How beautiful is the world of children books! Although I am reading books no matter the age they are designed for, the innocence and purity of the children books is where I feel at home the best. Writing a children book, as an adult, requires such a dramatic immersion into the world of the little ones just at the very beginning of their journey of discovery. Therefore, I think that writing an inspiring children book is one of the hardest assignments even for the most experienced writers.
I´ve read The Whisker Twitchers, a beautiful bunny story by Kathy Tallentire, illustrated by Becky Stout, several times. Twice to my 6 yo son, and at least twice for myself. We can´t get enough of it, as the match between the story and the illustrations is so perfect that you feel it as a very real encouter. (Except that I am not ready to run through the snow, not yet).
The impact of reading it is such great that I could easily figure out a short movie featuring the loveable bunnies. All of them, not only the main characters of the book.
Bella is a curious little bunny spending a lot of time with his grandfather. She is small and wants to learn everything, but sometimes the adults are not so good at explaining things. One needs to follow and watch them or just learn by him- or herself. This is what Bella will do in the end, but his beloved grandpa will help up a little bit to read the secret language of whisker twitchers. A language whose knowledge will open her the door towards the world of nature, with changing seasons and landscapes.
The only part of the book that was a bit too rough for me, was the abrupt beginning of the story, as it comes out of nowhere with no preparation or previous introduction for the rest of events to unfold, but it is a good trick after all, as it keeps the reader - particularly the one lacking the patience of the literate adult - interested until the end. Which unfortunately comes too fast, but makes sense in the economy of the story as such.
The lovely illustrations and simple story written using an easy yet useful vocabulary are very resourceful, especially for a preschool-first grade children. In addition to the pure literary experience, it may also make children curious to learn the behavior of animals, particularly how do they figure out the weather changes and the non-verbal communication in general.
Both parents, kindergartens and schools can consider The Whisker Twitchers as a good addition to their library.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour, but the opinions are, as usual, my own
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