Review of Julia Dweck’s Donuts & Dreaming of Summer Giveaway Hop launch!

Paul R. Hewlett here, kicking off the Dreaming of Summer Giveaway Hop hosted by Kathy at I Am A Reader Not A Writer and Me, My Shelf & I. A quick reminder that I’m currently on the Lionel’s Christmas Adventure blog tour over at Deanna Lynn Sletten today. Also make sure to enter award-winning author Crystal Marcos’s giveaway for a Kindle Fire (or $150 Amazon gift card) and more! Now onto my review!

Donuts by Julia Dweck
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely LOVED Donuts! Julia Dweck has written another fantastic children’s book. I have to admit that I really look forward to her work, and Donuts did not disappoint.  Click on the cover image to purchase from Amazon. Before I get to the review here’s the Goodreads blurb:

Donuts is a fairy tale with a modern day appeal. Meet Merl, a plucky, young squirrel who makes his home in a vast wilderness where all the trees have been cut to the ground. When Merl finds the very last acorn, he makes an extraordinary wish, resulting in one final oak tree sprouting. However, Merl’s wish is far from granted when the tree’s sprawling branches fail to bloom one single nut. A visit to a park turns Merl’s world upside down and his tree will never be the same. This is a majestic and poignant tale that exemplifies the beauty of loyalty in the friendship that grows between a squirrel and his tree. Donuts will touch the hearts of readers and make the most ardent cynic, smile. Stunning illustrations and melodic rhyming text make this enchanting adventure a memorable read.

What I liked most: I loved the illustrations by Adam Duff! They are wonderful. The image of Merl clutching/hugging his acorn with his eye’s closed is priceless, and the one of him crying, tugs at the heart strings. Page after page is filled with beautiful illustrations.The way the illustrations and story work together to deliver the book’s message is what really sets this book apart.

What missed just a bit: I didn’t find anything I thought missed.

Overall: Donuts is a great children’s book that is perfect for children to read or for family, classroom, or library story time. The message it delivers about friendship and caring for one another (I enjoyed the image of Merl tending so lovingly to his beloved friend/tree) is one that adults and children alike will cherish. It teaches that loved ones are always with us as long as their memories are kept alive. I recommend Donuts for everyone this Christmas season!

For More about Julia and her other titles be sure to check her out on Facebook , Goodreads, or her author page on Amazon. Thanks for stopping by everyone. Make sure to enter the Rafflecopter form below for a chance to win one of two great books by Julia! Be sure to leave us a comment!

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