Synopsis from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Website:
Pandora lives alone, in a world of broken things. She makes herself a handsome home, but no one ever comes to visit. Then one day something falls from the sky
. . . a bird with a broken wing.
Little by little, Pandora helps the bird grow stronger. Little by little, the bird helps Pandora feel less lonely. The bird begins to fly again, and always comes back—bringing seeds and flowers and other small gifts. But then one day, it flies away and doesn’t return. Pandora is heartbroken.
Until things begin to grow . . .
About: Pandora is a children’s fiction picture book written and illustrated by Victoria Turnbull. It will be published on 4/4/2017 by Clarion Books, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, hardcover, 32 pages. This book is for ages 4 to 7, grades P to 3. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt’s mission, “we aim to spark a lifelong love of learning in every individual we touch”. Please see below for more information about the author.
My Experience: I started reading Pandora on 3/3/17 as a bedtime story for my 5 year-old son and we finished it that same night. This book is so beautiful, especially the illustrations! I’m happy to learn from the back of the book that the illustrations were done in colored pencil and watercolor. How cool! This book is focused more in pictures than in words and my son and I loved to study the pictures. We hope the story were longer too.
In this book, readers will follow Pandora, a fox, who lives alone surrounded by broken things. She takes these broken things and makes them whole again like sewing up a ripped apart teddy bear. Her home is beautifully made of broken things but she never has any visitors. One day Pandora rescues a bird and gives it love and care. The bird recovers enough to fly about but always returns. One day he doesn’t return and as Pandora feels totally alone again, something magical happens. This is a beautiful book of hope, friendship, and nature. I highly recommend this book to everyone. I am absolutely in love with the pictures! I am dreaming to live in that tree house there!
Pro: illustrations, friendship, fixing broken things, bird
Con: not enough words in this story
I rate it 5 stars!
Grab yourself a copy here: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Website or Book Depository
About the Author:
Victoria Turnbull was born in York, and spent her childhood absorbed by books and drawing. She went on to study for an MA in Children’s Book Illustration at the Cambridge School of Art and in 2013, won the Association of Illustrators New Talent Award in the Children’s Book category. Victoria now lives in East London, where she both writes and illustrates her own stories.
Victoria’s debut picture book, The Sea Tiger, was published by Templar in June 2014. The Sea Tiger was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, 2015. Victoria had two new picture books out in 2016. Kings of the Castle was published by Templar in May, and Pandora was published by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books in November. (Info obtained from author’s website).
More Information about Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Website: http://www.hmhco.com/ | Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/hmhco | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/houghtonmifflinharcourt/
***Disclaimer: Many thanks to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company for the opportunity to read and review. Please assured that my opinions are honest.
xoxo,
Jasmine
This looks absolutely adorable! I love the artwork and the story… They’re just so heartwarming and sweet.
Great review, Jasmine! This sounds like a lovely book for all ages ❤
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Thanks Sophie! I’m loving these kids books for their fancy illustrations haha.. and story too. It’s a quick read and something new. I like to read different genres. Do you read kids’ books sometimes?
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Not usually since I do give priority to YA or more mature books, but I do love them when I get my hands on them from time to time 🙂
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Ohh, this looks too adorable! I’m glad you and your son enjoyed it! 🙂
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I love these picture books. It’s too amazing how color pencils can turn into these fancy pictures! 🙂
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Adorable looking book! I wish I had kids just so I could read them picture books!! 😊
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The time will come and you will get to enjoy them too 🙂 It is really cool how colored pencils and watercolor can turn into these beautiful pictures! I’m amazed 🙂
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That Crane one is gorgeous! I wish I had the talent to draw like these illustrators. I don’t know about the time coming: I’m almost 34 on Wed and no significant other….I’m getting too old for kids of my own. But I’m glad people who have them can enjoy these books with them, like you can. 😊
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I wish I can draw too! With the high tech we have in USA, age doesn’t hold back much. You currently live in a small city so it’s hard to meet people. Once you move, you will have more chances probably.. The bad thing about us readers is that often we are stuck at home.. Maybe you can consider reading at the library, coffee shops, park or bookstores? 🙂
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There’s really not much around here. The public places are filled with weirdos (unfortunately), so I do tend to look forward to events where I can hang with people from Twitter that I know! I just wish there were more of them here.
Hoping Florida goes well…😊🤞
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The book signing event is really cool, based on your pics and Megan’s. I need to look for one near home too. Were there any bloggers you know at the signing event you went last time?
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Yes! Some are my friends from Twitter and I follow their blogs now that I met them and know them! It is a great way to meet ppl.
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