This is a mother’s story about her son Charlie. He has a big heart. He loves to run but he never wins. But he continues to run. He grows into his heart and becomes a Navy Seal, on a mission to protect others. This is a lovely story, but reads like a mom talking about her stand out child. The illustrations child like. I think with some better editing and a professional illustrator this could be a better story.

I love first and foremost that this book is based on a true story; Charlie who loves running, but soon finds that he is much smaller in size compared to the rest of the other teams' runners. However, Charlie doesn't let this deter him, and this is a story of determination, with Charlie going on to inspire the people around him. Charlie comes last in his first race but feels that he is a winner even though he loses, simply because people are rooting for him - what a great mentality to impart to young people! There are a few mentions of Charlie having a big heart and this is what is carrying him through - and at the end he grows into his heart! Not only that, but he goes on to become a US navy seal.

This is a very inspirational story for children to read. In terms of illustrations and text it certainly isn't the most professional looking piece of work I've seen, but I think that adds to the charm of this book.

Charlie loved to run, and begged his mom to let him join the track team. He came in last when he raced, but worked very hard until he finally began to do well in his races. He carried that hard work and determination to successfully become a decorated Navy SEAL. Charlie's determination and big heart will inspire children to pursue their own dreams and not give up.

Krista Keating-Joseph's text conveys the story in a simple, straight-forward way. Phyllis Holmes's illustrations are very simple, even amatuerish. It's a book I could easily dismiss, had I not learned the story behind it. Keating-Joseph started the book as an inspiration to her son Charlie when he was a kid. Her mother Phyllis Holmes drew some pictures for it. As a Navy SEAL he served with distinction in Iraq, where he was killed in action. After his death, his mother pulled out this book, added a few pages about his service, and published it to honor him and inspire others.

With a story like that, how can you not love this book?

Check out this article. I had to break up the link so Amazon would publish it. www azcentral com /story/news/local/phoenix/2017/05/03/navy-seal-charlie-keating-anniversary-childrens-book/309458001/

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!

Great Book!!!!! It is a story of hard work and dedication, not giving up even when things are tough and seem impossible. The illustrations are wonderful. We have read this story a number of times now and each time my daughter has new comments and questions.