Mathilda and the Orange Balloon Review

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(More customer reviews)Celebrity Authors TAKE NOTE: This is EXACTLY the kind of book you are trying (and repeatedly failing) to write when you take pen to hand (or fingers to keyboard). Mathilda and the Orange Balloon is a story about a limitless imagination and having the courage to believe in one's self that is told in such a deceptively simple way that even the youngest listener will delight in the story. The plot is so pure and simple and wonderfully told that it deserves to be discovered on it's own. And, as I mentioned above, the theme is a common enough one in picture books. But, don't let this dissuade you at all. As someone who has been reading picture books for decades now, out loud at work, at home to my kids and to myself, I find that I am still amazed by the author who can tell a complete story and convey a unified idea, in a matter of sentences. Maurice Sendak's classic "Where the Wild Things Are" is often noted for this quality - a quality that MATHILDA shares. On top of this superb writing by de Seve, Jen Corace delivers magnificent illustrations. Her artwork brings the words to life, but also tells a story that goes beyond the text. And, Corace's illustration style is perfectly matched to de Sève's writing style - both are simple and elegant, yet rich and satisfying.
I have already given this book as a gift and know I will give it many times more - it is a great new baby gift and a brilliant graduation gift! But, make sure you have it to read to your own kids first!

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January's Child: A Birthday Month Book Review

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(More customer reviews)This book is not only beautiful to look at but also to read and listen to. The words are inspiring and has something to make each child feel special. The illustrations are so vibrant and colorful, but uncomplicated so that it is easy for a child to appreciate and enjoy. This book is perfect for a birthday or shower gift. I have a few teacher friends and I will be recommending this to them for their classes, to celebrate their students birthday months.

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"You were born in your very own month of the year and the world was waiting to welcome you here with daydreams and wishes and circles of love and in turn you brought a gift from above...."Every day is someone's birthday, which January's Child celebrates with creative attributes for each month of the year. More positive than the traditional Monday's Child rhyme, and geared for families to share among youngest and oldest members, this is a beautifully illustrated treasury sure to become a classic, evergreen gift for new babies.

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A Small Surprise Review

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(More customer reviews)The little bunny looked like a little hobo with his bindlestiff over his shoulder. He was looking at a circus poster with a crudely made sign advertising for jobs. "Jobs available apply within. Small animals need not apply." Gee, he was very small, but he was also very much in need of a job. There were all kinds of BIG animals surrounding him. There was the snake who was so long he looked like he could twist himself in knots, there was a big goofy gorilla with a hat on, a rhinoceros, a lion, a bear on stilts and a wide-eyed giraffe who was really big and tall (and kind of daffy looking). Yep, he was pretty darn small.
He opened up his bindlestiff and pulled out an umbrella, some shoes and a little red ball to put on the end of his nose. "I am too small to wipe my own nose. I am too small to tie my own shoes." The goofy gorilla took a little sympathy on him and tied them for him. He walked across a tightrope, but soon grew tired. Little people and bunnies are like that. He had to have help with his food, but made a BIG mess. One thing he could do was disappear. Where do you think the little bunny who was too little to do much of anything go off to?
This is a comical book for those who, according to the author, "are too small to wipe their nose or tie their shoes or walk far without a rest . . . but not too small to make a BIG impression on others." The book was adorable and it was very amusing to see that the other grownup animals didn't quite know what to do with such a little one. The watercolors are bold and add a lot to this little story. I especially enjoyed the little scenes where the bunny is trying, without much success, to tie his shoes, only to end up on his back. If you have a little one who could use a lot of help, perhaps you are looking at a book that he or she could use your help by reading it to them!

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A triumphant and endearing tale to tickle the smallest listeners.A very small bunny wants to join the circus and is not put off by a sign reading "Small Animals Need Not Apply." Though he is too small to wipe his nose or tie his shoes or walk far without a rest, he is not too small to make a BIG impression on the lion, the orangutan, and the other big animals of this circus troupe. This buoyant little tale is at turns funny, endearing, clever—and just right for the smallest child in any family. The brief text and expressive illustrations are great fun to share with a preschooler.

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