jessalynn_librarian's review
4.0
This is one of those books that pulls you into a very specific place, making it come alive through both text and illustrations. Inspired by the author's experiences of visiting her father's birthplace in Sardinia, it wraps together the sense of being a child with the particular sense of place. Reading it over several times lets you absorb all the details in the illustrations and immerse youself in the story.
librarybrods's review
4.0
Saw this on a Mock Caldecott list, so I wanted to check it out. 3rd graders read Nivola's Planting the Trees of Kenya and LOVED it. I liked the story and illustrations ok, but then was totally struck by the last page, a full page painting of New York City. I would hang that on my wall. (And I'm not even especially partial to NYC)
navicula's review
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
5.0
The author succeeded in making me feel homesick for a place I have never been to. Delightful watercolor illustrations and a detailed narration that pulls on the nostalgia of a simpler time in a village in Sardinia. The book captures the coziness of an extended family, the different joys, sorrows and seasons of life, and the wonder of childhood. I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
“5 stars because I like the cousins, and the fruit trees, and the chickens, and the picture of the city, and the lizards, and the horses, and the car.” - review from my 5 yr old
“5 stars because I like the cousins, and the fruit trees, and the chickens, and the picture of the city, and the lizards, and the horses, and the car.” - review from my 5 yr old
frankisib's review
4.0
Great story about village life, the immigrant experience and more. Loved the story, the illustration and the author's note.
beecheralyson's review
4.0
This wasn't what I was expecting but I really liked this one. A young girl visits the village in Italy where her father grew up. Wonderfully told. Beautifully illustrated.
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