missprint_'s review
4.0
I like a lot of this but the structure is a bit strange with it being in the first person. The backmatter is a little disjointed but informative and includes options for further reading.
agudenburr's review
4.0
A beautiful and informative book about the life of Elsa Schiapareli and how she dared to be different. The story is on the long side so it would be better for an elementary audience.
thewinnielife's review
Picked it up because of the cover. I didn’t even know what it was about and I had never heard of Elsa Schiaparelli before. I’m glad I was able to learn about someone new and in such a fun, colorful way.
jennybeastie's review
4.0
Really excellent biography for younger kids about Else Schiaparelli -- and that's not an easy subject to turn into an engaging picture book, but this one is lovely and well done. Great on themes of beauty and artistry and following an unconventional life.
lupines's review
3.0
A beautiful collaboration of such an inspiring story. I adore Elsa's authenticity, her courage to stay true to herself and living on her purpose.
acouplereadss's review
5.0
Bloom inspires the reader to dream hard, work hard and believe in yourself even harder! This success story will encourage your children to never give up on their dreams.
I have one word for this book. Unique. This was entirely a new experience for me. To be able to translate a memoir into a storybook completely captured me.
The Illustrations
What a stunning book! The illustrations came across as energetic. The use of color and detail tells the story with emotion that words alone would not have been able to tell. It was because of the illustrations that I was finding myself connecting with the story of Elsa.
The Characters
Based on a true story, this beautiful memoir told through images pulled the characters to the forefront. Elsa, the main character, goes through challenging childhood moments. Born in Rome in 1890 she was given the nickname “brute” which translates to ugly while her sister was given the nickname “bella”, beauty. Because of this traumatizing beginning as a child she tried to plant flowers into her face to make herself beautiful. While this make my heart crack a little it was truly the beginning of her creativity flow. An ugly duckling that turns into one of the most colourful fashion designers in the world.
The Themes
So many themes were covered in this book! So much for children to pick up on and to learn about. I wanted to focus on my favourite theme throughout the book to talk about. The celerbration of the creative spirit. It really encourages the reader to be passionate about their creativity and follow it no matter what. I love how inspiring this book is to children, heck even to adults! I found myself inspired to keep following my dreams.
**Thank you Penguin Canada for sending me a copy of this beautiful book in exchange for an honest review.**
I have one word for this book. Unique. This was entirely a new experience for me. To be able to translate a memoir into a storybook completely captured me.
The Illustrations
What a stunning book! The illustrations came across as energetic. The use of color and detail tells the story with emotion that words alone would not have been able to tell. It was because of the illustrations that I was finding myself connecting with the story of Elsa.
The Characters
Based on a true story, this beautiful memoir told through images pulled the characters to the forefront. Elsa, the main character, goes through challenging childhood moments. Born in Rome in 1890 she was given the nickname “brute” which translates to ugly while her sister was given the nickname “bella”, beauty. Because of this traumatizing beginning as a child she tried to plant flowers into her face to make herself beautiful. While this make my heart crack a little it was truly the beginning of her creativity flow. An ugly duckling that turns into one of the most colourful fashion designers in the world.
The Themes
So many themes were covered in this book! So much for children to pick up on and to learn about. I wanted to focus on my favourite theme throughout the book to talk about. The celerbration of the creative spirit. It really encourages the reader to be passionate about their creativity and follow it no matter what. I love how inspiring this book is to children, heck even to adults! I found myself inspired to keep following my dreams.
**Thank you Penguin Canada for sending me a copy of this beautiful book in exchange for an honest review.**
juliahendrickson's review
5.0
Such a beautiful history picture book! Excellent message for children and adults