Kites

by Simon Mole, Oamul Lu (Illustrator)

The day that David moved to Fivehills,
The first thing he noticed was the kites.
Little kites, big kites
Eagle kites, pig kites
Golden Frog kites with car headlights for eyes
Mirror kites singing the sky back at itself… David knows that to fit in at Fivehills, he needs a kite. But when he makes one, the other kids of the town aren’t too impressed. They say it needs this, then it needs that, then it needs something else… soon David’s kite doesn’t feel like his any more. But David remembers what his Grandpa said – “ Let’s see what we’ve already got. More often than not, we’ll find the answer inside” and learns that when you’re happy with yourself, friends will follow. 

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

Published August 6, 2019

About the author

Simon Mole is an acclaimed children’s poet (and sleep deprived dad) who has shared stages with Michael Rosen, Kae Tempest and John Hegley. His first picture book Kites was published in 2019, followed by I Love My Bike in 2021, and I Love My Cat in 2022.

Simon is a National Poetry Day Ambassador, with over ten years’ experience using rap and poetry in community and education settings, including projects with Great Ormond Street Hospital and Arsenal Football Club.

Reviews

[The Book Chief · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing for the review copy.

Kites is a gentle commentary on life and living- how, sometimes, kind friends and well-meant help are not enough; one has to forge one’s own path. Now, this message is correct and admirable, but I do wish the book had stuck with the simpler message that working together yields success, given that its target readers are so young. I personally would want the little ones in my life to value togetherness and solidarity before learning about individualism and independence. This is my only reservation with an otherwise beautiful book. Otherwise it is lovely- the writing is lyrical and whimsy, with flashes of insight and wisdom. And the illustrations have a dream-like quality to them- bold strokes, vivid colours but still delicate and restrained. The art is exquisite, I loved it. ❤️

For a more detailed review of the book that gives a glimpse into the story, head over to my blog: https://www.facebook.com/855005157962...

[Rahmadiyanti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pindah rumah ke tempat baru seringkali menimbulkan kekhawatiran, ketakutan, dan kegamangan. Itu pula yang dihadapi David.

Di tempat baru tersebut, David melihat banyak layang-layang. David mencoba membuat layang-layang. Namun, saat mau menerbangkannya, David ragu karena layang-layang yang beterbangan di sekitarnya bagus-bagus dan indah. Sementara, layang-layang David hanya terbuat dari kertas putih biasa dengan ekor dari buntut boneka dinosaurus yang ia potong. Sampai kemudian seorang gadis kecil menghampirinya.

Apakah David dapat menerbangkan layang-layangnya?

Buku yang bagus dengan pesan mengatasi rasa takut di tempat yang baru. Gaya ilustrasinya juga saya suka.

[Eule Luftschloss · Rating 4 out of 5]

David is new and town, and the first thing he notices about his new home are the kites.

This is a story about arriving somewhere and having to carve out a place for yourself. At first, it might be frightening because of the infamilarity, but once you've put some effort in and made a few friends, you might wind up enjoying yourself.

I really liked how the absent grandfather gave David his inspirations and how David got himself out of the bad mood by himself, by daring, by exploring, by trying.

I recieved a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.

[Elif · Rating 5 out of 5]

A kite is not just a kite sometimes and a story may not be just a story.
I loved the colour palette and the illustrations. A wonderful book.

[Floss · Rating 5 out of 5]

The main character shows commitment, resilience and individuality and is rewarded with true friendship and acceptance. The book is also beautifully illustrated. Great read!

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a lovely book. Wonderfully illustrated.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caring and creative.

[Sasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was cute and uplifting, more about teamwork than kites, and way angstier than I'd anticipated. This duo has promise. I would read more by them. 3.75 stars, rounding up.

[Christina Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

A boy moves to a new place where everything feels unfamiliar and strange, compounded by the fact that all the people around him seem to have kites and he has none. Then he remembers his grandfather saying that you can often create something from what you already have so he builds his own kite. On his way up the hill to attempt flying it he bumps into several other children who all recognise him as a newcomer and help him to improve his kite...but it still doesn't fly like the others kites do, not until he add one final, finishing touch!
There is a lot more to this picture book than initially meets the eye, with a veiled story about bereavement and loneliness. I liked the simple style of the illustrations and the kindness that the boy experiences, sending a positive message that a simple smile or small act of compassion can make a real difference to someone else.

[Mary Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

With its familiar themes of change, determination and friendship written in lyrical, poetic language, Kites expresses the feelings of a child confronting new beginnings with sensitivity. David’s attempts to design a kite, its failure to fly and David’s success in the end, perfectly echo his attempts at fitting in with these new people. The story clearly demonstrates the importance of memory in moving forward, finding a way. While the words themselves paint the story, it is the illustrations that bring it to life. Bright, bold colours and texture-rich patterns dance across each page in a stunning display of mood and atmosphere, making it an irresistible story to dive into. Told in evocative, flowing voice with illustrations of such richness and charm, this is a story to read, keep and share.
(reviewed for Inis Magazine online)

[David Ballard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A boy has recently moved house and feels at a bit of a loss. Then he sees that the local children all have wonderful kites and sets about creating his own.

It’s a nice story that could help children who have moved house find confidence in meeting new friends, whilst teaching them to be more resourceful and individual.

The illustrations have a simple quality to them, but very effective and full of character. I especially like the composition of the cover.

Overall, well worth checking out.

[Fern · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breathtakingly beautiful and lyrically composed, Kites by Simon Mole and illustrated by Oamul Lu, quite literally warmed my heart!

Set against the dazzling backdrop of dozens of magnificent kites flying in the gentle breeze, Mole's tale of friendship, persistence and new beginnings gracefully dances across the page in a poetic and passionate tone. Definitely a picture book to read aloud and treasure.

[Samu · Rating 2 out of 5]

The cover is beautiful but I didn't like the rest of the illustrations nearly as much.