Friday, May 22, 2020

Legends From My Mom's Closet by Sasha Olsen - REVIEWED!

About the Book:

Legends from Mom s Closet documents Sasha s summer, where she spends most of her time indoors because of stormy weather. Due to her boredom, she turns to learning about legendary people through books and research. She comes upon some incredible women, like Frida Kahlo, and delves into these legends lives which lead her to feel extremely inspired. She turns her inspiration into art by rummaging in her mom s closet for vintage pieces to dress up as the legends she learned about. Sometimes she faces little troubles, but she quickly overcomes them in a mission to spend a day in a legend s shoes and document it. Through this diary, readers will also learn the importance of vintage clothing and the need to prevent fast fashion. Legends from Mom s Closet is abundant with colorful photos and illustrations for other kids to truly get a feel of Sasha s imagination. She even shares little fun facts and a how-to for each icon.Experience the creativity a kid encounters when exploring what s right around them and let it inspire you too!

About the Author:
Sasha Olsen is a 10-year-old author, environmental activist, ballroom dancer, bookworm,
pianist, and enjoys anything artistic. She always finds new hobbies and things to do, which
usually ends up in her trying to juggle everything. She lives with her family in Bal Harbour,

Florida, where she also spearheads the conservation movement “I Want My Ocean Back.”
Legends From Mom’s Closet is her first book.

My Review:

“Cleopatra was awesome, but so am I and all the women I know!”  p. 37
“…do you think she ever got tired of being herself?”  p. 46 (Audrey Hepburn)
“Get inspired to learn more and be creative.  New people and new things surround you.  Read, read, read.”  p. 120

It is an exceptional 10-year-old who enjoys research and writing!  As a parent of adult children, I can honestly say, I’d love to meet her parents too!  However, I won’t distract a moment from this very extraordinary book!

This is far more than just a dress-up activity!  Sasha actually reads about every character she portrays and shares what she learns in a way that other readers her age will remain engaged.  Sasha chooses a diary format to tell her story.  Who on planet earth doesn’t love to read someone else’s diary?!  Seriously!  She begins by sharing the source of inspiration to choose the character, then goes on to share what she learned in the process of choosing the clothing and props.

At this point, the reader is totally engaged and ready to learn interesting and little known facts about the character.  This is a far more interesting way to learn than  doing an internet search!  She then shares her own artful interpretation of the character in a drawing – typically in crayon – and ends the chapter with hints and tips to recreate your own character!  All along the way, there are amazing photos of Sasha as her character.  At the end of the book, you learn that all of her props were found in her home or the building she lived in.  This kid doesn’t do anything to excess that would harm the world around her!

This was an unexpected and very pleasant discovery of a book!  I’ve always been drawn to children’s books, and am so honored to review this one!  I look forward to watching Sasha as she grows and follows what is certain to be a fascinating life path!  BRAVO!!

Learn more here!
  • Author's Facebook: LINK 
  • Author's Instagram: LINK
  • Author's Website: LINK
  • Amazon: LINK
  • B&N: LINK

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