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The Magic Leaf
The book is about a small town boy who learns the value of friendship. A medieval, Italian town named Roseto serves as the backdrop. The beautiful and colourful illustrations – all done in paper collage style – depict different parts of the town and journey. Although, the story unfolds in a different time and place, the message is universal and timeless.
Available on Amazon and iTunes (iBooks store)
Printed version of the book sold on Mary's website: m.f.publishing.com
Available on Amazon and iTunes (iBooks store)
Printed version of the book sold on Mary's website: m.f.publishing.com
- GenresChildrens
40 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2016
6 people are currently reading
243 people want to read
About the author
Mary Feliciani
4 books105 followersMary Feliciani is a Canadian author, independent publisher and an elementary school teacher. She attended UTM where she studied psychology and still lives in Mississauga, Ontario. Mary's background in psychology, work with children and passionate interest in the human condition, which stems back as far as she can remember, are all evident in her writing.
Author's Page on Amazon
amazon.com/author/maryfeliciani
List of Children's books:
The Magic Leaf: Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VQLIRB6
iTunes (iBooks): https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-m...
Big and Small in the Mirror: Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0128U1DBO
iTunes (iBooks) :https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/big-...
The Invisible Boy: Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/2CKFRoW
iTunes (iBooks): http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id129...
Humanitarians, Visionaries, Heroes, and You on : Amazon.ca: https://bit.ly/2PyZsjG
Author's Page on Amazon
amazon.com/author/maryfeliciani
List of Children's books:
The Magic Leaf: Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VQLIRB6
iTunes (iBooks): https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-m...
Big and Small in the Mirror: Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0128U1DBO
iTunes (iBooks) :https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/big-...
The Invisible Boy: Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/2CKFRoW
iTunes (iBooks): http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id129...
Humanitarians, Visionaries, Heroes, and You on : Amazon.ca: https://bit.ly/2PyZsjG
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 12, 2017
A 25 page refresher.
I thank Mary Feliciani for bringing to my notice such a wonderful work of hers.
The Magic Leaf is a tale of a young boy named Roseto residing in medieval Italy. He imbibes the importance of friendship and moral values from real experiences. He learns that magic resides within you yourself!
I
Part pictures and part text, I am certainly reading this one again once I become a father!
Verdict : Cuteness overloaded.
December 9, 2020
Carlo lives in a small, rustic town at the base of a mountain.
Every day, Carlo had to walk up the mountain. He had to take food and drink to his father and the other men who worked there.
He has a very important job to do but he dreads it every day.
His load was heavy and it seemed to take forever to get to the men.One day, Carlo's best friend (Marco) comes along.
Marco reached into his pocket. He pulled out a leaf and gave it to Carlo.Once Carlo has a magic leaf and a friendly face, suddenly the trek seems a bit lighter and everything a bit brighter.
This was a fun, entertaining read.
I really enjoy how all of Mary Feliciani's books follow the same set of characters through loosely connecting stories.
In this round Carlo has a very important job, he knows he has to do it but it's a difficult thing to do.
It's only with a friend by his side, does the task become easier.
It's a good message for kids and it's well done in this children's book.
All in all, I enjoyed this book.
With thanks to the author for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
YouTube | Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Snapchat @miranda_reads
August 1, 2017
This story has a message for children about friendship and enjoyment in life. When you have a good friend by your side, no task seems too difficult, and life becomes easier. The story highlights the excitement of shared moments and how we look forward to what tomorrow brings with experiences that we can share. It shows the importance of good conversations and communication between friends. The tale also shows how our beliefs influence what we expect to achieve. When we have a positive outlook, anything seems possible.
The story is told in plain English with repeat patterns and controlled vocabulary to help children understand. I think that it could be useful to teach second language speakers English, as well as native speakers.
"The Magic Leaf" is set in Italy - and the colorful illustrations set the mood of the story, which is warm and uplifting. I like the way in which the author embraces the culture of Italy, too, and teaches the reader about cultural diversity.
Why is the story called "The Magic Leaf." I will not spoil the story, but I think the author wants to show children that the things that are important in life are moments shared, rather than material things. Even a humble leaf may evoke magical memories of a journey shared.
The story is told in plain English with repeat patterns and controlled vocabulary to help children understand. I think that it could be useful to teach second language speakers English, as well as native speakers.
"The Magic Leaf" is set in Italy - and the colorful illustrations set the mood of the story, which is warm and uplifting. I like the way in which the author embraces the culture of Italy, too, and teaches the reader about cultural diversity.
Why is the story called "The Magic Leaf." I will not spoil the story, but I think the author wants to show children that the things that are important in life are moments shared, rather than material things. Even a humble leaf may evoke magical memories of a journey shared.
February 6, 2017
I have recently finished the Magic Leaf.
Wow what a beautiful children's story.
In fact I really didn't want it to end!!
I loved how Mary set the tone of the town I believed I was right there.
I could visualise Carlo struggling up this steep hill everyday.
Marco and Carlo are best of friends and they really look out for one and other.
What I loved was how Marco see how much Carlo was struggling everyday to go up and down the steap hill.
This one particular day Marco decides to join Carlo on hes journey up the hill.
Marco decides that he is going to help he's best friend and invents the Magical Leaf.
He tells Carlo that the leaf will help he's journey become shorter.
Mary had me believing this leaf was magical too.
The friendship between Carlo and Marco was beautiful, the way they laughed and joked about the festival was a perfect way to pass the time away.
Before they know it they are up the hill.
But the final paragraph....The road had seemed shorter and Carlo's load seemed lighter because he walked with a friend.
Was the perfect way to sum up friendship.
Supporting each other makes light of the journey ahead.
.
The Magic Leaf is beautifully illustrated.
I truly believe this book has much more to give and could be adapted to a children's series of books.
Overall Mary gets her message across to the readers that everything is easier when you have friends to help.
Be kind and thoughtful.
I received this book from Mary herself in exchange for an honest review.
Highly recommend for ages 6-10 year olds. Makes a perfect read for bedtime, read alone or in a group.
Wow what a beautiful children's story.
In fact I really didn't want it to end!!
I loved how Mary set the tone of the town I believed I was right there.
I could visualise Carlo struggling up this steep hill everyday.
Marco and Carlo are best of friends and they really look out for one and other.
What I loved was how Marco see how much Carlo was struggling everyday to go up and down the steap hill.
This one particular day Marco decides to join Carlo on hes journey up the hill.
Marco decides that he is going to help he's best friend and invents the Magical Leaf.
He tells Carlo that the leaf will help he's journey become shorter.
Mary had me believing this leaf was magical too.
The friendship between Carlo and Marco was beautiful, the way they laughed and joked about the festival was a perfect way to pass the time away.
Before they know it they are up the hill.
But the final paragraph....The road had seemed shorter and Carlo's load seemed lighter because he walked with a friend.
Was the perfect way to sum up friendship.
Supporting each other makes light of the journey ahead.
.
The Magic Leaf is beautifully illustrated.
I truly believe this book has much more to give and could be adapted to a children's series of books.
Overall Mary gets her message across to the readers that everything is easier when you have friends to help.
Be kind and thoughtful.
I received this book from Mary herself in exchange for an honest review.
Highly recommend for ages 6-10 year olds. Makes a perfect read for bedtime, read alone or in a group.
August 11, 2017
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my review in any way and the thoughts expressed are my own.
This child’s book follows Carlo as he learns how to make a regular chore easier. His friend Marco convinces him that a leaf in magic and can make anything easier. I loved that the author uses the same town and characters for this story as her previous one, it was a nice link. I hope she continues this in future stories. The friendship between the two boys was lovely to read about and it developed nicely in this story. The theme was great and I loved how it teaches it without being preachy like many children’s books with lessons. I give it 4/5.
This child’s book follows Carlo as he learns how to make a regular chore easier. His friend Marco convinces him that a leaf in magic and can make anything easier. I loved that the author uses the same town and characters for this story as her previous one, it was a nice link. I hope she continues this in future stories. The friendship between the two boys was lovely to read about and it developed nicely in this story. The theme was great and I loved how it teaches it without being preachy like many children’s books with lessons. I give it 4/5.
July 25, 2017
The Magic Leaf by Mary Feliciani is a short illustrated story for children, about the value of friendship.
Carlo lives in a small town, which seems like something out of a storybook (well, it is!). Every day, he has to carry food and water for his father and other men, who are working on the hill. Climbing uphill is a task, and this tires the little boy. Marco is Carlo’s friend. One day, Carlo tells him about the pains he has to take to complete his climb and Marco offers him a solution, a magic leaf, which will supposedly make his task easy. Carlo finds it shimmering in his hands. Also, he accompanies Carlo that day on his journey. The two friends walk and talk, about the impending feast that is to happen next week, the fair, the vendors selling toys and ice creams they would get to buy, and soon enough, they reach their destination. Carlo, thinks that this is the magic of the leaf, that his journey seemed shorter than usual and he wasn’t even tired! But Marco explains that the leaf is a normal one, the magic lies in the company and their friendship and not in some leaf.
The story is well written, and keeping in mind the target audience, is divided into snippets with illustrations, drawing some inspiration from cubism. Apt for children younger than 10 years, this book is simple yet sends out the strong message of importance of friendship in life, to young ones, and how it can make the journey of life easy and enjoyable. When in company of friends who love you, one can scale any mountain that comes in the way. I hope the young ones who read this book, find themselves closer to their friends and keep them for life.
Carlo lives in a small town, which seems like something out of a storybook (well, it is!). Every day, he has to carry food and water for his father and other men, who are working on the hill. Climbing uphill is a task, and this tires the little boy. Marco is Carlo’s friend. One day, Carlo tells him about the pains he has to take to complete his climb and Marco offers him a solution, a magic leaf, which will supposedly make his task easy. Carlo finds it shimmering in his hands. Also, he accompanies Carlo that day on his journey. The two friends walk and talk, about the impending feast that is to happen next week, the fair, the vendors selling toys and ice creams they would get to buy, and soon enough, they reach their destination. Carlo, thinks that this is the magic of the leaf, that his journey seemed shorter than usual and he wasn’t even tired! But Marco explains that the leaf is a normal one, the magic lies in the company and their friendship and not in some leaf.
The story is well written, and keeping in mind the target audience, is divided into snippets with illustrations, drawing some inspiration from cubism. Apt for children younger than 10 years, this book is simple yet sends out the strong message of importance of friendship in life, to young ones, and how it can make the journey of life easy and enjoyable. When in company of friends who love you, one can scale any mountain that comes in the way. I hope the young ones who read this book, find themselves closer to their friends and keep them for life.
May 9, 2018
I liked that with her books her illustrations and pictures have also changed the style. I read her other work The Invisible Boy and have found them both to be excellent reads. Simple, to the point and fun. I really liked the pictures in this one, made it all the more interesting to read.
A simple lesson as well. Your load will be lighter if you share it with a friend. Your journey will be easier with someone to talk to.
A simple lesson as well. Your load will be lighter if you share it with a friend. Your journey will be easier with someone to talk to.
April 10, 2017
A story about friendship and magic. I enjoyed it very much and again the illustrations were wonderful. I think this author is a great children's book author. I love both story I read from her so far. * I received this book from the author ----this is my honest review*
April 12, 2017
Beautiful children's picture book with vibrantly detailed, colour filled paper collage illustrations!
Mary Feliciani has a great style that immerses her readers in the pages, it was easy to imagine that Carlo was guiding me around quaint Italian city Roseto. Turning the pages, I too experienced the long winding cobblestone roads, magnificent mountains and melodious church bells of The Magic Leaf.
An exquisitely worded story about the magic of friendship, with gorgeous artwork complementing a stunning text.
The words and artwork are both so wonderfully evocative and combine to convey a wonderful sense of place.
Mary Feliciani has a great style that immerses her readers in the pages, it was easy to imagine that Carlo was guiding me around quaint Italian city Roseto. Turning the pages, I too experienced the long winding cobblestone roads, magnificent mountains and melodious church bells of The Magic Leaf.
An exquisitely worded story about the magic of friendship, with gorgeous artwork complementing a stunning text.
The words and artwork are both so wonderfully evocative and combine to convey a wonderful sense of place.
April 24, 2016
This is a cute story about two friends. My son loves the illustrations and had me reading it to him as a bedtime story for a couple of months.
June 2, 2016
I own a printed, signed copy of the book. It has beautiful illustrations that look very much like the town of Roseto. It has that good small-town feeling.
August 4, 2016
A beautiful picture book with bright, colorful drawings. A clever story with a nice message and perfect for shared reading with a child.
August 1, 2018
The story is wonderful!
Carlo had to carry a heavy load up the hill in his town every day. He was getting tired from doing it every day.
He met his friend one day and the friend gave him a leaf. His friend told him it was a magic leaf.
They both walked up the hill together and by the time they reached the top, Carlo decided that his load was not as bad as usual.
He realized that doing something together is much better when you have a friend to keep you company.
It was a great story and my grandchildren loved it and the illustrations were beautiful.
A great message and a great idea to put in little people’s brains!
Carlo had to carry a heavy load up the hill in his town every day. He was getting tired from doing it every day.
He met his friend one day and the friend gave him a leaf. His friend told him it was a magic leaf.
They both walked up the hill together and by the time they reached the top, Carlo decided that his load was not as bad as usual.
He realized that doing something together is much better when you have a friend to keep you company.
It was a great story and my grandchildren loved it and the illustrations were beautiful.
A great message and a great idea to put in little people’s brains!
June 16, 2018
A simple but engaging traditional story about values that we would like our children to learn. The best part for me were the beautiful illustrations that transported me (and my son) to an exotic new place.
December 2, 2017
I really enjoyed this one! A full review will be available on my website on December 6th.
November 28, 2016
A timeless story of the true meaning of friendship set in medieval Italy.
How I love Italy. Friends are pretty good, too. And the title, THE MAGIC LEAF completely swept me away.
And so the begins, wrapping me in the world of Carlo, a young boy living in a small, medieval town (Roseto) in Italy. He lives in a shared/apartment home with thick walls (to keep the blistering heat out) and walks everywhere on the winding cobblestone roads, hearing the bells tolls in the morning and after school...yet he's lonely in the sense that he needs a friend. My only complaint is that the story, while fairly simple in nature, stretched out a little long in some areas, in which young children *may* drift. They may also need some things explained (like what exactly *is* a medieval town?)
I loved the illustrations, the simple yet soothing prose and so much more. Truly a wonderful message for young and old alike, a great book to share with a special little person, and one that teaches that the true magic of friendship comes from within.
For all of my reviews, including author interviews, please see: www.leslielindsay.com
I am grateful to the author for this review copy.
How I love Italy. Friends are pretty good, too. And the title, THE MAGIC LEAF completely swept me away.
And so the begins, wrapping me in the world of Carlo, a young boy living in a small, medieval town (Roseto) in Italy. He lives in a shared/apartment home with thick walls (to keep the blistering heat out) and walks everywhere on the winding cobblestone roads, hearing the bells tolls in the morning and after school...yet he's lonely in the sense that he needs a friend. My only complaint is that the story, while fairly simple in nature, stretched out a little long in some areas, in which young children *may* drift. They may also need some things explained (like what exactly *is* a medieval town?)
I loved the illustrations, the simple yet soothing prose and so much more. Truly a wonderful message for young and old alike, a great book to share with a special little person, and one that teaches that the true magic of friendship comes from within.
For all of my reviews, including author interviews, please see: www.leslielindsay.com
I am grateful to the author for this review copy.
June 26, 2017
Roseto (Italian medieval town). Carlo loved listening to the church bells.
Marco & Carlo loved climbing the mountains that were close by.
Marco pulled out of his pocket a magic leaf & showed it to his friend.
There was a feast at St. Anthony’s. Fireworks & a parade also.
What does it take to have & keep a true friendship?
A big shout out to Tina Durocher (Illustrator).
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written children’s book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great children’s movie, animated cartoon, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; M.F. Publishing; Amazon Digital Services LLC; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Marco & Carlo loved climbing the mountains that were close by.
Marco pulled out of his pocket a magic leaf & showed it to his friend.
There was a feast at St. Anthony’s. Fireworks & a parade also.
What does it take to have & keep a true friendship?
A big shout out to Tina Durocher (Illustrator).
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written children’s book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great children’s movie, animated cartoon, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; M.F. Publishing; Amazon Digital Services LLC; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
November 6, 2017
“The Magic Leaf” is a story about true friendship. The story follows Carlo, a young boy who has to walk up a mountain to bring food and drinks to his father and many other men that work on top of the mountain. One day Carlo complained to his friend Marco that he was tired of walking up the mountain. He felt that the trip was way too long and his load he had to carry was way too heavy. Carlo’s friend Marco knew just what to do to help his friend. Marco promised to walk with Carlo up the mountain and he also gave Carlo a magic leaf. This leaf would help shorten Carlo’s trip up the mountain and it would also lighten his load. All the way up the mountain the boys laughed and joked and before they knew it they where there. Carlo felt that the magic leaf did the job but Marco laughed and said it was just a regular leaf and having a good friend helped Carlo along the way. I think this is a very sweet story about how you can lose track of time when your around people you care about. I also think this story can help show young kids that if you put your mind to something you can do it. At first, Carlo didn’t think he could make it up the mountain but when he started thinking positive thoughts he reached the top of the mountain faster than he ever did before.
Review by: 12 year old Jamie
Review by: 12 year old Jamie
December 4, 2016
A charming, simple story about friendship. It has a nice "twist," and it has a good message that parents and kids can discuss afterwords.
The setting is nice, and the paper collage illustrations have a lot of personality!
The story seems a little short to me, though - I think just a little more character development would have been nice because the book ends just as it starts picking up momentum. Perhaps there will be more adventures with this protagonist in the future?
But the main point is clear, and the positive lesson is a nice break from other morality tales that tend to make kids feel uncomfortable and guilty.
The setting is nice, and the paper collage illustrations have a lot of personality!
The story seems a little short to me, though - I think just a little more character development would have been nice because the book ends just as it starts picking up momentum. Perhaps there will be more adventures with this protagonist in the future?
But the main point is clear, and the positive lesson is a nice break from other morality tales that tend to make kids feel uncomfortable and guilty.
February 13, 2017
I love the clear, poetic imagery in the prose, the simple lesson, the evocative setting, and the gorgeous artwork in this book. My four-year-old loved the whimsical lion fountain. When I asked him what his favorite part was, he mentioned the friendship between Carlo and Marco.
April 15, 2017
A great quick read before bed time. I have read this story several times to the little ones I babysit. The kids really enjoy the pictures, and I absolutely love the well thought out moral of the story
April 18, 2018
**I received a free ePub copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are mine and 100% honest.**
Something I appreciate about this book is how the lesson -- learning how to maintain and true, lasting friendship -- is taught in a way that makes it less obvious and moralistic, for lack of a better word, way than a lot of children's books do.
Another thing I appreciate in The Magic Leaf is the character development that is shown throughout with the friendship between Marco and Carlo. A lot of times with children's book, I have found, there is a lack of development between the characters themselves as well as their relationships.
I thought the illustrations were nicely done and they did a good job at representing what was happening in the story.
All in all, I thought this was a nice little read, and it definitely one of the better children's books I have read and reviewed.
Something I appreciate about this book is how the lesson -- learning how to maintain and true, lasting friendship -- is taught in a way that makes it less obvious and moralistic, for lack of a better word, way than a lot of children's books do.
Another thing I appreciate in The Magic Leaf is the character development that is shown throughout with the friendship between Marco and Carlo. A lot of times with children's book, I have found, there is a lack of development between the characters themselves as well as their relationships.
I thought the illustrations were nicely done and they did a good job at representing what was happening in the story.
All in all, I thought this was a nice little read, and it definitely one of the better children's books I have read and reviewed.
February 14, 2019
Carlo & Marco was the friends. Carlo was very hardworking boy. He took food and water for his father & other men who worked at the top of the mountain.
The road seemed to be long. It took quite long time to reached at his destination.
One day his friend Marco joined him on his way. Carlo complained him about the load of work and long journey.
Marco gave him a magic leafwho will help him in his difficulties.
Well !!! What miracles happened by the help of magic leaf?
How leaf worked for him???
A beautiful journey along with classic tale and lot of lessons…
You may find this very helpful for your kids to teach them about the importance of friendship and value of time.
The road seemed to be long. It took quite long time to reached at his destination.
One day his friend Marco joined him on his way. Carlo complained him about the load of work and long journey.
Marco gave him a magic leafwho will help him in his difficulties.
Well !!! What miracles happened by the help of magic leaf?
How leaf worked for him???
A beautiful journey along with classic tale and lot of lessons…
You may find this very helpful for your kids to teach them about the importance of friendship and value of time.
November 7, 2017
My 7 year old and I read this book together (we took turns in reading the pages). Unfortunately she didn't like this book. I think it may be better for a younger audience. Her honest review is as follows:
Kind of boring, kind of good. Too short. I like the silly faces. I don't like the book because it was kind of boring.
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
Kind of boring, kind of good. Too short. I like the silly faces. I don't like the book because it was kind of boring.
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
April 24, 2016
I have purchased this book at one of the author's book signings two years ago. I originally bought this book for my younger cousin, and I eventually read it myself. It is a great short story, and it had an important life lesson at the end. A great book for 6-8 year olds!
September 11, 2018
The Magic Leaf is a book that illustrates the power of friendship amidst the trials of everyday life, on a level that is suitable for kids of course.
It begins with one young man as he travels to work everyday and how tired he is. He dreads every work day because of the weight of his pack and the length of his trip, but then his friend gives him a “magic leaf” to make his weight lighter and the trip shorter. As the two friends travel, the weight does seem lighter and the trip shorter, but it is because of their friendship, not because of the leaf.
I really liked the simplicity of this message. The sentences were short, to the point and illustrated with unique pictures. It leaves room to talk about each page if it’s read aloud, and could easily become a discussion topic for a lesson in school. The setting being in another country (Italy) also holds promise for a lesson.
Overall, I was pleased with The Magic Leaf, and give it 4 out of 5 stars.
I received this book from the author for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are entirely my own.
This is a LiteratureApproved.com Review.
It begins with one young man as he travels to work everyday and how tired he is. He dreads every work day because of the weight of his pack and the length of his trip, but then his friend gives him a “magic leaf” to make his weight lighter and the trip shorter. As the two friends travel, the weight does seem lighter and the trip shorter, but it is because of their friendship, not because of the leaf.
I really liked the simplicity of this message. The sentences were short, to the point and illustrated with unique pictures. It leaves room to talk about each page if it’s read aloud, and could easily become a discussion topic for a lesson in school. The setting being in another country (Italy) also holds promise for a lesson.
Overall, I was pleased with The Magic Leaf, and give it 4 out of 5 stars.
I received this book from the author for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are entirely my own.
This is a LiteratureApproved.com Review.
June 23, 2018
My daughters and I read this book and we did enjoy it. The pictures are amazing! The few things that my daughters and I agree on is that while the book is an amazing story and the pictures are great, the story is written for children who don't know what a cobblestone road is. Secondly why is he the only one taking food and drink to his father and other men on the mountain? Why is there no one else helping? While it does show a great friendship it also shows a child walking a long time alone almost everyday. For the age group that this is written for I am sure that they ask the same questions.
May 9, 2019
Magic green leaf
It is a short story about a boy who realizes the miracles of friendship while going to work with his friend one day.
The story is simple yet very nicely written.
The illustrations however are the main attraction of this book along side the story which will encapture the children’s attention.
The amount of effort that was put to making them is remarkable and I really enjoyed reaing it. I would recommend this book for children any day of the week.
I’ve included some illustrations from the book to show how good they really are.
Head to my blog for those glimpses
https://ensnaringlibri.blogspot.com/2...
It is a short story about a boy who realizes the miracles of friendship while going to work with his friend one day.
The story is simple yet very nicely written.
The illustrations however are the main attraction of this book along side the story which will encapture the children’s attention.
The amount of effort that was put to making them is remarkable and I really enjoyed reaing it. I would recommend this book for children any day of the week.
I’ve included some illustrations from the book to show how good they really are.
Head to my blog for those glimpses
https://ensnaringlibri.blogspot.com/2...
November 18, 2016
The first thing I consider when reviewing a book is how it starts. Is the beginning intriguing or inviting? Do we immediately understand the point of the story?
Page 2/3 says, "Carlo lived in a small town called Roseto. The town had winding roads and was surrounded by mountains. Roseto sat at the foot of the tallest mountain. Its cobblestone roads led to a town square. It looked a lot like a medieval town."
Would a young child know what a cobblestone road was or how a medieval town looked? These would have been fine to write if the illustration showed a cobblestone road in the center of a medieval looking town but the picture doesn't show the road at all and the town looks like any other town. There is no indication of what is to come and we have no reason to read on.
Page 4/5 focuses completely on Carlo's enjoyment of the church bells. So now we assume the story is going to be about the boy's relationship with the bells.
But then, page 6/7 talks a little about Carlo's house and the castle beside it.
Finally, page 8/9 says, "Every day Carlo had to walk up the mountain." This is actually where the story begins. I think most children would have tuned out by this point. This is unfortunate because the story then takes off. The dialogue between Carlo and his friend who joins him on the walk up the mountain is lively and propels the story well.
The text could have been enriched by more sensory detail such as having the boys mention particulars like the taste, colour, ingredients, temperature, and the smell of the panini and gelato they relish.
The ending is lovely and worthy of discussion. Children can relate to the different interpretations of the passage of time when alone and with a friend. The story also raises the concept of appreciation for all the things the boys are given.
The illustrations are unique and interesting. They are partly drawn and partly montage which gives a textual appearance to the landscape. I liked the pictures of the boys especially when they were imagining all the wonderful things in their community. Carlo's hair is adorable.
I think this is a book with wonderful potential and some beautiful qualities that just got off on the wrong foot.
I was given an ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Page 2/3 says, "Carlo lived in a small town called Roseto. The town had winding roads and was surrounded by mountains. Roseto sat at the foot of the tallest mountain. Its cobblestone roads led to a town square. It looked a lot like a medieval town."
Would a young child know what a cobblestone road was or how a medieval town looked? These would have been fine to write if the illustration showed a cobblestone road in the center of a medieval looking town but the picture doesn't show the road at all and the town looks like any other town. There is no indication of what is to come and we have no reason to read on.
Page 4/5 focuses completely on Carlo's enjoyment of the church bells. So now we assume the story is going to be about the boy's relationship with the bells.
But then, page 6/7 talks a little about Carlo's house and the castle beside it.
Finally, page 8/9 says, "Every day Carlo had to walk up the mountain." This is actually where the story begins. I think most children would have tuned out by this point. This is unfortunate because the story then takes off. The dialogue between Carlo and his friend who joins him on the walk up the mountain is lively and propels the story well.
The text could have been enriched by more sensory detail such as having the boys mention particulars like the taste, colour, ingredients, temperature, and the smell of the panini and gelato they relish.
The ending is lovely and worthy of discussion. Children can relate to the different interpretations of the passage of time when alone and with a friend. The story also raises the concept of appreciation for all the things the boys are given.
The illustrations are unique and interesting. They are partly drawn and partly montage which gives a textual appearance to the landscape. I liked the pictures of the boys especially when they were imagining all the wonderful things in their community. Carlo's hair is adorable.
I think this is a book with wonderful potential and some beautiful qualities that just got off on the wrong foot.
I was given an ebook in exchange for an honest review.
April 12, 2020
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review*
A very cute picture book that teaches how great friendship is. It is very short and simplistic so it is great for younger children. Also, the message is important. The illustrations were very nice and had an interesting style. I would definitely recommend this book for younger children.
A very cute picture book that teaches how great friendship is. It is very short and simplistic so it is great for younger children. Also, the message is important. The illustrations were very nice and had an interesting style. I would definitely recommend this book for younger children.
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