Review
Best Spiritual Children's Books of 2018, Spirituality & Practice
"Encouraging children to take small, incremental steps to accomplish big tasks is an important lesson that is cheerfully presented in this optimistic picture book. The story is enhanced by intricate, swirly collage illustrations. Children will undoubtedly notice that Owl steadily changes color throughout, from purple to bright pink to orange to blue, until his final appearance in green....The added help from friends is proven to be as important, or more so, than a magic word....Storytime audiences should appreciate this book as much as individual children needing confidence to overcome new challenges." —School Library Journal
“This is a great book that you will love to read with your kids as much as I loved reading it to my own!” —Dad of Divas
“An engaging story about the magic of perseverance, with helpful end notes for parents and caregivers.” —Spirituality & Practice
“Striking colors in loose designs on white backgrounds calm young ones and invite them to apply the story to their situation.” —Seattle Book Review
“Charmingly written by Maria Loretta Giraldo and delightfully illustrated by Nicoletta Bertelle, Abracadabra! is an entertaining picture book that teaches children ages 4 to 8 how to face challenges and keep trying, despite setbacks.” —Midwest Book Review
"This story has a memorable cast of forest characters — the birds, a turtle, a mouse, hedgehog — who turn out to encourage Little Owl to take the leap and flap his wings. They offer suggestions and continue to support him. Each one tells him to say the magic word, “abracadabra,” but it doesn’t work. No matter how many times Little Owl tries, he fails and crashes. But he doesn’t give up and keeps trying." —Children's Books Heal
About the Author
Maria Loretta Giraldo is an Italian children’s writer based in Verona, Italy. She is the author of over 100 books published and translated all over the world. She works for publishers such as Giunti, Rizzoli, De Agostini, San Paolo, and many more. She is a long-term artistic partner of Nicoletta Bertelle. Follow her on Facebook: @marialoretta.giraldo1.
Nicoletta Bertelle has illustrated more than 80 books for many Italian and foreign publishers. One of her books was chosen by Rai TV for a cartoon, and she was selected in 2002 for the White Ravens list. She is published by Giunti, San Paolo, Grimm Press, and many more. She lives in Padua, Italy. Visit her at www.nicolettabertelle.it and follow her on Facebook: @nicolettabertelleillustratrice.
