Thursday, July 16, 2015

IN A VILLAGE BY THE SEA by Muon Van / Book Review




By: Muon Van
Illustrated by: April Chu
Published by: Creston Books
Released on: 5/12/15
Ages: 4 - 8 years old

Written in a spare, lyrical style using fresh, evocative imagery, In a Village by the Sea tells the story of longing for the comforts of home. A perfect book for teaching about diverse cultures and lifestyles through rich pictures and words, moving from the wide world to the snugness of home and back out again.

A beautifully illustrated, culturally diverse book. In A Village By the Sea will give children a personal view of a Vietnamese fishing village, and the beautiful story that unfolds within the pages of this book. 

I love the adventure a book can take you on without leaving the comforts of the very spot you're sitting to read a book at. In A Village By the Sea, readers are taken on an adventure at sea, as well as welcomed into the warmth of a small house that sits high on the hills over looking the sea, that belongs to the family who is waiting for their fisherman to return home, safe and sound.

I loved the imagery, and the way Muon Van tells her story. The story itself is simplistic in it's wordage, and is told in such a way that young children can easily comprehend what is happening on each page. The illustrations are just as beautiful as the story. Each page focuses on a specific part of the story, bringing that part of the story to life elegantly. One of my favorite parts of the story is the hole in the wall of the kitchen, where the cricket is at, who's painting the picture of the boat out at sea. I won't say anything else about it, as you'll have to read the book to find out the significance of that painting.

I really enjoyed this book. I love the author's note at the end of the story. Readers learn more about the real life inspiration behind the book itself, and the author's personal connection to the story. This is a book that would be a wonderful addition to any library, classroom or personal library. 



Rating: 4 Owlets - I Really Enjoy It!
This book was provided by publisher to review, in exchange for my honest review. Check out the book on Goodreads, purchase it from Amazon.



I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves. ~ Anna Quindlen

Good children's literature appeals not only to
the child in the adult, but to the adult in the child.
~ Anonymous ~