Violet's Tempest

by Ian Eagleton, Clara Anganuzzi (Illustrator)

Violet’s world has changed. Her voice has gone from a giggle to a whisper. So when her teacher casts her in the school play, she is filled with worry. How will she ever stand in front of a crowd and overcome her shyness? With the love and support of her family, Violet must find her inner confidence and turn that whisper into a roar!

Genres: Picture Books, Emotion, Family, Childrens, School

32 pages, Hardcover

First published August 3, 2021

About the author

Ian is 35 year olds and is the director of The Reading Realm. He is also a content creator and resource writer for various educational organisations, including The Literacy Shed and Authorfy. Ian has taught in primary schools for 13 years and during this time has been a member of the senior management team, a phase leader, and literacy co-ordinator. Ian has also run staff training and writing workshops for children. He still teaches part time at a local school and especially enjoys sharing picture books, poetry and creative writing activities with the children he teaches.

Reviews

[Lauren Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story about overcoming that nervous niggle inside of you and finding the confidence to really enjoy new experiences!

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nerves and shyness are overcome with love, patience, and support.

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

Violet has been cast in the part of Ariel in her class's production of The Tempest, but Violet doesn't feel light and airy like the fairy she is supposed to be playing. She feels heavy with sadness and worry. Her voice is a whisper, and she is petrified with stage fright. What can she do to find the courage to act in the play?

This was such a sweet book about finding your own voice and having the confidence to perform in your own way. I really liked the positive messages in this book!

I loved that Violet's grandmother encourages and guides her as Violet navigates this internal "tempest". Her grandmother is so kind and patient. Violet's uncles, who appear to be a homosexual couple, also try to encourage her.

The illustrations are so beautiful! I love the art style and the warm colors. Every page is a delight!

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.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although readers never learn what has caused Violet, this book's protagonist, to silence herself, she's fortunate enough to have supportive family members and a caring teacher in Mr. Newland who sees past her current behavior. Or perhaps he is able to understand her current subdued nature and recognize her potential. Often, girls tend to grow quieter at certain points in their lives, particularly during puberty and junior high. And perhaps that's the case here. Or perhaps she's dealing with a loss since the narrative hints at times that were happier. Nevertheless, Violet is baffled as to why she's been selected for the role of Ariel in her school's production of The Tempest. Her grandmother and two uncles help her rehearse and provide supportive comments as she prepares for her role. Gradually, she grows more comfortable, and when it's time for the performance, she nails it completely. While the story can be read through multiple lenses, including one about being willing to take risks and be a little uncomfortable in order to grow, the author does some interesting things with gender here, having Mr. Newland refer to Ariel as they, for instance, and having her two uncles hold hands on the way home, a strong hint that they are a couple. Interestingly, too, the illustrations, created with mixed media and digital techniques, play with size as Violet seems almost tiny on some pages, representing her fears and her diminutive status compared to others, and large and confident on others, filling up a whole page. In the end, Violet completely owns that Tempest and tames the storm that seems to be holding her down. This picture book would be well worth sharing with a class or handing to a student who is a little quieter than usual. I loved the fact that Violet's family members are large in size too, expanding readers' notions of what is normal.

[Susan Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely relatable story about regaining one's inner light and confidence through hard work, diligence and the arts. Particularly Shakespeare! <3

[Nichole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable. A lot of great stuff happening in this book.

[A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really lovely depiction of a child who finds strength and bravery within herself when supported by her family and teacher.

[Caitlin Cohen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute, perfect for shy speakers. The author wrote this because his Nan helped him tackle his own stage fright. I love that her uncles are also features as support, subtle and fun.

[Ian Newland · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, lyrical story. Heartwarming and hopeful!