Blog Archives
Mr. Cannelloni’s Circus
Ernesto Cannelloni’s family has owned a circus for generations, going on one hundred years. Now the circus is falling on hard times and Ernesto cannot see a way to save the circus. His wife Rosita discovers the circus is out of money and confronts Ernesto. Together they agree to find a way to save the circus and all the entertainers that have become their family. Rosita puts aside her fancy clothes and gets to work developing a five-step plan that will revive the circus. The plan is named Operation Hannibal and it will take the help of the entire circus family to pull this off.
Author Tuula Pere has created a fascinating world in this entertaining children’s book. Each of the characters has a distinct personality and everyone’s job is important. Tuule Pere is also the illustrator of this book, and her drawings bring the characters to life. Readers will get to know the characters through their roles as circus performers and from their part in Operation Hannibal. There is a lot of depth to the characters that you do not always find in children’s books. The character of Madame Rosita is especially dynamic.
The plan to save the circus does not go off as easily as planned, the inspector shows up ready to put them out of business and through a twist of fate ends up being part of their merry band. This imaginative book has many unexpected twists such as this throughout. Readers will be turning the pages to find out what calamity will happen next that Rosita must guide them out of.
Mr. Cannelloni’s Circus is written for older elementary and middle school readers. This captivating tale will enchant readers with the life of the circus and endear them with the compassion and the fellowship of the entertainers.
Pages: 72 | ASIN : B07J3LHR86
The Polar Bears’ Journey
Nanu’s home on the glacier is melting more each day. Food is becoming harder to find, and other polar bear families have moved away. Nanu and his mom try waiting for Father bear to return from hunting, but eventually, the lack of food makes it so they must move on as well. With the help of a tern pathfinder, they set up across the sea to find a new home. It is a dangerous and uncertain quest and Nanu is afraid of leaving the only home he has known. Will Mom bear and Nanu find a new home, will Dad bear ever return from his hunting quest?
The Polar Bears’ Journey by Tuula Pere and illustrated by Roksolana Panchyshyn is a heartwarming story about survival and not giving up hope. This captivating picture book is written in a way that children will be able to relate to Nanu’s fears and concerns. Mom bear is strong and calm, acknowledging Nanu’s fears and helping him work through them. The overall feel of this meaningful story is one of hope and perseverance. The parallel between the polar bears and refugee families is easy to connect. This is a great way to introduce the topic to young children. Children will love the fascinating artwork in this engaging story. The colors and detail work will draw them in and help make the story memorable.
The Polar Bears’ Journey is a thought-provoking story about leaving your home and heading off for lands unknown. Immigration and the plight of refugees is a hard topic to explain to small children and this brilliant story explains it in a way that they will understand. Parents and teachers will find this exceptional picture book a useful tool when covering current events and in teaching empathy. The themes of survival and hope will stay with those that read this encouraging story.
Pages: 29 | ASIN : B07HY9L8BB
Lullaby of the Valley
Kaina is a grandmother from the valley, she has lived in the village of the valley all her life. Upon the mountain is another small village, and the people all use to be friends. Over time small disagreements broke out, and eventually, all the men decided to go to war with the other village. Families were separated as the men went off, and women and children could no longer shop in the markets or see friends they had from the other village. Everyone was sad or angry in these two villages.
Kaina is saddened at the direction her world has taken. One night she wanders down to the spring that rests between the two villages alone, where her dear friend Siran also arrives. Together they sing a lullaby each in their own language, but the melody and meaning are the same. Their voices reach out across the valley and mountain, and reach all the angry men and change starts to set in.
Lullaby of the Valley is an emotional and heartwarming picture book. The message of hate and distrust is presented in a gentle manner that children will be able to understand. Author Tuula Pere has written about this difficult topic eloquently and illustrator Andrea Alemanno has provided the haunting images to coincide with the topic. The lullaby is a beautiful message of peace and comfort. The two old women use the only tool they have, their voice, to calm the hate and anger in their world. Though from opposing villages, they work together to heal the wounds. The message of helping, loving, and friendship will teach children how even being small they can make a difference in their world.
Lullaby of the Valley will give children a chance to see how small things in life can make a big difference. I would recommend this picture book for all kids and their families, and as a useful story for teachers to show children that kindness can win over anger.
Pages: 30 | ASIN : B07HXGL58C
The Only Blue Crow
A lone blue crow wants nothing more than to have friends. He tries to make friends with a flock of black crows and they do nothing but make fun of him. Discouraged, the blue crow sets off to find things that make him happy. When bluebells fail to lighten his mood, a wise owl calls him over. The owl tells him he should set out on a journey, that the world is large and perhaps he will find another blue crow on his search. So off the crow flies, hoping to find a reason to be happy and even some new friends.
The Only Blue Crow by Tuula Pere is a picture book that tackles the topics of loneliness, depression, and self-worth through the life of a blue crow. This crow is different from all the other birds he encounters and struggles with the reality that it seems no one will accept him for who he is. In the world today, this message is important as depression and fear of being different are impacting children at younger ages than ever. This thought-provoking story will guide young readers in realizing that different is not wrong or bad. The message of going out and finding those that appreciate you and not staying where you are unwanted is a powerful one.
Illustrator Catty Flores does an amazing job showing the emotions of the blue crow in her artwork. Children will be engaged with the whimsical watercolor style. The illustrations add depth to the story as young readers will be able to see the emotions on the blue crow even if they do not understand the words being used to describe his loneliness.
The Only Blue Crow is an inspirational read for young children. Teachers and parents will find this picture book is a great resource for introducing the tough topics of loneliness and inclusion.
Pages: 48 | ISBN : 9523573101
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