TWINS IN THE CITY: LET’S LEARN ABOUT POLICE OFFICERS Picture Book Review
Note: Thank you to the author Adrian S. Goodwin for providing a review copy. All opinions are my own.
Dr. Adrian S. Goodwin, an eighteen-year veteran of the New York City police department, educator at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and current Detective Investigator and Hostage Negotiator, can now add Children’s Author to her resume.
As a Black female officer, Dr. Goodwin understood the importance of fostering a positive connection between law enforcement and the diverse communities they served. Dr. Goodwin was inspired to write a children’s book when her daughter asked, “What do police officers do?” The result was a book that was not only informative but also served to build strong community relationships with police departments.
TWINS IN THE CITY: LET’S LEARN ABOUT POLICE OFFICERS, written by Dr. Goodwin, was released in May 2023. Her husband, Christopher Goodwin, collaborated as a contributing author. Bria M. DuBose illustrated the book. Geared to children ages 4-8 years old, this book is an ideal resource for educators and parents who wish to start a dialogue about this timely and important topic.
The book features twin girls, Madison and Mia, who are in the city with their parents. When the twins see an officer, they asked how police officers kept people safe in a big city. This leads to conversations about the many things police officers do each day when interacting with their communities.
The twins learn how police officers help with everything from emergencies and crowd control to directing traffic and solving cases. The positive and uplifting storyline shows how police officers connect with residents. It may even inspire young readers to consider a career in law enforcement!
Illustrations include police officers with diverse backgrounds, reflecting the society they interact with. Children will be able to see themselves in the images, whether they wear a hijab, speak a different language, or have darker skin.
Here’s a snippet from the book:
“I can see a police officer who looks just like me. She is brown-skinned with curly hair and dark eyes.”
“And look, Mommy, there’s a police officer helping an elderly woman cross the road safely,” said Mia.
“They’re speaking to each other in Spanish, just like we learned in school,” said Madison.
As an International World Civility Ambassador and chair of a forum, Dr. Goodwin says her mission is to change the perception of law enforcement and help develop cross-cultural communication skills. She states, “The greatest reward is being sworn to protect and serve our community.”
TWINS IN THE CITY: LET’S LEARN ABOUT POLICE OFFICERS fosters a healthy view between children and the police officers who protect them. Learn more about the book and how to book Dr. Goodwin for your school, church, or organization at www.twinsinthecitybook.com.
While visiting the website, make sure to get your FREE “Leave Me Alone, I’m Reading” printable door hanger! Readers can also purchase a hoodie and other merchandise featuring the book’s main characters. For every hoodie purchased, a free book will be donated to a local shelter.
Where to Purchase TWINS IN THE CITY: LET’S LEARN ABOUT POLICE OFFICERS
TWINS IN THE CITY: LET’S LEARN ABOUT POLICE OFFICERS is available on Amazon in hardcover and paperback versions.
Hardcover Paperback
Enter the TWINS IN THE CITY: LET’S LEARN ABOUT POLICE OFFICERS Giveaway [CLOSED]
Two (2) lucky readers will receive a copy (choice of printed or PDF) of the picture book TWINS IN THE CITY: LET’S LEARN ABOUT POLICE OFFICERS. Please enter via the entry form below. Entrants must be ages 18+ years old with a U.S. mailing address (no P.O. Boxes). Good luck!
About the Authors
Adrian S. Goodwin is an eighteen-year veteran of the New York City police department, an educator at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and a current Detective Investigator and Hostage Negotiator. A 2022 recipient of a Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from President Joe Biden, Goodwin wrote her picture book to change the perception of law enforcement and strengthen community relationships, starting with the very young in hopes of encouraging little girls and boys to one day see themselves as police officers.
Christopher Goodwin, a retired Detective and Investigator from the New York City Police Department, provided invaluable support that was instrumental in the completion of this children’s book. As a contributing author, his expertise and guidance were essential to bringing this story to life. Christopher spends his time volunteering as an assistant varsity basketball coach at a public school in Brooklyn, New York, and founded G & G Security Group. Christopher is also a devoted husband to Adrian Goodwin.
About the Illustrator
Bria DuBose has always wanted to be an artist. Using her skills to tell stories is something that she always took great pride in. She graduated from the New Orleans Center of Creative Arts in 2016 and received a B.A. in Business Management accompanied by a concentration in Human Resources in 2020 from Southeastern Louisiana University.
Bria has worked for many clients over the years from graphic design to children’s book illustration. She spends her free time improving her skills and finding new inspiration for her next piece.
