In The Flamingo with Two Left Feet, a children's book by Patti Bonesteel, after talking with his mother and watching his graceful peers, Fernando dances, but he falls over. Discouraged, he returns to his mother. She lifts his spirits again, and he practices until he can move with more confidence. He works on a special diet for beautifully colored feathers and prepares for the Dance on the Water, where he hopes to show the other flamingos his capabilities. He wishes to find a mate by showing off his dancing techniques, but just as he thinks he is doing well, his feet slip, and he falls. Fernando believes his chances of finding a mate are over, but sometimes others see something in us we don't see in ourselves. At the end of the story, the author includes fun facts about flamingos.

Patti Bonesteel presents a colorful and informational story about a flamingo with low self-confidence who is bullied by other flamingos.
Encouraged by his mother, Fernando shows determination and gains a healthier self-concept. The author incorporates science into the story, promoting a healthy diet by discussing Fernando's nutritious choices and how flamingos get their pink, orange, or red color. Bonesteel illustrates the reproductive cycle of flamingos by noting the number of days it takes for an egg to hatch. The lovely pictures are certain to catch a young reader's eye. The Flamingo with Two Left Feet opens up some important topics for conversation and urges readers to keep persevering because they never know just how their dream will be realized.

Many young readers will identify with Fernando in Patti Bonesteel’s The Flamingo with Two Left Feet. Everyone struggles with something; many children feel awkward if they can’t do something correctly. Flamingos love to dance, and male flamingos find their mate by showing off their dance steps. Fernando can’t seem to get the rhythm of dancing. He thinks he will never find a mate because he has two left feet. With his mother’s encouragement and lots of practice, Fernando learns to dance. At the big dance, he falls as he is dancing. Will he ever find a mate? This is a great book to read and discuss with your child if they feel they don’t fit in. Discuss the importance of practice and the value of patience. Most importantly, teach your children to be themselves. They are worthy of unconditional love and acceptance just as they are.

Do children thrive best in an overly strict and structured environment or one where they have fun as they learn? In The Flamingo with Two Left Feet, Patti Bonesteel suggests that children learn best while having fun and using their imaginations. Patti is well-qualified to teach children after twenty-five years as an elementary school teacher. She uses her imagination and research to teach children life lessons and facts about flamingoes. The illustrations are entertaining. Let your child show off their best dance moves as you discuss the importance of them being the best version of themselves. A parent’s job is to accept unconditionally and love their children as they encourage them to keep improving. Children need to be taught to keep improving, not to please others but because they are wonderful just the way they are.

Fernando is a flamingo who wants to learn how to dance, but it looks like he always fails. His mother is the only one who never stops supporting him and telling him nothing is wrong with his feet, but something is wrong in his head. After Fernando tries to dance but falls miserably into the water, his friends make fun of him. Poor Fernando is worried because he fears that no flamingo will choose him. After he practices, Fernando finally seems able to dance, but something goes wrong... Or not? Patti Bonesteel will tell Fernando's beautiful story in The Flamingo with Two Left Feet.

The Flamingo with Two Left Feet is an excellent story for teaching young readers that anything is possible if they put in the necessary effort. I enjoyed this story because it offers a great role model, and Fernando is perfect for explaining to young readers why they should never give up. The flamingo initially lacks confidence but accomplishes far more than he could have imagined through perseverance. Fernando has his mother by his side supporting him, which should serve as a message to us adults that if we want our kids to succeed, we should be their allies rather than mock them as Fernando's friends do. Patti Bonesteel has written a wonderful book that offers many valuable life lessons to young readers and the adults who will read it with them. I wholeheartedly recommend this story to anyone who wants their children to grow up with a positive attitude.

My favorite seven year had a bad day. I read this book to him that night and we talked about how Fernando felt. That talk opened up communication to talk about his challenges. Wonderful book indeed! Entertaining and educational. Opens doors to communication. Highly recommend!!!!!

TBrown
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Adorable and educational!
Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2024
What a sweet little story a bout a young flaming who has some insecurities about joining the other flamingos in a mating dance. With some encouragement from his mother, he learns that the best way to BE his best is to let his true colors shine!
The fun flamingo facts are an excellent way to get little ones asking more questions, wanting to dig a little deeper into the life of animals.
The bright colors, sweet story and fun facts are appealing to kids and adults of all ages.
I hear this author will be releasing more books in the future! Can’t wait to start collecting!

Enchanting, Engaging and Enlightening
Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2024
This book opens a world of possibilities. Children will find Fernando relatable and will discover that life isn't always what we dream it will be, and the world isn't always kind, but with persistence and a little support, you can triumph. It demonstrates that kindness is a trait more important than perfection and that being true to yourself will draw others to you that value you for the unique qualities you possess and can share with the world. An added bonus is the discovery of Flamingos themselves. It provides a great launching point for further investigation of this fascinating species - one that can be shared and enjoyed by both adults and youth. I highly recommend that readers of this book watch an online video of the Flamingo dance.

Fernando is enchanting!
Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2024

This lovely book shares the story of Fernando who, through trial and error and the support of his ever-encouraging mother, learns to dance in his own special way and find the perfect mate. The interaction between Fernando and his mother is sweet and comforting, and resonates with children of all ages. The flamingo facts at the end inflamed the curiosity of every child with whom I've shared this book, and led to fascinating discussions! This tale is told with the sure voice of a writer who knows what children need to hear. Looking forward to future stories from this insightful author. Bravo!

Fun, Educational and Encouraging!
Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2024
This book is fun, educational and encouraging. Kids will love the bright, colorful illustrations and will fall in love with Fernando. Plus, kids will learn some pretty cool facts about flamingoes as well. Highly recommend this book!

Reviewed in the United States on March 13, 2024
An adorable story about having confidence and self worth very nicely illustrated can not wait to give to my grandson he is 6 perfect age !

Charming
Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2024
Clever story with a nice message. Illustration is cute.

Just wow!
Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2024
What a great story! Love the illustrating and colors.

Great Features
This book is delightful to read. The characters are relatable. Fernando, the main character, suffers from self doubt. His mother is very loving and encouraging. This book shows that with practice, persistence and loving support you can succeed. This book is well written with beautiful illustrations.

13 days ago
Lessons In Pink - Flamingo Pink, That Is!
So many little lessons packed into a story as colorful as the book’s illustrations! Just maybe that thing that we consider awkward will catch the caring eye of another. Intertwined with interesting flamingo facts that may be new to all readers - not just the young!

☆☆☆☆☆ 5 out of 5 stars. · a month ago
Fun, Educational And Encouraging!
This book is fun, educational and encouraging. Kids will love the bright, colorful illustrations and will fall in love with Fernando. Plus, kids will learn some pretty cool facts about flamingoes as well. Highly recommend this book!

What a lovely book! I read this to my 2nd grade class and they loved it! They laughed, loved the characters, and learned some facts about flamingos that they didn't know!

by
Nancy Higgins
5
This book is a delight. It’d refreshing to have a book for children that is not only entertaining but educational as well. I can see this book sparking the child’s desire to learn and discover more. Bravo!!! I look forward to seeing more of the same from this author. As an added note worth mentioning is that I especially liked the fun facts at the close of the book.
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Nancy Short
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Educational, sweet and just so much fun!
Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2024
This book shows us all it's ok to make mistakes. Never give up, count on others, accept flaws but enjoy life. Illustrations are beautiful. Wonderful story!