Review by The Lierary Titan
"In Mistakes Are Gifts, author Maria Cedolini Thompson, complemented by illustrator Daria Shamolina, presents a heartwarming story centered on Luca's first day at a new school. This children's book navigates the challenges and apprehensions associated with new beginnings, skillfully capturing Luca's initial anxiety about fitting into an unfamiliar environment. As Luca encounters his new teacher and classmates, he discovers an atmosphere of acceptance and learns an invaluable lesson: mistakes are an integral part of life.
Thompson's narrative gracefully conveys the importance of embracing errors as opportunities for growth. Shamolina's vibrant illustrations beautifully bring this message to life, adding depth and warmth to the story. Luca, as a character, is endearing and easily relatable for young readers. He symbolizes the anxieties faced by many children in new situations. The book's core theme—that learning from mistakes is a joyful and essential part of personal development—resonates profoundly.
Mistakes Are Gifts addresses a common source of stress in children's lives: the pressure of school and the fear of failure. By promoting a perspective that sees mistakes as positive learning experiences, the book offers a refreshing viewpoint that can significantly aid a child's emotional and educational journey. From an educational standpoint, this book is a valuable tool. As a teacher, I can attest to its potential impact in elementary classrooms. It could serve as a foundation for lessons on personal growth and resilience, not only in the classroom but also in guidance counseling and library settings. Additionally, parents will find this book a helpful resource in teaching patience and empathy, reinforcing the book's message in everyday family life.
Mistakes Are Gifts stands as a testament to the power of understanding and compassion in children's literature, making it a meaningful addition to any young reader's library."
Review by The Lierary Titan
Lucky the Leprechaun on the Loose by author Maria Cedolini Thompson is a fantastic picture book that tells the story of Lucky in a style similar to the Elf on the Shelf story that children love. Lucky hides and causes mischief around the house and the school classroom. None of his antics are dangerous or damaging, but simple fun pranks that children will relate to and find entertaining. Read more.
5.0 out of 5 stars A caring and positive retrospective of the 2020 school year
This book acknowledges and validates the feelings that children had during the 2020 school year without dwelling on the bad. It instead provides a hopeful outlook for the future. This does not surprise me as the author Maria Thompson was my son’s 2nd grade teacher and I learned a lot about how positivity affects children while volunteering in her classroom. The rhyming and rhythmic aspect of the book really engages young readers. I read it to my preschoolers (ages 3-4) and they loved it. Highly recommend!!
Karen
5.0 out of 5 stars clear and fun to read
Loved it especially since I know Maria, the author. This is simple to understand and written with the love she shares with her students every day. The rhyming makes it happy and easy to read and for the kids who went through this trying time, they will remember it for a lifetime.
Clare
5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding commentary on an unprecedented and life changing experience in our history
This is a heart rending account of the 2020 return to the classroom, after months of Online learning during the pandemic. It is written from the unique perspective of elementary school children and their teachers. Ms.Thompson highlights their tender perceptions and feelings. The book is a wonderful resource for stimulating discussion at school and in the home.
May Youssef
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book
I read the book and I saw every moment from the past year like if it is now, it was challenging for all of us but we were trusting our amazing teacher that she will lead us to the best. Thank you Mrs Thompson, we love you to the moon.
Amazon Customer in California
5.0 out of 5 stars Very good children’s book looking back at 2020
Lovely children’s book that is beautifully illustrated. It’s nice to have a book that captures the year of 2020 through the lens of education and school children. Would be a great to read with your younger children especially if they experienced virtual school.
Bryan D Moser
5.0 out of 5 stars Love it!
I totally recommend this for children to understand the pandemic now and as they grow older. I like how the sentences rhyme and bring a nice cadence and rhythm to each page. Children will also enjoy the beautiful illustrations throughout the book.
Tony
5.0 out of 5 stars A Child'd Journey back to school after Covid
Beautifully illustrated narrative from a child's perspective. Illuminating and inspirational.
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining and thoughtful
It is a pleasure to recommend this up-beat book for primary school students who have returned to the classroom in person after the Covid-19 pandemic. Even though children all had very different reactions and experiences Author Cedolini-Thompson finds a universal thread which touches on the deprivation and isolation but focuses on the welcome and warmth the children receive from their teacher. Teacher is masked, but her eyes sparkle with love.
The authors choice to write in rhymed verse makes this an especially successful book to read aloud. It clips along at a cheerful pace even when describing the pandemic difficulties. The book is written from the student’s point of view so it would be especially lovely for a student to do the oral reading. The book is not at all preachy, but there are health reminders lightly sprinkled in the text.
Kudos to Artist Shamolina who portrays each scene with light-hearted but honest sentiment.
Jeban Paulraj
5.0 out of 5 stars Best book!!
Nice book to read to kids. Very helpful for kids who attends school in person after being virtual for so many months.
John T Rowdon
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book!
Very thoughtfully written and timely for our current climate. A great way to describe what we have all been going thru the past several years to younger kids. Perfect for an elementary classroom. Highly recommend.
Editorial Reviews, Literary Titan
The year of 2020, one none of us will soon forget. For teachers, this is especially true. Teachers and students were thrown into a new world of uncertainty and change. What was not expected, was how strong students and teachers would come out of this year. Maria Cedolini Thompson's children's book, Our 20/20 Journey Back to School, is one of perseverance, strength, and having a positive attitude in the wake of things that you can not change.
This story gives a teacher's perspective to children on the events of the past year without fear or an agenda, just explaining things in a way children in elementary grades can understand and empathize with. Thompson address the fears children had and applauded their successes. Daria Shamolina has illustrated this book that is engaging, creative and just fun. One example is the children all have masks with funny faces on them. The colors are vibrant and draw the reader into the story. Together the prose and illustrations make for a touching story, a teachers passion to teach, and children's desire to be in the classroom learning. Our 20/20 Journey Back to School by Maria Cedolini Thompson will delight readers of all ages with a bright outlook for getting through a COVID world stronger."
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