Sofia Valdez, Future Prez; Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts

Andrea Beaty and David Roberts, the creators of Iggy Peck, Architect; Rosie Revere, Engineer; and Ada Twist, Scientist; are back with a brand new adventure.

Sofia Valdez is a pillar of her community. She and her Abuelo (her grandpa) do everything they can to help the elderly residents of Blue River Creek. When Sofia isn’t in school she can be found making a positive difference to her community, from delivering groceries to doing the gardening to dog-walking, there is always something to do.

When her Abuelo injures himself at ‘Mount Trashmore’, Sofia decides that something must be done to clean up the mess and sets about turning the trash into a park. But she’s only a kid in grade two and nobody at the City Hall takes her seriously. Not one to admit defeat, Sofia summons up her courage and bravery and proves that you don’t have to be big to to make a difference.

Sofia Valdez, Future Prez is a fabulous rhyming story about one young girl’s determination to make a difference. It is full of positive messages about bravery, courage, kindness, helping others and making a difference. The rhyming prose are a delight and the watercolour illustrations are detailed and engaging.

With the likes of Greta Thunberg becoming increasingly prominent in the world this is a super read for young readers that re-enforces the lesson that it only needs one person to start change. It doesn’t matter how young you are or how small you feel, you are never too young to make a difference.

Recommended for 6+.