Tag: Children's Fiction

Book Review: Ziggy on the Rock

This book celebrates the beauty and culture of the Virgin Islands through the adventures of a young boy named Ziggy.

Book: Ziggy on The Rock:
A Day on the Rock

Author: C.M. Rohan
Illustrated by Sophia Foster

Genre: Fiction, Children’s fiction, Graphical novella

Review copy: Author-provided

Available at: Amazon.com

Recommended: Good

A Day on the Rock is a delightful children’s book that beautifully captures the essence of life in the Virgin Islands through the eyes of a young boy named Ziggy. Written by C.M. Rohan and exquisitely illustrated by Sophia Foster, this heartfelt narrative serves as a dedication to the author’s nephew and daughter, as well as to all the children of the Virgin Islands.

The story follows Ziggy as he embarks on a day filled with adventure and discovery on an island called The Rock. From waking up to the bright morning sun and enjoying breakfast with his grandma to exploring the local market and playing at the beach, each moment is depicted with vibrant illustrations and engaging text. The rhythmic cadence of Rohan’s prose makes this an excellent read-aloud choice. References to luscious local fruits, warm snacks, and the natural surroundings transport readers to a world of quiet charm, where Ziggy, with his curly mop of hair and big, bright smile, teaches children about the joys of a balanced day filled with fun and frolic.

Rohan’s writing is rich with cultural references that celebrate the Caribbean’s heritage and natural beauty, instilling a sense of belonging and pride in young readers. The importance of family and community shines through Ziggy’s interactions with his mother, grandmother, and friends, illustrating the values that are integral to life on the islands.

Sophia Foster’s illustrations are a standout feature of the book, bringing the story to life with her detailed and vibrant artwork. She captures the innocence and wonder of childhood. The predominance of greens and blues in her watercolors, accented by dashes of red and yellow, beautifully exemplifies the sun, sea, and sand of the Caribbean.

Besides its entertaining narrative and delightful color palette, A Day on the Rock serves as an educational tool, offering insights into local traditions, customs, and the vibrant lifestyle of the Virgin Islands. The book encourages curiosity and exploration, inviting children to learn more about their own cultures and the world around them. It educates young readers about the beauty and uniqueness of the Virgin Islands. It is a must-read for children, especially those from the Caribbean, as it provides representation and a meaningful connection to their heritage.​

I received a review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Book Review: My Name is Cinnamon

My Name is Cinnamon – book cover

Book: My Name is Cinnamon (Hay House 2022)

Author: Vikas Prakash Joshi

Genre: Young Adult Fiction

Review copy: Provided by the Author

Available at: Amazon.in

Recommended: Must Read

A colorful yet touching story of an Indian teenager

My Name is Cinnamon by Vikas Prakash Joshi is a young adult novel on a sensitive theme. The story refreshingly starts with a football match and childhood fun and frolic. It slowly courses through the harsher travails of destiny. Cinnamon, or Roshan, is a lanky and dreamy teenager, who is puzzled by questions about his identity. He keeps filing them “away in his ‘Questions to ask later’ folder” until the need to know the answers overwhelms him.

Amidst pranks and banter with friends to woes and worries of academics, we get an engaging story of adolescence. It’s also a story about the charms and struggles of parenting. There are insights into Bengali culture, particularly food, and Marathi daily life. No Indian tale is complete without the quintessential train journey, an uncomfortable bus ride, and quirky neighbors and relatives. In this story, Kolkata emerges in all its beauty and uniqueness, and so does a quaint township in the Indian hinterlands.

The book reminds us of adventures written by beloved Indian writers like RK Narayan, Sudha Murthy, and Ruskin Bond. The drawings and caricatures add another flavor to the book. Even with all the colorful narration, I felt the book needed some editing that could have endowed it with a more literary appeal. For me, some incidents were predictable despite the humor, drama, and pace. However, the book makes its mark in the genre of young adult fiction and holds the promise of a sequel or even a graphical or serial novella about Cinnamon, our teenage protagonist.

My Name is Cinnamon has wholesome messaging around the touching topic of adoption. Books for Indian children are always a treat and it’s great to read one that bundles up positive social ideas and lesser-known information. You can grab a copy to capture the nostalgia of being a teenager and to learn whether Cinnamon gets the answers he has been seeking. In the end, you will definitely walk away with some inspiring and useful information that raises awareness and makes the book a worthwhile read.

Additional links shared by the author:

Interview in Greece: https://eatdessertfirstgreece.com/2021/08/21/vikas-prakash-joshi/

Interview in The Hindu: https://bit.ly/3lmDFwT

Interview by TEQ Book Club: https://bit.ly/3DUwE0s

Interview in Pune Mirror: https://bit.ly/3yMIR4R

International School of Kenya: Following dreams challenging

About the Book: noisyvision.org/2021/10/28/my-name-is-cinnamon-a-book-by-Vikas-prakash-joshi/

Book Review: Art

Art – book cover

Book: Art

Author: Marin Darmonkow (@fontrealbooks) / Twitter

Genre: Children’s fiction, Picture book

Review copy: Reedsy Discovery

Available at: Amazon.in

Recommended: Must Read

This magical book of inspired art lets you create your own story and give voice to its protagonist. Art, an illustrated book, reminds me of silent movies of yore when only actors’ expressions were articulated and audiences interpreted the characters in different ways. In this book of intricate imagery, the creative artist Marin Darmonkow has given voice to an autistic character without saying a word. This work of art is intense, tugging at the heartstrings, and generating empathy.

The artwork in fluorescent line drawings and colors stands out on black paper. A heavy mood hangs on the pages because the story that is hardly narrated invokes sadness. There is so much going on in just a few pages – the circus, non-verbal Art, and his stuffed toy friend, mesmerizing people with antics, yet no one knows what goes on in Art’s mind. The jester’s hat of Art and the thousand glistening crowns in the audience bring about the sharp contrasts in life. The stuffed bear, in its silent companionship, seems to be alive and supporting Art in his life’s mission of “Do what you dream!”

There is a lyrical melancholy that pulls you into the black sheets of sparkling wonder. I can imagine a parent narrating a bedtime story based on pure imagination, brilliantly transposed against the beautiful artwork. As an empath, I wonder if it is too dark or sad a book for children. Then, I think – it is not by shielding from the pain that a child grows, but by expounding truths so that compassion flows.

This inspired book can inspire many stories and poems. Bring the magic home and carve your tales, page-by-page, where the stuffed bear comes to life, and Art speaks from the heart. Truly, a collector’s edition, this book must find a place on the bookshelves of young and old. It holds a meditative power, deep insights, and imaginative streak. Make it yours because silence can be stronger than words, as we see in this book.