Hideaway

by Melania Longo

A charming excursion to the world of imaginative play featuring poetic text with exquisite illustrations by Italy's Children's Laureate.  Our hideaway is a house made of slender branches and singing leaves. No one can enter, except my little brother and I. Even though there's not much room, for us it has no limits. We can travel to the savanna or to snow capped lands, enjoy a five o'clock tea or sleep beneath the stars. Until we hear a far-off voice growing nearer as it calls to us . . . has someone found us in our hideaway? This timeless ode to childhood imagination and play is gorgeously illustrated by by Italy's Children's Laureate, Alessandro Sanna, and written by newcomer, Melania Longo. It provides a welcome reminder to unplug from the distractions of the modern world, enjoy creative play, and be ready to travel wherever our imaginations might take us. 

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

48 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 3, 2023

Reviews

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brother and sister play in a special secret hideaway surrounded by trees. They imagine that they are running through the grass with wild animals. They play with masks. They made shadow puppets. They draw and sketch and write secret notes. They collect leaves and stones. They gaze up at the stars and play in the snow. They drink mint tea in the summer. But when someone calls out to them, they are quiet as mice. Until their mother comes.

This is such a sweet exploration of imagination in childhood. I love the peaceful aura of the story as the children rejoice in their imaginative play. The text of the story is really beautiful and melodious when read aloud.

The art style is soft and dreamy, just like the story. I love the muted colors and unique style.

For some silly reason, it bothered me that the brother's clothes don't fit. His belly is showing all the time, and he has to pull his pants up in one scene because they are falling off. Someone get that poor child some proper clothing!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.

[Brittney Holley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations in this story are exquisite ! I found myself lingering on each page just to take in every detail and enjoy the sense of calm the illustrations promote.

I’m thankful for a story that shows children how fun your own imagination can be in an era that is so busy and full of distractions.

Thank you RedComet Press and NetGalley for a digital copy.

[Kelly Green's Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet and absolutely unique story!!
The illustrations are so creative and inviting, they certainly kept me reading. The mystery of where the children's hideaway was located was refreshed my childhood memories. What a great way for adult readers to remember what it was like to be a child again. What a marvelous way for children to expand their creative sprits.

What a wonderful book!!! I would recommend to readers of ALL ages.

Grateful to have received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley & Red Comet Press.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of those picture books that makes more sense the further into the pages that readers dive. An homage to the delights and creativity of imaginative play, the poetic text and dreamlike illustrations follow two siblings--a sister and a brother--as they have various adventures and escape the mundane until a siren call brings them back home. Of course, they do it all beneath the sheltering embrace of a printed bed sheet. I loved how a white cat appears in several of the illustrations since family cats often want to be a part of whatever their humans are doing. This picture book would be useful to share with youngsters while coaxing them to anticipate what might happen in the next scene. And who knows? Their example might prompt a child or two to fashion his/her/their own jungle or mountain hideaway.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s be transported back in time. Where we made the ordinary, extraordinary.

A special place with its green branches and leaves that bring shade and comfort. It needs adjustment sometimes, but we don’t mind putting in the work. For it is our secret place where we create, explore, and push our imaginations.

Take a look into the Hideaway, a truly special story that will bring back nostalgic memories and remind us all how amazing the mind of a child is.

The illustrations are so whimsical. As a reader I felt transported and am now eager to create our own little hideaway here at home. This is such a lovely addition to our home library and will be surely be treasured!

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author's lovely illustrations are the highlight of this tranquil tale that's a tribute to the imagination. Two young girls share a special place where they can dream, be other creatures, or simply be themselves. Everyone needs a hideaway.



Thanks to Red Comet Press and NetGalley for sharing.

[Cuppa · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Melania Longo's picture book Hideaway, a brother and sister create a special place all their own. No one is allowed in excpet them. Alessandro Santa's dreamy, etheral illustrations give the poetic text a magical feeling. There is wonder and joy in having a place that's all your own and in imagining it to be even more than it is. This is a lovely tale, perfect for bedtime reading.

[Erica Baxter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful tribute to nature. I was so pleased to find that this book speaks to people of all ages. As a child, this book is a reminder to go outside, play and enjoy nature. As an adult, it's a reminder to simplify our lives—happiness lives in the little things.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple magic, beautiful illustrations, dreamy feeling

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poetically illustrated. Imaginative, inspires imaginative/ dramatic play. I wish the words rhymed or flowed a little better but i think it is translated