My fingers have been itching to pick up this read and take a peek. It's the second in a series of books and promises wholesome, enjoyable fantasy. I'm expecting amazing artwork and a character to love.
Let's see how it does!
PENNY LANE IN FLORENCE
by Sarah Arias
Children's Fantasy
49 pages
ages 4 to 8
What if the magic you are searching for has been inside you all along?
Penny Lane has always dreamed of becoming a REAL artist.
So when magical dreams of Florence begin spreading through Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Penny is certain destiny is calling.
After all, everyone knows that in Florence there is a magnificent Artist Hat given only to REAL artists.
At least…
that’s what Penny believes.
But Penny is a mermaid, and finding an Artist Hat in Florence is not nearly as straightforward as one might hope.
Between masterpieces, dramatic Italians, flying sketchbook pages, hidden gardens, and one very mysterious mouse, Penny discovers that becoming an artist may not be quite what she imagined.
Penny Lane in Florence is a whimsical mermaid picture book for girls ages 4–8, filled with creativity, confidence, imagination, gentle humour, and the magic of Old-World Europe.
A funny, heartwarming adventure for girls who love mermaids, art, beautiful places, and stories with a little magic.
Penny Lane has always dreamed of becoming a REAL artist.
So when magical dreams of Florence begin spreading through Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Penny is certain destiny is calling.
After all, everyone knows that in Florence there is a magnificent Artist Hat given only to REAL artists.
At least…
that’s what Penny believes.
But Penny is a mermaid, and finding an Artist Hat in Florence is not nearly as straightforward as one might hope.
Between masterpieces, dramatic Italians, flying sketchbook pages, hidden gardens, and one very mysterious mouse, Penny discovers that becoming an artist may not be quite what she imagined.
Penny Lane in Florence is a whimsical mermaid picture book for girls ages 4–8, filled with creativity, confidence, imagination, gentle humour, and the magic of Old-World Europe.
A funny, heartwarming adventure for girls who love mermaids, art, beautiful places, and stories with a little magic.
MY TIDBITS
This book is like stepping into a gentle, fantastical dream with characters to want to befriend and scenes to get lost in.
This is the second book in a, so far, three book series, which accompanies a mermaid girl (who doesn't live in the water) named Penny Lane in various adventures. In this one, Penny Lane, who enjoys artwork tremendously, wants to finally receive her artist's hat. After all, her works are quite good, and she's sure she definitely qualifies. To receive it, however, she needs to travel to Florence, Italy. Luckily, her friends have dreams which also can be furthered by going there. When they arrive, each one does their best to find their spot, but Penny Lane soon realizes that there are artists which are even better than her. Suddenly, she doubts her own abilities and wonders if she'll ever be good enough to receive a hat.
I'm going to start with the artwork because it definitely steals the show in these pages. Each illustration is done with tons of love and opens up to the world in a calming and beautiful way. It's fun simply to flip through the pages and discover each one. There are so many details, each one carefully created. Nothing ever comes across with harsh lines, but rather, the images radiate gentle dreaminess and whimsical touches while the details grab with real-world familiarity. Simply said, they are a treat.
The book is divided into several chapters, making this a great read to pick up as a bedtime tale or for short reading session. It can also be read alone by those readers who are sure of their words...although it makes a wonderful read-aloud. The story flows smoothly and adds a touch of playfulness, hope, and friendship goodness. At the same time, Penny Lane learns that there are always people who are better, but that still doesn't lessen your own talent.
But my favorite aspect of this book (outside of the illustrations) is the playful world. Penny Lane is a mermaid, but she lives as a usual, human girl, and this aspect simply comes across as normal. Plus, it doesn't stick-out as the illustrations weave it in with nonchalant grace. But then, the entire world is built with animals as humans or as her friends. It adds a lovely sense of magic without the spells or wonders...like a dusting. Everything about this read is wholesome and whimsical, and yet grounded enough to make it a world, readers and listeners wish they could join.
And here's more about Sarah!
Sarah Arias is a children’s book writer and illustrator inspired by wonder, imagination, and the emotional world of childhood.
She travels the world with her soulmate and their little dog, Sammy, creating meaningful projects together and collecting inspiration from old cities, quiet cafés, nature, sketchbooks, and everyday moments of beauty.
Sarah is also the mother of two beautiful children, who inspire and shape the heart behind every Penny Lane story. Her books are lovingly dedicated to them.
Through her stories, illustrations, and creations, Sarah hopes to encourage children to stay curious, trust themselves, and protect the quiet spark within them.
Order the book here: www.talesofpennylane.com/the-book/
Website: www.talesofpennylane.com
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