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This Town
An inspirational reminder to shop local. Filled with adorable illustrations and eloquent rhymes, this children’s book focuses on a girl growing up in a quaint downtown and the relationships she has with the owners of the small stores. From building a birdhouse with the hardware store owner to baking cupcakes for firefighters, not only does this story encourage community, but also goodwill. A lifelong friendship is also woven throughout the narrative that will have you smiling from ear to ear, especially in the end. Buy a copy for your family today and another one to give to your favorite local business owner tomorrow. Perfect for children ages 3-7.
45 pages, Paperback
Published September 9, 2021
7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 8, 2022
Okay, I've read a few new picture books today, but this one was definitely my favorite. The story follows a little girl as she grows up in a small town, all the people she meets along the way, and how her life is connected to the town around her. The illustrations are pleasing to the eye, the prose has a nice lilting rhyme to it, and when the story comes full circle, it's very satisfying. Would totally recommend this for ages 2-6! Thanks to Sandra's Book Club for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review!
May 5, 2023
I received a free copy of the book from the author.
This Town by Mark Restaino, illustrated by Doblenudo, is a heartwarming and inspiring children's book that emphasizes the importance of shopping locally and building strong community relationships. Through eloquent rhymes and charming illustrations, readers follow a young girl as she forms meaningful connections with the owners of small stores in her downtown area.
Restaino's story is not only about the positive impact of supporting local businesses, but also about the power of kindness and goodwill. The girl's interactions with the hardware store owner and firefighters, among others, demonstrate how small acts of generosity can have a big impact on those around us. The lifelong friendship that develops throughout the narrative adds an extra layer of heart to the story, leaving readers with a warm and fuzzy feeling.
Doblenudo's illustrations perfectly capture the small town charm and whimsy of the story. Each page is filled with adorable and intricate details that will captivate young readers and adults alike. The combination of the charming story and delightful illustrations makes This Town a delightful addition to any child's bookshelf.
Overall, This Town is a lovely reminder of the importance of supporting local businesses and building community relationships. The book's message is delivered in a way that is engaging and relatable for young readers, making it a perfect choice for children ages 3-7. Parents and caregivers will appreciate the positive message, and the charming illustrations will capture the imaginations of young readers. I highly recommend This Town as a must-read children's book.
This Town by Mark Restaino, illustrated by Doblenudo, is a heartwarming and inspiring children's book that emphasizes the importance of shopping locally and building strong community relationships. Through eloquent rhymes and charming illustrations, readers follow a young girl as she forms meaningful connections with the owners of small stores in her downtown area.
Restaino's story is not only about the positive impact of supporting local businesses, but also about the power of kindness and goodwill. The girl's interactions with the hardware store owner and firefighters, among others, demonstrate how small acts of generosity can have a big impact on those around us. The lifelong friendship that develops throughout the narrative adds an extra layer of heart to the story, leaving readers with a warm and fuzzy feeling.
Doblenudo's illustrations perfectly capture the small town charm and whimsy of the story. Each page is filled with adorable and intricate details that will captivate young readers and adults alike. The combination of the charming story and delightful illustrations makes This Town a delightful addition to any child's bookshelf.
Overall, This Town is a lovely reminder of the importance of supporting local businesses and building community relationships. The book's message is delivered in a way that is engaging and relatable for young readers, making it a perfect choice for children ages 3-7. Parents and caregivers will appreciate the positive message, and the charming illustrations will capture the imaginations of young readers. I highly recommend This Town as a must-read children's book.
September 15, 2021
The book description includes: "An inspirational reminder to shop local." But this book is much more than that, so I hope you read the entire description! To me, I see the importance of community and positive relationships woven within a lovely story of a girl growing up and choosing to stay within her community. The illustrations are fantastic. And the words have a bit of rhythm and rhyme, but not in a rigid (or cheesy) way that many children's books do. There is also a bit of word play, which I enjoyed. I love when a simple book can showcase big ideas and prompt discussions. Here are some ideas if you are looking for a meaningful discussion with your kids!
What are some of the things the girl does as she grows up? Would you like to do any of those things?
Describe the town where she lives.
What are some similarities between her town and where you live? What are some differences?
Do you know any shop owners, librarians, or other community workers?
How might you get to know someone new?
How many moments can you find in the book that show kindness?
What are some of the things the girl does as she grows up? Would you like to do any of those things?
Describe the town where she lives.
What are some similarities between her town and where you live? What are some differences?
Do you know any shop owners, librarians, or other community workers?
How might you get to know someone new?
How many moments can you find in the book that show kindness?
September 17, 2021
Another heartwarming, awesome book from this talented author! I love this book so much, and it touched my heart. I got tears in my eyes, as I read about a girl who develops relationships, with the people in her town. She makes friends, and creates special memories. It reminded me of my small Iowa hometown, and all of the people and things, that I love about it.
I reread this story multiple times, to take it all in, and the amazing illustrations show that the girl is growing up. I love the rhyming text, and the clever play on words! I think this sweet, sentimental book will appeal to adults, as you reminisce about your childhood. It will also be loved by kids, who are learning about their towns, and bonding with others in their communities.
This delightful, meaningful book, will inspire readers to be grateful, and to enjoy the little things in life. Ordinary days of growing up, become the memories that we cherish. Love the wonderful messages of kindness, friendship, and supporting small businesses, and the people we love.
I reread this story multiple times, to take it all in, and the amazing illustrations show that the girl is growing up. I love the rhyming text, and the clever play on words! I think this sweet, sentimental book will appeal to adults, as you reminisce about your childhood. It will also be loved by kids, who are learning about their towns, and bonding with others in their communities.
This delightful, meaningful book, will inspire readers to be grateful, and to enjoy the little things in life. Ordinary days of growing up, become the memories that we cherish. Love the wonderful messages of kindness, friendship, and supporting small businesses, and the people we love.
September 8, 2021
For a small book there's a lot to offer in This Town.
This book shows several things parents and children can do or explore to learn about their town. I especially liked that it encouraged us to shop local.
Most any age child will enjoy this story. It's short and to the point... perfect to read to a toddler and the illustrations were adorable. Older kids will enjoy reading it and since it is short they won't be intimidated like they might be with a longer book.
As a parent/grandparent I liked the way it focused on town pride and the ease of using some of the pages for suggestions for field trips.
I was given a copy of this book from the author. The views written here are my honest opinion.
This book shows several things parents and children can do or explore to learn about their town. I especially liked that it encouraged us to shop local.
Most any age child will enjoy this story. It's short and to the point... perfect to read to a toddler and the illustrations were adorable. Older kids will enjoy reading it and since it is short they won't be intimidated like they might be with a longer book.
As a parent/grandparent I liked the way it focused on town pride and the ease of using some of the pages for suggestions for field trips.
I was given a copy of this book from the author. The views written here are my honest opinion.
September 19, 2021
Living in the same home and community until young adulthood, I can identify with the main character and her wonderful connections to place and people that putting down roots have afforded her. The illustrations are delightful as they depict, as witnessed by her community, the big and little events in this girl's life. I especially love the character's connection to the elderly in her circle. Yes, the message is a nod to "shop local" but it is, more importantly, a tribute to rich relationships nurtured over time. A very sweet read.
February 21, 2023
Children's books don't come full circle often.
THIS TOWN - no matter how tiny - does.
The little book is very poetic and the illustrations are also tender and lyrical.
The story definitely touches the reader's heart with its simplicity and nostalgic wisdom.
Our reality is comprised of many opposing or complimenting each other substances - small/big, young/old, give/take, roots/leaves, inside/outside, nurture/nature, etc. - substances the title gently explores.
Sweet and heartwarming - an ideal publication for your little one.
I received a free copy of THIS TOWN from the author.
THIS TOWN - no matter how tiny - does.
The little book is very poetic and the illustrations are also tender and lyrical.
The story definitely touches the reader's heart with its simplicity and nostalgic wisdom.
Our reality is comprised of many opposing or complimenting each other substances - small/big, young/old, give/take, roots/leaves, inside/outside, nurture/nature, etc. - substances the title gently explores.
Sweet and heartwarming - an ideal publication for your little one.
I received a free copy of THIS TOWN from the author.
August 9, 2023
GREAT CHILDREN'S BOOK ABOUT COMMUNITY & CONNECTION!
We enjoyed this book because of its emphasis on the value of community! This is a beautifully illustrated children’s book that follows a girl growing up in a community. She eventually develops important relationships with local store owners throughout her town. This story holds an important message for children to recognize and value the connection we have to one another. The digital world has changed how we shop yet, it's important for children to recognize the importance of shopping locally.
We enjoyed this book because of its emphasis on the value of community! This is a beautifully illustrated children’s book that follows a girl growing up in a community. She eventually develops important relationships with local store owners throughout her town. This story holds an important message for children to recognize and value the connection we have to one another. The digital world has changed how we shop yet, it's important for children to recognize the importance of shopping locally.
September 7, 2021
Amazing Book
I love this book and its wonderful illustrations. Wish my kids were small again so we could cuddle up and read the book over many times.
You can tell from the illustrations that the character is growing through ÷and page. I think maybe has grown up and remembers all the good things about the town they grew up in. This book shows us that we can find good in our town if we just look. This book would be a great gift for an elementary teacher, child or grandchild.
I love this book and its wonderful illustrations. Wish my kids were small again so we could cuddle up and read the book over many times.
You can tell from the illustrations that the character is growing through ÷and page. I think maybe has grown up and remembers all the good things about the town they grew up in. This book shows us that we can find good in our town if we just look. This book would be a great gift for an elementary teacher, child or grandchild.
October 6, 2025
This town is a brilliantly written and illustrated book about hometowns. It is about community, friendships, and belonging to something big-even in a small town. This charming book takes you around the town with a sweet little red-headed girl, showing us what the perfect little town could be like. Smell the fresh bread, remember your librarian, and relive the past as you share it with your little ones today! Bravo!
September 8, 2021
Very cute story
This was a really cute story, following a girl as she grows up. Parents who read this to their children Silk also be able to enjoy the slight play in series that are in the book. It's a happy go lucky kind of book and highlights different kind that may typically go unnoticed.
This was a really cute story, following a girl as she grows up. Parents who read this to their children Silk also be able to enjoy the slight play in series that are in the book. It's a happy go lucky kind of book and highlights different kind that may typically go unnoticed.
September 18, 2021
This well written, small book made me feel happy. Happy to have grown up in a small town (Texas), and have all the freedoms America provides.
Children who are small will love the spectacular, lovely, engaging illustrations! So fabolous!
Parents will love the message encouraging us to appreciate our local towns, learning about our town and having town pride.
It provides us with a message of kindness and goodness.
Read and enjoy
Children who are small will love the spectacular, lovely, engaging illustrations! So fabolous!
Parents will love the message encouraging us to appreciate our local towns, learning about our town and having town pride.
It provides us with a message of kindness and goodness.
Read and enjoy
November 6, 2023
This is a wonderful children's books but not only for children. It is great for parents at least as much as for children, if not more.
Filled with beautiful watercolor illustrations, every page is an encouragement to shop local and sustain your community.
Great idea made simple and easy to follow.
Would recommend to any small business owner to have it as a gift to people who buy local.
Filled with beautiful watercolor illustrations, every page is an encouragement to shop local and sustain your community.
Great idea made simple and easy to follow.
Would recommend to any small business owner to have it as a gift to people who buy local.
May 29, 2024
This Town is a book that shows how amazing the relationship between the girl and her town is. She enjoys shopping, exploring new things, and knowing more people around her. This book also reminds me of my childhood town where there were so many good memories, good food, and good people. The illustrations are cute.
September 7, 2021
Wonderful little story! Great illustrations!
Wonderful little story about a small town and how the great importance of shopping local and the sweetness of it. The illustrations show such sweetness as well. I would love to read this to my class of 1st graders.
Wonderful little story about a small town and how the great importance of shopping local and the sweetness of it. The illustrations show such sweetness as well. I would love to read this to my class of 1st graders.
September 7, 2021
Have a tissue handy for this sweet picture book that reminds us of what small-town life, pre-Covid, was like and what we hope to see again soon. I had a Beta copy and am still hoping he will release it as a coloring book.
September 8, 2021
I think my grandchildren will enjoy this book
I think my grandchildren will enjoy this book. I'm always looking for new books to have on my kindle for them to read when they come to visit
I think my grandchildren will enjoy this book. I'm always looking for new books to have on my kindle for them to read when they come to visit
September 10, 2021
Very sweet book
I am more of a big metroplex guy myself but I think there is a special nostalgia about sticking it out in one place. If you are someone who believes in planting roots and settling down in a community this book is for you.
I am more of a big metroplex guy myself but I think there is a special nostalgia about sticking it out in one place. If you are someone who believes in planting roots and settling down in a community this book is for you.
January 3, 2022
A good book
I loved the illustrations. I found the book modeled like a Children's book but anyone can enjoy it. I felt the language had a poetic feel to it. A good book. Four stars.
I loved the illustrations. I found the book modeled like a Children's book but anyone can enjoy it. I felt the language had a poetic feel to it. A good book. Four stars.
June 7, 2025
"This Town," a poetic picture book following a girl's journey to adulthood, will captivate readers of all ages! Young children will enjoy the illustrations and expand their vocabulary, while older children will connect with the story's themes.
September 7, 2021
This Town
This is a great children's picture book about local towns. It's important to keep our local towns going and support them! Thanks for writing on an important topic.
This is a great children's picture book about local towns. It's important to keep our local towns going and support them! Thanks for writing on an important topic.
September 14, 2021
Delightful book with wonderful illustrations.
September 18, 2021
Wonderful book reminiscing about the local town and bringing the old to the new.
August 9, 2023
Fun book with lovely illustrations.
February 13, 2024
Nice rhyming story about a cozy little town filled with happy people. Gives a picture of the way the world could be. Little kids (5 and 2) enjoyed it.
December 23, 2025
One of my favorite reads so far!
May 4, 2023
This Town is a sweet warm hearted story where multiple things are happening if you have an eye for them. The story is short on words but not on perspective and feeling. As a children's book it most assuredly could be a starting point for conversations concerning how life can come full circle, kindness, giving and shoes. Call me an old softy but this one is going to stay with me for a bit. The author provided my with a free copy.
February 26, 2023
This is a cute book and I loved the way the author showed the little girl and the different stages of her life, from childhood to adulthood. The illustrations are also very nice.
I received a copy of the book from the author for free.
I received a copy of the book from the author for free.
December 31, 2021
This Town is a children's book with lovely and engaging illustrations.
The story starts with a young girl and throughout the tale she grows into a woman with a family of her own. The illustrations tell just as much of a story as the writing does and I really enjoyed that aspect of the book.
To me it felt like it included a message of kindness and goodness, and I think especially in recent times that is always a good thing to be reminded of, for both children and adults.
The story starts with a young girl and throughout the tale she grows into a woman with a family of her own. The illustrations tell just as much of a story as the writing does and I really enjoyed that aspect of the book.
To me it felt like it included a message of kindness and goodness, and I think especially in recent times that is always a good thing to be reminded of, for both children and adults.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews