Author: Dr. Peter Isikwe
Illustrator: Mike Motz
Publisher: Peter J. Isikwe
ISBN: 978-0-692033050

“Jack learned a lot today. He faced many different challenges, but he finished what he started,” Dr. Peter Isikwe ends his children’s book, Jack’s Awesome Adventure.

This unnumbered twenty-six-page paperback targets children ages three to seven years old who enjoy a story about accomplishing a task. With no scary scenes, it may be best read out loud to beginner readers due to some complicated wording.

In this short tale, young Jack spent all summer long designing a birthday card for his grandmother. On her special day, a party is planned for late afternoon, but Jack does not want to wait all day to give it to her. Without his babysitter’s knowledge, he leaves the house and walks to Grandma Tessy’s house by himself. On his way, he almost gets lost in the rain, eats ice cream, and loses the cherished card. After retracing his steps and finding the gift, he goes to his grandma’s house for the party. He promises not to leave the house without permission, and the sitter is informed of his whereabouts. He learns about finishing what he started.

Deciding to do something and following through to finish it is a worthy goal. I like how the main character was determined to give his homemade birthday card to his grandmother no matter what. The illustrations are detailed, showing expressions with plenty of backgrounds young ones can view. I appreciate that portions of the sales of the book will help establish a children’s literature foundation.

Some parents may not approve of a story about a boy leaving the house without permission as it may give their child ideas, especially since there were no repercussions for doing so. Others may not care for the babysitter who focused more on her television show than the child.

Isikwe is a pharmacist who loves to write, work with children, and enjoy hip-hop culture. He lives in Virginia, spending time with his family and friends. No information is provided on the illustrator.

I wish the tale addressed discipline when doing something wrong, the sitter’s lack of responsibility, and how the boy bought the ice cream in more detail.

If you are looking for a book that promotes finishing what is started, this one about a boy delivering a birthday card may hold a young child’s interest, but not all parents may agree with parts of it.

Thanks to Bookpleasures and the author for this complimentary book that I am freely evaluating.