementary Teacher
27 verified customer reviews averaging 4.5 stars
About Louis Papadakis
Louis Papadakis is an award-winning, Amazon best-selling children's book author, illustrator, and artist based in the Chicago area. He holds a Fine Arts degree from Southern Illinois University and a Master's in Fine Arts from the School of Figurative Art in New York City. He is a husband, stepfather, and former substitute art teacher.
Louis always looks for teachable moments that can be distilled down to simple life principles that even a child can enjoy and understand. Gertie Braves the River is his debut picture book in the Inspirational Books for Kids Series, published through TNL Designs LLC.
Louis is available for school visits (K-3), read-alouds, author Q&A sessions, media appearances, podcast interviews, and speaking engagements.
Media Contact
Email: author@louispapadakisbooks.com
Website: louispapadakisbooks.com
Response time: Within 24 to 48 hours
Press Assets Available on Request
- High resolution book cover image (300 DPI)
- Author headshot
- Award badge images — Pencraft, Honoring Excellence, Literary Titan
- Book interior sample pages
- Author one-sheet PDF
- Rob Schneider endorsement photo
Please credit all images as: © Louis Papadakis, louispapadakisbooks.com
Suggested Interview Questions
Get in Touch
Media inquiries, interview requests, review copies, and collaboration opportunities are welcome. Louis responds within 24 to 48 hours.
Contact Louis →