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Mr Tiger, Betsy and the Blue Moon
Sally Gardner's enchanting new series, illustrated by Nick Maland, is a fairy tale full of traditional ingredients. When Betsy K. Glory, the daughter of a mermaid and an ice-cream maker, meets the mysterious Mr Tiger they have a giant challenge: a moon to turn blue, berries to collect and wishable-delicious ice-cream to create. The sort that makes wishes come true.
With Mr Tiger and his troupe of Gonalong circus acrobats, a toad under a spell, a lonely giant, and Mum and Dad, Betsy sets off on her quest.
This book will be printed in blue ink in Dyslexie, a font specially designed to make reading easier – and more fun. Sally is the founder of NuWord, which champions positive debate about dyslexia.
With Mr Tiger and his troupe of Gonalong circus acrobats, a toad under a spell, a lonely giant, and Mum and Dad, Betsy sets off on her quest.
This book will be printed in blue ink in Dyslexie, a font specially designed to make reading easier – and more fun. Sally is the founder of NuWord, which champions positive debate about dyslexia.
192 pages, Hardcover
Published October 4, 2018
9 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Sally Gardner
115 books629 followersAKA Wray Delaney
Sally Gardner grew up and still lives in London. Being dyslexic, she did not learn to read or write until she was fourteen and had been thrown out of several schools, labeled unteachable, and sent to a school for maladjusted children. Despite this, she gained a degree with highest honors at a leading London art college, followed by a scholarship to a theater school, and then went on to become a very successful costume designer, working on some notable productions.
After the births of twin daughters and a son, she started first to illustrate and then to write picture books and chapter books, usually with fairytale- or otherwise magical subject matter. She has been called 'an idiosyncratic genius' by London’s Sunday Times.
Sally Gardner grew up and still lives in London. Being dyslexic, she did not learn to read or write until she was fourteen and had been thrown out of several schools, labeled unteachable, and sent to a school for maladjusted children. Despite this, she gained a degree with highest honors at a leading London art college, followed by a scholarship to a theater school, and then went on to become a very successful costume designer, working on some notable productions.
After the births of twin daughters and a son, she started first to illustrate and then to write picture books and chapter books, usually with fairytale- or otherwise magical subject matter. She has been called 'an idiosyncratic genius' by London’s Sunday Times.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 17, 2022
sweet, light, would be good for younger children looking for chapter books; plot points seem to appear randomly
May 30, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
I thought this was such a cute little story. Would be perfect for a bedtime read-aloud. Included wholesome themes like friendship, bravery, and family and handled topics like selfishness and loneliness really well. Super cute!
“You see, all the yeses in the world makes no one happy. Not even a princess. It is the word ‘no’ that makes the word ‘yes’ all the more special. Because without a ‘no,’ you never realize how lucky you truly are.”
❤️❤️❤️
I thought this was such a cute little story. Would be perfect for a bedtime read-aloud. Included wholesome themes like friendship, bravery, and family and handled topics like selfishness and loneliness really well. Super cute!
“You see, all the yeses in the world makes no one happy. Not even a princess. It is the word ‘no’ that makes the word ‘yes’ all the more special. Because without a ‘no,’ you never realize how lucky you truly are.”
❤️❤️❤️
December 8, 2020
Ek het heerlik weggeraak in die wonderwêreld van die Goebelgopsers, meerminne, en natuurlik die enigmatiese meneer Tier. Om dit nog meer fantasties te maak, speel die verhaal af op ’n eiland wat jy nêrens op ’n wêreldkaart kry nie. Al die elemente wat oud en jonk gretig sal laat lees, is daar: ’n padda wat graag roomys eet, miniatuur sirkusakrobate, ’n reus wat op ’n berg woon en miswolke maak en ’n bose halfsuster wat uitoorlê moet word.
Ek vermoed dat die oorspronklike Engels beswaarlik meer kan fassineer as die wonderlike vertaling van Jaco Jacobs. Die illustrasies deur Nick Maland is werklik besonders, met die fynste detail denkbaar.
Na die lees van hierdie fantasieverhaal wil ek saamstem: "Soms is vreugde ’n rooi ballon, dink Betsie. Rond en groot genoeg om jou van jou voete af te lig." (bl 34)
Ek vermoed dat die oorspronklike Engels beswaarlik meer kan fassineer as die wonderlike vertaling van Jaco Jacobs. Die illustrasies deur Nick Maland is werklik besonders, met die fynste detail denkbaar.
Na die lees van hierdie fantasieverhaal wil ek saamstem: "Soms is vreugde ’n rooi ballon, dink Betsie. Rond en groot genoeg om jou van jou voete af te lig." (bl 34)
November 28, 2022
The illustrations are adorable, but the story plot is a bit dull and seems random. I know this is a children's book, but this is not as great as Winnie the Pooh and Paddington.
June 26, 2021
http://www.esmeraldaviaggielibri.it/i...
Il sapore dei desideri. Betsy, Mr. Tigre e le bacche della felicità di Sally Gardner, con le illustrazioni di Nick Maland, libro per bambini pubblicato da Terre di mezzo editore il 15 aprile.
Senza alcun dubbio questo libro per ragazzi è bellissimo da vedere, impossibile resistere alla tentazione di sfogliarlo più e più volte, vuoi per le favolose illustrazioni vuoi per il colore, insomma lasciarlo stare buono in libreria vi risulterà molto difficile. La storia poi è fantastica, mi è risultato difficile seguire il filo del discorso perché è così fantasiosa e sopra le righe che solo la mente di un bambino può riuscire a comprenderla appieno lasciandosi trasportare come in un sogno.
Il sapore dei desideri è intriso di magia e narra una storia stravagante in cui i personaggi non hanno nulla di aderente alla realtà. Credo non mi fosse mai capitato di imbattermi in qualcosa di simile ed è stato bello mettermi alla prova e riscoprire in me il lato bambino che era sepolto sotto diversi strati di cose ormai date per assodate.
Betsy è la piccola protagonista ed è davvero speciale, non solo perché ha i capelli viola, ma anche perché può vantare un papà gelataio, o meglio inventore di gelati fantasmagorici, e una mamma sirena (chi non vorrebbe una mamma sirena?). Betsy e papà vivono su un’isola che non è segnata sulle mappe, mentre mamma vive in mare come è normale che sia vista la sua natura.
Un giorno, mentre Betsy gira per l’isola con papà Alfonso e il suo carretto dei gelati, incontra un rospo che sa parlare e scopre che è una principessa che racconta loro la sua storia. Un incantesimo lanciato dalla sua sorellastra l’ha trasformata in un rospo e solo un desiderio espresso mangiando un gelato di bacche Gongalunghe può spezzarlo. Il papà di Betsy si propone di prepararlo, la principessa è commossa dall’offerta, il problema è proprio reperire le famose bacche.
In questa storia c’è spazio per un altro protagonista, senza di lui nulla avrebbe senso, Mr. Tigre. Per Mr. Tigre nessuna missione è impossibile e solo lui sembra in grado di recuperare le bacche magiche che crescono solo alla luce della luna blu, e la luna blu appare una volta ogni mille mai…credete forse che Mr. Tigre possa darsi per sconfitto? Giammai. Così Betsy, mamma, papà, Mr. Tigre e il suo circo salpano all’avventura e non hanno nessuna intenzione di darsi per vinti.
La fantasia dell’autrice, la caratterizzazione della piccola Betsy e l’ambientazione sono i punti di forza di Il sapore dei desideri un romanzo che mi sento di consigliare ai genitori con bimbi piccoli anche per le bellissime illustrazioni che fanno da corollario alla storia. Credo sia perfetto da condividere con loro, perché darà modo agli adulti di vedere questa storia con gli occhi di un bambino senza tutte le sovrastrutture che iniziamo a costruirci fin da ragazzini.
Il sapore dei desideri. Betsy, Mr. Tigre e le bacche della felicità di Sally Gardner, con le illustrazioni di Nick Maland, libro per bambini pubblicato da Terre di mezzo editore il 15 aprile.
Senza alcun dubbio questo libro per ragazzi è bellissimo da vedere, impossibile resistere alla tentazione di sfogliarlo più e più volte, vuoi per le favolose illustrazioni vuoi per il colore, insomma lasciarlo stare buono in libreria vi risulterà molto difficile. La storia poi è fantastica, mi è risultato difficile seguire il filo del discorso perché è così fantasiosa e sopra le righe che solo la mente di un bambino può riuscire a comprenderla appieno lasciandosi trasportare come in un sogno.
Il sapore dei desideri è intriso di magia e narra una storia stravagante in cui i personaggi non hanno nulla di aderente alla realtà. Credo non mi fosse mai capitato di imbattermi in qualcosa di simile ed è stato bello mettermi alla prova e riscoprire in me il lato bambino che era sepolto sotto diversi strati di cose ormai date per assodate.
Betsy è la piccola protagonista ed è davvero speciale, non solo perché ha i capelli viola, ma anche perché può vantare un papà gelataio, o meglio inventore di gelati fantasmagorici, e una mamma sirena (chi non vorrebbe una mamma sirena?). Betsy e papà vivono su un’isola che non è segnata sulle mappe, mentre mamma vive in mare come è normale che sia vista la sua natura.
Un giorno, mentre Betsy gira per l’isola con papà Alfonso e il suo carretto dei gelati, incontra un rospo che sa parlare e scopre che è una principessa che racconta loro la sua storia. Un incantesimo lanciato dalla sua sorellastra l’ha trasformata in un rospo e solo un desiderio espresso mangiando un gelato di bacche Gongalunghe può spezzarlo. Il papà di Betsy si propone di prepararlo, la principessa è commossa dall’offerta, il problema è proprio reperire le famose bacche.
In questa storia c’è spazio per un altro protagonista, senza di lui nulla avrebbe senso, Mr. Tigre. Per Mr. Tigre nessuna missione è impossibile e solo lui sembra in grado di recuperare le bacche magiche che crescono solo alla luce della luna blu, e la luna blu appare una volta ogni mille mai…credete forse che Mr. Tigre possa darsi per sconfitto? Giammai. Così Betsy, mamma, papà, Mr. Tigre e il suo circo salpano all’avventura e non hanno nessuna intenzione di darsi per vinti.
La fantasia dell’autrice, la caratterizzazione della piccola Betsy e l’ambientazione sono i punti di forza di Il sapore dei desideri un romanzo che mi sento di consigliare ai genitori con bimbi piccoli anche per le bellissime illustrazioni che fanno da corollario alla storia. Credo sia perfetto da condividere con loro, perché darà modo agli adulti di vedere questa storia con gli occhi di un bambino senza tutte le sovrastrutture che iniziamo a costruirci fin da ragazzini.
June 30, 2023
I won a copy from the publisher without expectation of a review. It has not affected my opinions.
MR TIGER, BETSY, AND THE BLUE MOON is the start of a dyslexic-friendly book with an off-kilter fairy tale feel to it.
It is a charmingly quirky world, with its own logic that it runs with throughout. It has a princess turned into a frog and a quest to turn her back into a person, a evil sister who's stolen the throne, and a very timid giant. All these classic feeling fairy tale elements are blended together into a delightfully bizarre tale.
The book is fully illustrated by Nick Maland with small scale images to full page spreads throughout. I really liked his style. As you might be able to see from the cover, the illustration style is one of line drawing with crosshatching rather than block shades of grey. It feels very old-time-y to me, which I loved. It felt like it fit the whimsical, slightly off-kilter fairy tale vibe of the book well. It makes this book as much about the visual experience as it does about the words themselves.
It is told from an omniscient narrator, but still manages to make Mr Tiger very mysterious, not revealing his plan despite the narrator's knowledge of all things. Betsy is a curious, kind character, and I loved that her parents came along for the trip. They are responsible, insisting on sensible safety precautions, but aren't controlling. It was so nice to see supportive but responsible parenting!
The series is dyslexic friendly, printed in a special font that's designed to make it easier to read. There's also been great care with the words. Where an off-kilter tale like this might make up all sorts of words that are similar but not quite English as we know it, this book (save for the Gonalongs) uses entirely real words, which can be easier to read. I love finding books like this that make reading more accessible.
MR TIGER, BETSY, AND THE BLUE MOON is the start of a dyslexic-friendly book with an off-kilter fairy tale feel to it.
It is a charmingly quirky world, with its own logic that it runs with throughout. It has a princess turned into a frog and a quest to turn her back into a person, a evil sister who's stolen the throne, and a very timid giant. All these classic feeling fairy tale elements are blended together into a delightfully bizarre tale.
The book is fully illustrated by Nick Maland with small scale images to full page spreads throughout. I really liked his style. As you might be able to see from the cover, the illustration style is one of line drawing with crosshatching rather than block shades of grey. It feels very old-time-y to me, which I loved. It felt like it fit the whimsical, slightly off-kilter fairy tale vibe of the book well. It makes this book as much about the visual experience as it does about the words themselves.
It is told from an omniscient narrator, but still manages to make Mr Tiger very mysterious, not revealing his plan despite the narrator's knowledge of all things. Betsy is a curious, kind character, and I loved that her parents came along for the trip. They are responsible, insisting on sensible safety precautions, but aren't controlling. It was so nice to see supportive but responsible parenting!
The series is dyslexic friendly, printed in a special font that's designed to make it easier to read. There's also been great care with the words. Where an off-kilter tale like this might make up all sorts of words that are similar but not quite English as we know it, this book (save for the Gonalongs) uses entirely real words, which can be easier to read. I love finding books like this that make reading more accessible.
October 24, 2021
On an island left off the map of the world live Betsy, her ice-cream maker father, her mermaid mother and a princess that is trapped in the body of a toad. A princess that can only be freed by an ice-cream made with special berries that are harvested under an even more special moon. With the help of Mr. Tiger and the tiny Gongalongs, Betsy and her family set sail on an adventure to save the bewitched princess and to free an island’s tiny inhabitants from a cruel giantess. But will they be able to save the day…
From a world of smartly dressed big cats, talking toads and bossy princesses comes a whimsical and quirky fairytale about Mr. Tiger, his troupe of acrobats, and a delightful island girl, the daughter of a mermaid and an ice-cream maker extraordinaire. Together, the eclectic bunch must join forces to sail to the island of Gongalong where they must come up with a plan to turn the moon blue and make the most delicious tasting ice-cream in all the world…Gongalong Berry flavour, the flavour with the power to grant wishes.
Lots of wishes, lots of ice-cream and a quest of the like that children could only dream of are sure to enchant and delight. Magic, bravery and imagination run freely in this tale where logic is left firmly at the door as nothing is impossible - even turning the moon blue, that happens ‘sometime never’ - and where a red ballon is happiness. As Betsy would say, this is one ‘Crumble cakes’ of an adventure.
Author Sally Gardner is a passionate advocate for dyslexic children and this title is produced in a blue dyslexic-friendly font so even more children can enjoy it. Complimenting the story are old-fashioned, cross-hatched style illustrations that immerse readers into this most endearing of dream-like tales.
Recommended for 7+.
From a world of smartly dressed big cats, talking toads and bossy princesses comes a whimsical and quirky fairytale about Mr. Tiger, his troupe of acrobats, and a delightful island girl, the daughter of a mermaid and an ice-cream maker extraordinaire. Together, the eclectic bunch must join forces to sail to the island of Gongalong where they must come up with a plan to turn the moon blue and make the most delicious tasting ice-cream in all the world…Gongalong Berry flavour, the flavour with the power to grant wishes.
Lots of wishes, lots of ice-cream and a quest of the like that children could only dream of are sure to enchant and delight. Magic, bravery and imagination run freely in this tale where logic is left firmly at the door as nothing is impossible - even turning the moon blue, that happens ‘sometime never’ - and where a red ballon is happiness. As Betsy would say, this is one ‘Crumble cakes’ of an adventure.
Author Sally Gardner is a passionate advocate for dyslexic children and this title is produced in a blue dyslexic-friendly font so even more children can enjoy it. Complimenting the story are old-fashioned, cross-hatched style illustrations that immerse readers into this most endearing of dream-like tales.
Recommended for 7+.
November 8, 2021
This book was okay. Somewhat similar to classic books like The Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan, or The Phantom Tollbooth, though those books are a bit better written. But if you very much like any of those books, you'll probably be charmed by this book as well.
It's beautifully illustrated, and I think that many kids will like it, especially if they like the stories I listed above. But something about the story felt a bit flat to me. I wanted it to be in the style of My Father's Dragon or The Little Prince. A bit zany, creative, but also very deep and connecting generations with its wisdom. And it didn't really live up to that. That is on me though, you cannot expect a book to live up to some of my favorite books!
That all being said, it was a charming little original fairy tale, and I think that kids will really like it. They might especially like it because of the way that the physical book looks (many of the pages are blue, most of the words are written in blue ink, and there are pictures on every page. Most of the pages aren't full pages either, and there is a lot of white space filled up with the illustrations). Worth reading I would say.
It's beautifully illustrated, and I think that many kids will like it, especially if they like the stories I listed above. But something about the story felt a bit flat to me. I wanted it to be in the style of My Father's Dragon or The Little Prince. A bit zany, creative, but also very deep and connecting generations with its wisdom. And it didn't really live up to that. That is on me though, you cannot expect a book to live up to some of my favorite books!
That all being said, it was a charming little original fairy tale, and I think that kids will really like it. They might especially like it because of the way that the physical book looks (many of the pages are blue, most of the words are written in blue ink, and there are pictures on every page. Most of the pages aren't full pages either, and there is a lot of white space filled up with the illustrations). Worth reading I would say.
March 29, 2023
I so wanted to love this book. Nick Maland's illustrations are an incredible treat! There are so many kids' books illustrated by people who clearly didn't read the thing attentively enough to get the details right. This is an amazing example of how to do it right: see page 3! Swoon! I would give all the stars to Maland, and can't wait to check out more his work. As an aside, I also love how the entire book (text and pictures) is printed in blue ink.
The thing is, this story reads like some kind of ADHD fever dream. It's unfocused, random, squirrely, weird but not in a good way. I really, really tried to finish the book but I just can't bring myself to keep going, because I can't connect with the characters and I don't care what happens to any of them or why (not that we would know... as there is no logic to anything that happens here). DNF at page 53.
P.S. One thing I do appreciate is how Betsy's parents
The thing is, this story reads like some kind of ADHD fever dream. It's unfocused, random, squirrely, weird but not in a good way. I really, really tried to finish the book but I just can't bring myself to keep going, because I can't connect with the characters and I don't care what happens to any of them or why (not that we would know... as there is no logic to anything that happens here). DNF at page 53.
P.S. One thing I do appreciate is how Betsy's parents
May 4, 2020
This is a whimsical and magical fantasy story about a purple-haired girl named Betsy who lives on an island left off the map of the world with her ice cream-maker father and mermaid mother. When she and her father discover that the long-tongued toad on the island is actually a princess under a spell, they join up with Mr. Tiger and his circus to break the spell. The princess was cursed and banished from her home on Gongalong Island by her jealous younger sister. The only chance to break the spell is if they can make wish-granting ice cream from the Gongalong berries that only ripen under a blue moon, which happens almost never. This is a captivating story full of magic and imagination that is complemented by the numerous illustrations. There is a giant, the tiny acrobatic Gongalong people, mermaids, tigers and so much more to delight the reader. The author is a passionate advocate for dyslexic children and the text is printed in blue dyslexia typeface. Readers will be swept up in this charming tale and eagerly await the next adventure.
August 20, 2021
Enchanted, creative stories about Mr Tiger and Betsy, the daughter of the mermaid and the ice cream maker and living on an island left off the map of the world. They face lots of difficult challenges to turn a moon blue, to help a frog return to be a princess and to save a precious sea dragon’s egg.
Loved reading these magical books because you need to use imagination! These books excited me and helped me develop my imagination as the stories move forward.
Also, the illustrations drawn by Nick impressed me. Almost every page has his magical, lovely illustrations. It would have been lovely to imagine a story just by looking at his illustrations. It might be a good idea to invent a story just by looking at some of his illustrations to develop imagination!
想像力や好奇心をかきたてるような愉快な児童小説📘📕
人魚とアイスクリーム屋さんの娘・Bestyとおしゃれなトラさんの物語。世界地図にも載っていない小さな島で、月を青色に変えたり、蛙をお姫様に変身させたり、貴重な卵を守ったり、様々なチャレンジに挑みます。
お話を読むのも楽しかったですが、ニックさんによるかわいらしいイラストも、ほぼ全てのページに、とても丁寧かつ詳細に描かれています。お話を読む前に、イラストだけパラパラと見て、どんなお話なのか想像するのも楽しいかもしれません🐯
Loved reading these magical books because you need to use imagination! These books excited me and helped me develop my imagination as the stories move forward.
Also, the illustrations drawn by Nick impressed me. Almost every page has his magical, lovely illustrations. It would have been lovely to imagine a story just by looking at his illustrations. It might be a good idea to invent a story just by looking at some of his illustrations to develop imagination!
想像力や好奇心をかきたてるような愉快な児童小説📘📕
人魚とアイスクリーム屋さんの娘・Bestyとおしゃれなトラさんの物語。世界地図にも載っていない小さな島で、月を青色に変えたり、蛙をお姫様に変身させたり、貴重な卵を守ったり、様々なチャレンジに挑みます。
お話を読むのも楽しかったですが、ニックさんによるかわいらしいイラストも、ほぼ全てのページに、とても丁寧かつ詳細に描かれています。お話を読む前に、イラストだけパラパラと見て、どんなお話なのか想像するのも楽しいかもしれません🐯
May 6, 2023
Review To Come
***eProof gifted by UK publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review/reaction, though I listened to the audiobook via Libby***
Over the past few months, I have been reading/audiobook quite heavy books. Not heavy as in subject matter, but I've been reading a lot of adult crime and, sometimes, you need your break. You need something fun and light.
And this jumped to mine. I've had the eProof of this for a few years and the idea of finding out how/why a tiger wearing a coat is climbing a ladder to the moon with a girl on his back appealed to me. However, something weird has happened to my Kindle and nearly all my NetGalley proofs were wiped out and I can't get them back.
But when I found the audiobook, I was very happy. Plus, it was really short.
This was lovely and just a joy of a story. It is very middle grade fantasy, which makes this a very imaginative story and, though I audiobooked this, I feel like this like a good story for those who are dyslexic or struggle with reading.
This was a simply joyful read, full of fun, silliness and I am intrigued to see Mr Tiger and Betsy again soon...
***eProof gifted by UK publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review/reaction, though I listened to the audiobook via Libby***
Over the past few months, I have been reading/audiobook quite heavy books. Not heavy as in subject matter, but I've been reading a lot of adult crime and, sometimes, you need your break. You need something fun and light.
And this jumped to mine. I've had the eProof of this for a few years and the idea of finding out how/why a tiger wearing a coat is climbing a ladder to the moon with a girl on his back appealed to me. However, something weird has happened to my Kindle and nearly all my NetGalley proofs were wiped out and I can't get them back.
But when I found the audiobook, I was very happy. Plus, it was really short.
This was lovely and just a joy of a story. It is very middle grade fantasy, which makes this a very imaginative story and, though I audiobooked this, I feel like this like a good story for those who are dyslexic or struggle with reading.
This was a simply joyful read, full of fun, silliness and I am intrigued to see Mr Tiger and Betsy again soon...
July 5, 2021
Clever and quirky and magical.
Betsy lives with her dad - who invents things and sells ice cream - because her mom is a mermaid and lives in the ocean. This causes a little bit of conflict and angst for Betsy. But her mother has given Betsy a special shell that can call her any time she is needed. And her mom does come visit quite often. Like I said - quirky.
Mr. Tiger runs a circus. And there is a frog who is actually Princess Albee who was turned into a frog by her vain and spoiled stepsister, Princess Olaf. So Betsy and crew decide they must restore Princess Albee to her rightful place and that can only be accomplished with a wish. Magical adventure awaits!
Betsy lives with her dad - who invents things and sells ice cream - because her mom is a mermaid and lives in the ocean. This causes a little bit of conflict and angst for Betsy. But her mother has given Betsy a special shell that can call her any time she is needed. And her mom does come visit quite often. Like I said - quirky.
Mr. Tiger runs a circus. And there is a frog who is actually Princess Albee who was turned into a frog by her vain and spoiled stepsister, Princess Olaf. So Betsy and crew decide they must restore Princess Albee to her rightful place and that can only be accomplished with a wish. Magical adventure awaits!
January 28, 2021
A fun and timeless story that takes place on a tiny pair of secret islands that are left off of every map of the world. This classic adventure stars Betsy, her parents (an ice cream maker and mermaid, respectively), Mr. Tiger (a gentleman tiger), the Gongalongs (tiny acrobatic folk) and two princesses, a giant and several magic wishes. This book would make a great read aloud, especially with its charming and beautifully integrated illustrations. On a personal note, I'm now on a quest to find my own ice cream that "tastes of wishes".
December 30, 2022
I didn't read this to my son yet, he's a bit too young. But I think he'd enjoy it when he's a bit older :)
A sweet, simple adventure.
My favourite quotes:
"You see, all the yeses in the world makes no one happy. Not even a princess. It is the word 'no', that makes the word 'yes' all the more special. Because without a 'no', you never realise how lucky you truly are." Mr Tiger.
"It matters little what size you are," he said. "What matters most is how you feel inside, and I feel mighty bold." Ivan the Bold.
A sweet, simple adventure.
My favourite quotes:
"You see, all the yeses in the world makes no one happy. Not even a princess. It is the word 'no', that makes the word 'yes' all the more special. Because without a 'no', you never realise how lucky you truly are." Mr Tiger.
"It matters little what size you are," he said. "What matters most is how you feel inside, and I feel mighty bold." Ivan the Bold.
January 17, 2021
This was such a magical little story! I read it to my son and we both enjoyed it so much!
My son is rather little but enjoys reading long chapter books sometimes the conflict can be a bit much for him in some stories but this was perfect. Light and whimsical! I loved it as well it reminded me a bit of the night circus. I highly recommend it for kids of all ages and adults who need a little extra magic as well!!
My son is rather little but enjoys reading long chapter books sometimes the conflict can be a bit much for him in some stories but this was perfect. Light and whimsical! I loved it as well it reminded me a bit of the night circus. I highly recommend it for kids of all ages and adults who need a little extra magic as well!!
October 7, 2024
Sweet, creative, and ripe with humor, this modern fairy tale honors bravery and adventure, and comes with some creative ice cream flavors, too. A great "read aloud" book, my kids enjoyed explanations of phrases like "Old Top." The illustrations are intricate and the font is dyslexia-friendly - a fact I learned after finishing the book. A 3-book series, I look forward to reading Besty's next adventure with my kids.
August 27, 2020
This whimsical fantasy about a girl who, along with her remarkable parents, travels to an island inhabited by some quite memorable characters, is enchanting. The illustrations are just as lovely as the writing. It doesn't move quickly but its charm will keep you turning the page. Delightful! A nice choice for a book club.
December 1, 2020
A very gentle fantasy including a mermaid mother, a princess who has been turned into a toad, and a lonely giant. The resolution involves tiny acrobats and wish-fulfilling ice cream. Lots of old-fashioned blue illustrations, the typeface is also blue and deliberately in the dyslexic-friendly font. This would be a good read-alike to "Three Tales of my Father's Dragon" by Gannett.
April 11, 2020
Really cute, weird, whimsical, and fun! I wish I had a child around that I could read out loud this book t - definitely a modern fairytale ! Of course, I love the illustrations, the blue font, and how the book is laid out - adds to the reading experience
November 14, 2020
Fantasy for ages 8-12, I would say 7 to 11. All the ink inside is blue, including the text, and the illustrations are enchanting. This is just the right book for a child who wants to feel cozy and delighted. It is quite British, too, which I enjoy.
Read
December 10, 2020This was an adorable and delightful book! The storyline reminded me several times of stories made up during the game "storycubes"-- light abd sweet and darling. The perfect read during a high output season.
May 19, 2023
Such a sweet, whimsical, children’s book. My 6 year old and I read it together, and he loved the make believe world. Mermaids, a tiger who runs a circus, mean and friendly giants, and magical wishes… a magical children’s book we loved!
June 24, 2019
My 7 year old son gave this rating and this review "it was weird but thumbs up. I want the next book". So there you have it, straight from the mouth of babes.
February 22, 2020
Die lekkerste verbeeldings vlug - met roomys en meerminne en nog baie meer!
Want to read
August 21, 2020Top 10 SF/Fantasy & Horror for Youth 2020 (Booklist)
September 6, 2020
A charming and engaging fairy tale. Beautiful illustrations and writing. A great read aloud for the whole family. We loved it!
October 28, 2020
So very, very British. Charming and whimsical, with illustrations that delight.
Want to read
November 29, 2020Note: I received an ARC of this book at ALA Midwinter 2020.
February 9, 2021
A beautiful book about a little girl called Betsy and her adventures with Mr Tiger to save princess Alabee.
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