Parker Looks Up: An Extraordinary Moment (A Parker Curry Book)

Simply written, but moving. What a wonderful children’s book. My 8yo started asking questions about Michelle Obama. My 5yo wanted to read it again. We aren’t African American but I think it’s important to see main characters of all varieties in our reading. This definitely fits the bill while sending the message to young girls that your vision of yourself is not limited to what other people think you should or can be.

A beautiful but simple story of a little's girl's adventure at the museum. I purchased a copy for myself but ended up purchasing two more copies as gifts for friends who have daughters.

The illustrations in this book are lovely. I'm very happy I bought this book.

Gave this as a gift to one of my former students named Parker and it was my favorite thing to see her face light up! I recommend this book for anyone, but I especially love reading it to my kinder scholars and connecting it to art that they can make in the classroom. This week we made portraits inspired by Kehinde Wiley (who was commissioned for President Obama’s portrait) but I also want to see how I can make Amy Sherald’s Michelle portrait into something that my students can re-create, too! I’m thinking a special app filter or something. Anyway, this book is a great opener for an artist study or for Black History Month or before a trip to an art gallery or whenever! I loved it!

Loved the art, Brittany is an amazing illustrator, the story is inspiring and great for young girls as well.

This is one of my 3 year old's favorite books. Naturally, she had no real understanding of who Michelle Obama is, but she loves the message of having a future filled with beautiful possibilities. I was amazed at how she connected with Parker and appreciate the massage of the charter qualities needed to realize the possibilities.

This book is beautiful, & I can use it in Sunday School. But with this damage to the paper jacket AND gouge in the book itself, it can never be gifted. I have kept the box, but no time to return it.

I bought this book to donate to a friend’s classroom. It’s a perfect read aloud/picture book! Very sweet story!

The book is better than I thought. I purchased for my sisters granddaughter. The book is cute and to me fits what Parker(with help of her mother )would do.

I own and operate a Family Childcare facility and the message from book was wonderful. We read different books on a daily bases so this was one we were glad to add to our collection. The storyline was something my children could identify with and the illustrations/pictures were very tasteful.

Simply written, but moving. What a wonderful children’s book. My 8yo started asking questions about Michelle Obama. My 5yo wanted to read it again. We aren’t African American but I think it’s important to see main characters of all varieties in our reading. This definitely fits the bill while sending the message to young girls that your vision of yourself is not limited to what other people think you should or can be.

A beautiful but simple story of a little's girl's adventure at the museum. I purchased a copy for myself but ended up purchasing two more copies as gifts for friends who have daughters.

The illustrations in this book are lovely. I'm very happy I bought this book.

Gave this as a gift to one of my former students named Parker and it was my favorite thing to see her face light up! I recommend this book for anyone, but I especially love reading it to my kinder scholars and connecting it to art that they can make in the classroom. This week we made portraits inspired by Kehinde Wiley (who was commissioned for President Obama’s portrait) but I also want to see how I can make Amy Sherald’s Michelle portrait into something that my students can re-create, too! I’m thinking a special app filter or something. Anyway, this book is a great opener for an artist study or for Black History Month or before a trip to an art gallery or whenever! I loved it!

Loved the art, Brittany is an amazing illustrator, the story is inspiring and great for young girls as well.

This is one of my 3 year old's favorite books. Naturally, she had no real understanding of who Michelle Obama is, but she loves the message of having a future filled with beautiful possibilities. I was amazed at how she connected with Parker and appreciate the massage of the charter qualities needed to realize the possibilities.

This book is beautiful, & I can use it in Sunday School. But with this damage to the paper jacket AND gouge in the book itself, it can never be gifted. I have kept the box, but no time to return it.

I bought this book to donate to a friend’s classroom. It’s a perfect read aloud/picture book! Very sweet story!

The book is better than I thought. I purchased for my sisters granddaughter. The book is cute and to me fits what Parker(with help of her mother )would do.

I own and operate a Family Childcare facility and the message from book was wonderful. We read different books on a daily bases so this was one we were glad to add to our collection. The storyline was something my children could identify with and the illustrations/pictures were very tasteful.

This book made me cry because it was so beautiful and you could just feel the excitement of the little girl as she looked at the beautiful picture of Mrs. Michelle Obama. Also the artists writing at the end of the book was so moving for me. I was so emotionally moved by this book. I am so hlad I purchased it.

I absolutely loved this book: this beautiful true story written by a mother and daughter captured my heart. Parker’s love and respect for First Lady Michelle Obama was pure and captivating and depicts the innocence of children who can only come from the heart. Kudos to the illustrator. She truly made the story come alive through her AWESOME art! Bravo 👏

I just received the book and it is beautifully illustrated! I wish it could have spent more time on her experience with Michelle Obama's portrait, but I am sure kids will appreciate the story anyway.

This book is beautifully illustrated and sends a strong positive self image statement. I have seen Parker and her mother interviewed and Parker is a beautiful and percocious child. She will go far in life.

I bought this for my 9 month old granddaughter and absolutely love the book. I’m Anglo, but the picture of Parker blew me away! I used to take my daughter to museums to see great art and she told me recently it was one of her favorite things. I loved that some paintings were included in the book with child given titles. Beautiful book!

This is a fantastic book, great for a large range of ages. The pictures/artwork is beautiful, very inspiring for children without giving them a heavy message. LOVE THIS BOOK!

Adorable. I read it to my eight-year-old and she immediately asked to read it again. How fun that it has real pictures referenced from the museum. I could see this being part of a fun scavenger hunt when we go to visit DC next time.

I purchased this book as a gift for a teacher. I looked through it when it arrived and was pleased. I love how quickly it arrived and I loved the packaging.

Cute and simple. It doesn’t tell an elaborate story, or written like the stories from traditional books.

This book was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING, Michelle Obama is everything I've ever wanted as a leader. She'll ALWAYS BE MY FIRST LADY. SHE IS TRULY LEGENDARY.

PARKER LOOKS UP: An Extraordinary Moment arrived! The book is even more EXTRAORDINARY than on Amazon. Make merry and buy this extraordinary book for someone you love! 💖🌟💖 #Teacher49Yrs

This book is such an awesome depiction of an amazing little girl and her awestruck moment and an inspiration to all. I absolutely love it. The illustrations are outstanding as well. I highly recommend this book for classrooms and children's reading groups.

I asked my daughter what she remembered about the story and to my surprise she recalled almost everything down to the descriptive words surrounding Michelle. Beautiful imagery and sequence of events. It seems as if my daughter had the experience with Parker her sister and friend! ABSOLUTE WORK OF ART - BOTH STORY AND IMAGERY.

This is a beautiful book. My 18 month old granddaughter loves it and so do I! The illustrations are vibrant and beautiful. The story is cute! I look for more stories from Parker! Highly Recommend!!

I remembered the story from the news. The book is a treasure and I can't wait to see how bright this little girl's star will continue to shine. Well done, Miss Parker!

Purchased for my granddaughter. I haven't read it to her yet. This is a keepsake purchase because of the inspiring message.

My daughters and I absolutely love this book. The storylines and the pictures were brilliant, vibrant and simple captivating.

Wonderful book, please add to your collection!!!

I had a chance to read Parker Looks Up before giving it before I gave it to my 2 years old granddaughter. Every little girl should have this read to them. Good illustration and the pictures are absolutely wonderful.

Cute book for pre-schoolers and Kindergarteners. In addition to introducing kids to art, history, and the love of museums, this books has beautiful colors and a story line that will engage them. Highly recommended.

Love the book and stunning pictures! Very impressive. Adding to my collectibles.

Our daughter is a teacher and wanted multiple copies for her classroom ~ happy to make her wish come true!

I think book is cute and cannot wait for my daughter to open on Christmas Day. I took off a star because front of book was scratch up.

Great book for my two granddaughters. One is of mixed race. The other white. They both love it. I love the message it gives to young girls!

I love this book but mine arrived damaged/bent. The box it came in looked okay and this book was the only item in the box.

Read this book to my granddaughter & she loves it. She wants me to read to read it over & over. She's 3 yrs old.

Gorgeous illustrations. Wonderful story. A precious, beautiful story that features a beautiful brown skinned girl named Parker. Both my daughters love this story.

Purchased this book for my granddaughter and her best friend. The illustrations are beautiful and the story is heartfelt. Highly recommend.

This book is beautifully illustrated & u can almost hear the story being told. It's a wonderful book for little girls of ANY color.

This book is beautifully written with vibrant illustrations! The author and artist captures the positive influence of Michelle Obama. The young girl is able to realize all of the opportunities available for her through Michelle Obama. This is a must buy for your child’s library.

A must have book for African American girls or any girl for that matter.

My daughter loves this book. Made us read it 4 times the night it was delivered. It’s mesmerizing and full of powerful motivational statements. I love it!

such a great book. Saw her on little big shots and she is adorable. I bought 2, one as a gift.

Gave as a gift. Nice story and well-illustrated.

Lovely book...and my two year old granddaughter loves it too.

This story brings to life what happened when Parker saw the First Lady. A powerful story to read to first-grade students.

Beautiful artwork. The story was a great read to for me and my granddaughter.

This is a super cute story for the young ones. Perfect for increasing self esteem issues and changing the narrative of ppl of color!

Another amazing book for young girls of color! I got this for my 8 year old daughter and it is so empowering! Highly recommended!

The illustrations are lovely and the story is a combination of art, history and an affirmation for young Black girls. It is a joyous adventure in a museum for any young child.

Cute book, short and sweet. Will hold a childs attention.

Loved this book and reading it to my grandmother.

This book is super adorable. It touches your heart for any and everyone. Seeing this little beautiful little girl fascinated on a painting of the former First Lady is amazing.

Nice gift for children

Bought this for my PreK classroom. Can't wait to bring it in this school year.

I bought this book as a Happy New Year’s gift for my two year old grand niece. What I like most about the book, is the simplicity of the story and the beautiful large colorful artwork. These two characteristics make it easy, even for a two year old, to fall in love with Parker’s story.

Purchased for my granddaughters. Love this book by mother and daughter!

My grand baby loves books and she enjoy this book

Great book!

Saw a video on tv about the little girl and loved it so I had to have it for myself!

Beautiful book! Can't wait to give it to granddaughter for Christmas!!

Love this story. Saw Parker on Little Big Shot. Was so excited to find the book on Amazon.

This book came used with marks all over the back cover and water damage inside. This is so disappointing because the book itself is beautiful.

Love the story being translated from real life to story book.

This is a beautiful story with such a powerful moment! The illustrations are gorgeous!

Such a cute, inspiring story. Got it for my great nieces.

two year old experience with someone who turning two

Great book, purchased for my 5-year-old niece. Has beautiful illustration and story. Book arrived in perfect condition.

My grand daughter loves this book!

This book " Parker Looks Up" was a Christmas gift for my great niece. Not only was the story and illustration amazing but impeccable! I hope my great niece will one day look up at our Forever First Lady Mrs. Michelle Obama!

Perfect gift my niece. Inspirational. Fast delivery.

Great story book.

I loved the book and gave it to a smart and sweet little girl in my church. Such a sweet story that lets little girls and boys know they can achieve anything in this life. Loved the book!!

Inspiring book for kids.

Very nice book glad I purchased it

Actually brought for my 16 yr old daughter just because & Love it!!!!

The book was not for dreamers but it would be good to show great role models.

I love the book. I'm waiting to share it with my first grade religion class.

Loved it for granddaughter

My three and a half year old granddaughter enjoys this immensely.

I enjoyed this story very much. I read it to a group of kindergarten students and they were enthralled.

Thank you for shipping me two books in excellent condition. I am confident that this book will be deemed a classic because we will be checking up on Parker in about 15 years, if not sooner.

Such a feel good book!!

Loved it! I share it with everyone I can. 💕

Beautiful book, very inspiring for young girls of color, my 5 year old loves this book as well as my 14 year old.

Engaging, endearing story with beautiful illustrations. One doesn't need to understand the background story and photograph to adore, yet doing so makes the book all the more charming.

Beautiful book!

This was a CHRISTmas gift for my goddaughter... She LOVES it♥️

Beautiful art and a great message.

I couldn't wait to read this to my class. Unfortunately Covid-19 struck. I will read it to my new class in August.

The book was a gift for our granddaughter. She loved the book with the wonderful pictures.

An amazing book that must be shared with every 4-5 year old girl and boy .. my teachers re-read this all the time .. beautiful illustrations to match a beautiful message .. a MUST HAVE for every classroom !!!

Great for my classroom library!

Brought this adorable book for my 3yr old granddaughter. Love the story and the illustration is amazing.

This is an excellent book that encourages little girls to look for sheroes all around them.

A very good message for all children but especially for those of color.

I purchased this book for my 2 year old daughter. We have read it every night since we received it. She now reads the book to me. Awesome book.

Beautiful book!

This is one of my all-time favorite picture books! The illustrations and the message are powerful.

This book was wonderful. I think I enjoyed it even more than my 6 year old granddaughter. Such an uplifting story for brown girls to see themselves as beautiful.

A true inspiration for my young daughter. Well drawn and well written.

I purchased this book as a gift but had to read it myself. I enjoyed her journey, loved the book and sure the little lady receiving the book will too!

Wonderful book but it came in a huge box! waste of cardboard and trees!

My granddaughter wanted to read this book right away. So her mommy sat down and read it before she did anything else. :-)

Purchased several of these books for my 3 year old GrandDaughter and Great Nieces. We all love this book!

We loved it in our house! The illustrations are so beautiful.

It's a good book for little people.

I read it with my granddaughter- she loved it!

Love It!!!

I bought this as a gift for my granddaughter. It’s important for children to have strong female role models.

Great inspiration for future Michelle Obamas. I have gifted the book to three little girls.

Please enter your review.

Brought this book for my niece and one for myself. Great inspiration for young girls.

All the little Girls just love this Book!

Excellence at a high level.

Love love love it! This is the cutest book. And the illustration was beautiful.

Good quality

Excellent book for toddlers. I was really impressed with book.

Great book 4yr old Granddaughter loves the story

A sweet book to read!

I bought the book for my grand daughter named Parker. It's a beautiful story and colorful pictures.

Everyone I have given it to has cried. A beautiful story.

Outstanding illustrations! Very whimsical characters!

What a great book for a little girl...love it...my granddaughter's Christmas gift

It’s a delightful book.

Beautiful story, beautiful illustrations and easy to read. Very up lifting.

Perfect for little girls gifts

Bought tbis to support the author. Loved the art and expression throughout the story.

This was a gift. I cannot give a review.

A must have for the little one! Illustrations are beautiful.

For my great niece

Wonderfully written and illustrated. The perfect addition to every home.

I got this book for my 2 year old niece.

the book was a great example of how people can become to hero to someone else

This book is so cute!

My daughter loves this book. I think she thinks she knows Parker

It is a beautiful story for children of color 😊

This was the perfect gift for a friend of mine.

Excellent

Beautiful pictures and story

Very cute story, can’t wait to read it to my daughter!

Both granddaughters love the book!!

A well-written story and exquisite illustrations!

My 2 nieces loved this book

Beautiful pictures. Subtlety educational. Touching story.

Beautiful book!

Lovely story.

I love the book.

It’s great to have a book to read to my daughter where she can see herself reflected in these stories.

Great book for little girls

Perfect!

Super cute! I can’t wait to give it to my flower girl

Beautiful story

Effective story

This book is about real-life two-year-old Parker Curry who was awestruck by Michelle Obama's portrait. Parker's reaction to the portrait went viral, and eventually she met the former First Lady herself. Excellent artwork. Excellent text. A read aloud for the younger set which can be also be read by emerging readers.

Parker is a girl full of life, who loves to dance. When her mother takes her to the museum, she discovers all sorts of wonderful paintings with her friend and sister. They have so much fun. Just when mother tells them its time to leave, Parker sees a portrait which makes her stop and take it in as it effects her in ways she'd never expect. I love the energy Parker has. She's such a cute girl packed with life. It's delightful to follow her as she puts on her boots and stomps to the museum with her sister. Young listeners will feel a connection to her right away. The museum is presented as a place full of adventure and discovery. Several artworks, which can be found at the National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum, are presented...but not in a boring way. Each is presented as if it comes off of the page, giving it a sense of fun and excitement. There's a short description of each one in the back of the book as well. There are two messages in these pages. The first does a terrific job at showing how exciting an art museum can be. Paintings can be a joy to discover and there are some that will leave an impression. The second highlights Michelle Obama and shows how her portrait affected little Parker using single word thoughts to let the emotions and impressions flow. At the end of the book, there is a note from the artist of the painting. I, personally, would have liked, at least, a short biography of Michelle Obama, since the book does center around her and young listeners won't necessarily know who she is, especially as time goes on. The illustrations are as lively as Parker herself and do a terrific job at bringing across the artwork in the museum. They make this book a joy to read. I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed taking the adventure with Parker quite a bit. So, I'm leaving my honest thoughts.

When budding four-year-old ballerina-to-be Parker Curry takes a trip to the National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C. with her mother and baby sister, her first surprise on getting there is meeting up with her best friend Gia and Gia's mom, both also along for the ride. The exuberant young girls pass in awe through the halls of the museum, viewing portraits of famous figures and beautiful scenes alike, Parker in particular dancing along with her friend Gia to a painting of ballerinas as graceful as Parker herself one day hopes to be. It's a beautiful day among beautiful artwork, Parker very happy but still very unprepared when she passes a portrait and - looking up last-minute - spots ... a queen queen. It's the Gallery's portrait of former First Lady Michelle Obama, and the impact the painting has on little Parker is that of a lightning bolt. As her mother tells Parker who the painting is of and what the woman stands for, Parker becomes entranced with seeing this portrait of such a regal, important woman on the wall that looks so much like her; unable to look away, the image at once imbues Parker with a sense of knowing that she can have it all - do, or be, whatever she wants to be in life, limited only by her own imagination - and though this short, wonderfully-illustrated picture book ends there, readers learn that the story was inspired by author Parker Curry's own experience in viewing the portrait as a child; so impactful, she wrote her experience into this book with her mother, recounting that day vividly. Brittany Jackson's marvelous, colorful illustrations - real works of art, themselves - bring story, characters, and even the National Portrait Gallery vividly to life. A perfect picture book to gift to young girls craving this same inspiration and empowering message of living your dream, particularly in a world that too-often tries to squash that dream. 4/5 stars

In this absolutely adorable picture book, a young girl visits the National Portrait Gallery and is inspired by the portrait she sees of former First Lady Michelle Obama. Based on a true experience and told by mother and daughter, Parker Looks Up, reminds readers/listeners of the importance of finding out own mentors or sources of inspiration. Life is hard, especially for all too many young black girls, and it's vitally important for them to find examples to help them grow and keep moving forward. In addition to an inspirational story, the relationship and joy the girls experience together while enjoying the visit to the museum simply made me smile. Young Parker finds joy in being with her friend, her sister, and her mother as she is reminded of the importance of keeping the dream alive. Jackson's illustrations really tugged at my heartstrings. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about this adorable little girl and her family finding inspiration in an outing together. One of my favorite books of the year.

This is an absolutely adorable picture book for kids! My granddaughter Miss S and grandson Mr. H loved it! A little girl and her mom meet with their friends for a day at the museum. Although the art is spectacular the one that stops her in her tracks is a painting of a queen that she can relate to. It's one of those rare moments where she sees someone like herself in art. A mother, lawyer, writer, sister, wife, who is courageous, smart, caring, honest and inspirational. All the things she can aspire to be. A lovely story that all children should read!

I loved this picture book and the true story behind it. I loved the wonder of the girls looking at the paintings - especially the moment in the front of the ballerinas. I love that Parker saw Michelle Obama as a Queen and that she saw all the possibilities for herself in that moment. I love the hopes and dreams this painting inspires. A fantastic children's picture book with great art and a great message.

I am a teacher candidate and this book was perfect for my lesson. (I had to combine Language Arts & Social Studies into one lesson and it covered both.) This is a true testament of what great parents can do for their children. It is a very colorful book with new sight words for kids (museum, exhibit) and my students responded very well to it. They were excited when I donated the book to their class as my parting gift. Parker Curry is headed for great things.

What a beautiful little book! All little girls should be able to see the endless possibilities before them. I'll be sending a copy of this lovely book to my niece. And I agree with Parker; Michelle Obama is a Queen. Absolutely beautiful illustrations.

I loved everything about this book. I highly recommend it. The picture of the little girl at the end was beautiful. The illustrations were stunning.

A beautiful book that shows the importance of representation and the power of art. There is the story of an American masterpiece. Also has an afterwards by the artist, Amy Sherald.

She came. She saw. She looked up. A regular day at the art museum transformed into a new world. Beautiful!

My 5yo's favorite book. The illustrations are beautiful. Makes a great gift!

Parker Looks Up is a wonderful book presenting representation in a powerful way. I would recommend for toddlers and preschoolers. Go Parker!

Absolutely stunning book! Must buy!!!!

Love that it's based on a child's actual experience. Illustrations are wonderful. Highly recommend.