Peter Carnavas

The point of this book is to teach mindfulness, but I am not sure it’s successful. Mary is a naturally quiet child who gets lost in between her loud siblings, family, and a world full of noise. It’s only when everyone quiets down that she can be found and heard. I think the thing I don’t like about this book is that Mary disappears as if she never existed or as if no one wants her, until they are quiet. I get the message, I'm just not a fan of how it was done. Also there is no show more diversity of characters in this book. show less

This was a really cute book about Jessica's first day of school. Jessica wants to make friends, and she brings different things in her box to try to impress her classmates, first it was her teddy bear, then it was cupcakes, then it was her dog Doris. But nothing worked, she wanted to disappear so she put the box on top of her head.... and then someone came to play with her! You would not know that Jessica was disabled because the book doesn't mention it once, which I liked. We can see in the show more illustrations that Jessica is in a wheelchair, and it did not need saying. I like that the book focuses on Jessica's first day and the attempt at making friends rather than her disability. show less

I enjoyed Peter Carnavas’ The Elephant very much; however, I wondered, Who is the audience for this book?

I don’t think it’s a book like Virginia Sorenson’s Newbery Award-winning Miracles on Maple Hill, which adults could enjoy on its own merit. Despite its attractive cover, I don’t think it’s a book that children would read all the way through, as I think they would initially be confused by the metaphorical elephant. But then I realized that The Elephant is the perfect book for show more spouses and ex-spouses of fathers and mothers mired in debilitating depression. Dads, moms, grandmas, grandpas, uncles and aunts could use The Elephant to explain why Daddy or Mommy just can’t enjoy anything — not even their precious children — because they are so worn down by sadness and pain.

Set in Australia, Olive’s father hasn’t been the same since Olive’s mother died. But Olive’s maternal grandfather and wise best friend Arthur help her enjoy her own life and gradually help her father to move on. This is really a charming book that is best read by a child and adult together.

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Myrick Marketing & Media, LLC, in exchange for an honest review. show less

Problems of moving, finding friends, and parting with old ones comes across with a hint of imagination and tons of heart.

Leo has always had difficulties fitting in at school, but when he found Ralph, everything was fine...although Ralph came from space. With a move to a small town, Leo needs to look forward and leaves Ralph behind, but that also gives him with the task of finding real friends. Considering he still has difficulties on that end, it isn't an easy one. Plus, he misses Ralph.

This show more is a gentle tale, which moves through the plot with calmness, care, and warmth. Leo's fondness for Ralph is very understandable, and Ralph is a wonderful friend. So, it's easy to understand Leo as he struggles to move on. His troubles with kids his age are also understandable and, in many ways, relatable. Luckily, his family stands at his side and offers quite a bit support and concern, never belittling or trying to sweep over his problems. There are other characters as well, who offer assistance where they can, and this forms a wholesome read with lots of goodness.

The slightly larger font and spacing slides a bit more in the chapter book/easier reader direction. The theme of Ralph's friendship also fits nicely to the mid-/and younger end of the middle grade reading group. The story centers more on heart and brings Leo's situation across in a touching and interesting way to keep the pacing steady the entire way through. There were a few times where the perspective switched to the adults, which was smooth but wasn't quite my thing, since it reminded the reader that Leo is a child (but this is really just me, since it also adds insights into the situation). I see this one for readers, who enjoy diving into more thoughtful stories and enjoy a little warmth and food for thought. I received a DRC and enjoyed the playful yet thoughtful read. show less