A Voice for Independent Authors
― E.A. BUCCHIANERI
REVIEWING TODAY: PIRATE BEAR BY SONYA ANNITA SONG – ILLUSTRATED BY JAVIER GIMÉNEZ RATTI
Children’s books offer young readers a wide variety of doorways into vastly magical realms, primarily because they build upon a wide variety of word/picture collages to tell their many unique stories. Some concentrate on verbal fun. Others rely on masterful illustrations to convey their simple tales. While the rhyming cadences from Sonya Annita Song delightfully tell this unique tale of Pirate Bear, it is the overwhelming artistry and intricacy of Javier Giménez Ratti’s illustrations that elevate this children’s book into greatness. Every single page of art is a masterpiece of color, drama, expression, character, and action, and any child can easily imagine himself/herself inside a story accompanied by such great pictures. Credit, then, these dual creators’ decision to keep their story simply told, thus allowing even the youngest readers to fully immerse themselves without undue listening attention.
Pirate Bear may be narrated with rather a minimalist use of language by Sonya Annita Song, but her rhymes are perfectly metered to lull one’s disbelief while also navigating a wonderfully fantastic plot line, insuring that any young adventurer sailing with this crabby old bear will understand exactly what is going on. And though, in the end, this is a heartwarming tale of redemption and transformation, it really would be a shame to spoil the story depicted here with too much revelation of its plot. Suffice it to say, this yarn is about a gruff old pirate with daunted comrades all around, several threatening crocodiles, and a tiny kitten. And it’s in everybody’s interest to find the kitten. Did I give too much away? Don’t worry. The kids will love it.
NOT YET ON AMAZON
Joel R. Dennstedt – Top Reviewer for Readers’ Favorite
