"To find out what a story's really about,' the Librarian said,

'you don't ask the writer. You ask the reader."


- SNOW & ROSE by Emily Winfield Martin


Friday, January 16, 2015

Review: ARIANNA AND THE STRAWBERRY TEA by Maria Faulconer (C)


by Maria Faulconer
Illustrated by Katy Keck Arnsteen
Release date: December 1st, 1998
Published by: Eager Minds
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Format: Hardcover
Format read: Hardcover from the author.


SUMMARY

When Arianna and her stuffed bear arrive at the elegant Grand Hotel, where children are not allowed, the looks of horror that greet them gradually change to appreciation.










MY REVIEW

A delightful little book about the innocence and naive mischief of a little girl and her little bear. The author gives life to the story by showing us what the adult world looks like through the eyes of a child.

Arianna and her family arrive in front of their hotel in the middle of a flurry of snow. Arianna and her little bear, Monsieur Le Bear, assumes that the set of doors right next to her is where she needs to go. And this is where her little adventure begins!
For many years, this hotel has served many people, including kings, but, they have never had any children. Especially one with a bear.
Arianna speaks to the doorman, he doesn't respond.
She enters the lobby and leaves puddles on the floor and then walks barefoot on the plush carpet. The maids stared in wonder and curtsied, perhaps thinking she's a princess.
Arianna then ends up in the hotel's restaurant and is ignored until she drops her napkin and comes face-to-face with one of the waiters. She then orders a pot of strawberry tea and chocolate tarts. The grand people sitting in the restaurant overhear the wonderful request and begin ordering the same thing.
Arianna doesn't seem to notice that her presence in the no children allowed hotel is causing quite a disturbance. After all, she's just a child exploring and being herself. Like any other child would behave.
Soon enough, Arianna's parents finally catch up to her and explain what has happened, and what she has done. However, with a sweet turn of events, the fun continues on! And everyone couldn't be happier!

The illustrations look like the picture books I used to read when I was a little girl - bright colorful sketches that can be quite regal but humorous too! A lot of the characters remind me of those that I would have found in Amelia Bedelia stories; like a classic.

The sweetest book for the avid little reader in your life!


*I received this book as a gift from the author. This does not affect my review. All thoughts are my own.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Maria Faulconer

Maria Faulconer has published fiction and nonfiction for children and adults. She loves writing stories, especially ones that tug at the heartstrings.

A huge animal lover, and an adoptive mom herself, she knew when she saw a photo of a baby gorilla snuggling with his surrogate mom that she had to tell their story – A Mom for Umande. 

Her first children’s book, Arianna and the Strawberry Tea, was used for a statewide literacy program. 

She currently writes for Colorado Springs Style magazine and is working on a YA novel. She lives in Colorado with her husband and two children.

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