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CJ Zachary is an author who works exclusively with her illustrator husband Zac Zachary. The husband and wife duo are both from Arkansas. They have worked in elementary education for over a decade. Zac has been an art teacher his entire teaching career. Whereas CJ has taught kindergarten, first grade, and second grade. She has also been a Literacy Curriculum Facilitator as well as a Dyslexia and Literacy Interventionist. The two are currently living in the south and raising their two children, one of which was the inspiration for their first book, The Awkward Avocado.
Reviewed by Diana Lopez for Readers' Favorite
This book is about self-love, maintaining high self-esteem, and gaining self-confidence. The Awkward Avocado presents us with an avocado and its unique way of being. With the help of this amusing character, C.J. Zachary explains that it is normal to be different from our friends. We don't need to agree on everything if our attitude is correct, nor should we feel inadequate if we see ourselves as dissimilar from others. With the help of many examples, this book teaches us to be ourselves without fear. The idea is to learn to adapt to new situations and maintain a positive outlook. Children will see the importance of appreciating and valuing themselves for who they are.
The Awkward Avocado was significant for me because having healthy self-esteem will help children accept their mistakes and keep trying to improve. With higher self-esteem, children will do better at school, at home, and with friends. We are not always going to think the same way as our colleagues and our way of responding and acting can also be different from what others expect. This may make many children nervous, especially if they are learning to get along with new people. In reading this book they will learn about themselves and see that deep down, we are all unique. C.J. Zachary has produced an attractive book that will teach children a valuable lesson.
