Etta Extraordinaire Goes to the White House

by Roda Ahmed, Chloe Burgett (Illustrator), Charnaie Gordon

Genres: Picture Books, School

40 pages, Hardcover

Published September 10, 2024

About the author

Roda Ahmed is a Norwegian novelist and children's author. Born in Hargaisa, Somalia, she emigrated with her family to Norway, and was educated at the Norwegian University of Technology and Natural Sciences. She speaks Somali, Arabic, Norwegian, English and French. In 2008 her debut novel, Forberedelsen (The Preparation), became a bestseller in Norway. Ahmed was a regular columnist for the Norwegian National newspaper, Dagsavisen and released her first children’s book, Mae Among the Stars, in 2018.

Reviews

[Olivia]

ETTA EXTRAORDINAIRE GOES TO THE WHITE HOUSE is a sweet picture book about plans that go awry and friendship. Etta and her class are excited about taking a field trip to DC to visit the White House. Etta is particularly excited to see the cherry blossoms, as they were her Grandma Bess's favorite flowers. When the class is coming up with ideas for what to do on the White House lawn and voting on it, Etta has the amazing idea for a cherry blossom party. Following the steps, they get it all set up- but then there is rain and the party seems to be ruined - or is it?

What I loved: This was a really sweet picture book about making plans and what to do when the plans are ruined. I loved that the students came together to make the idea happen inside, changing the original plan but still making something amazing and unforgettable. The story flows well, with the White House as a backdrop, a lesson about what voting is, and a celebration of teamwork.

The images are colorful and lush throughout, capturing each scene. The writing flows smoothly, and there are a couple great lessons contained within, around making plans and voting. Themes of what to do when plans fall apart, teamwork, and friendship are fantastic throughout. Given the writing style and language used, this will work best for toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarteners.

What left me wanting more: A very small thing, but I had assumed this would have more to do with the White House itself and explaining about government. It does not actually contain any of that, though the White House is a backdrop for their party.

Final verdict: ETTA EXTRAORDINAIRE GOES TO THE WHITE HOUSE is a cute picture book about friendship, teamwork, and how to pivot when unexpected things happen.

Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.

[SOYAMRG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahmed and Gordon’s second Etta book is a clever introduction to voting!

Etta’s class has been invited to the White house for a field trip. Etta is really excited because it is cherry blossom time in Washington D.C. Cherry blossoms are her grandma’s favorite flowers. The class is going to vote on which activity they want to do. Each student can suggest an activity, but then each student will vote for only one of the activities. However, the weather may not cooperate. Ahmed and Gordon have Etta facing a new problem in this title. First she has to win the “activity election” and then plan a perfect party. When a storm sweeps in, Etta’s friends are the ones to save the party. Burgett’s illustrations are bright, colorful and expressive. They certainly add to the text.

There are so many good lessons for young readers in this book. It would be a great way to introduce the idea of voting to primary students. Also, the book touches on how to make a plan and how to adjust if the situation changes. I was so glad to see another Etta book and hope that more will follow. This title would be a wonderful gift book.

I recommend this clever book for school and public libraries serving grades Pre-K through third.

M.A.C.
Ret. Librarian

[Candelaria Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this second adventure of Etta Extraordinaire especially how it teaches what voting means as she and her classmates decide what they want to do on their field trip to the White House in Washington, D.C. She is feisty and determined and learns that even when something like the weather thwarts your plans, with the ideas and help of others, you can still have an extraordinary event.

[Bethany Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great representation of the voting process, expression of interest, using strengths for the greater good, and problem solving. The story was a bit too scattered for now and in my opinion a bit unrealistic. Still a good book for great illustrations.