Consumer Reporter Chris Olsen has some top recommendations for books by Canadian authors, including "Perry" by Paola Opal (CTV) Dec. 9, 2010.
“Author and illustrator Paola Opal’s blend of soft lines, bright pastels, and simple flowing texts are inviting and fun. Great for babies and toddlers.”
– Brandi, Changing Hands
“Saffy is a staple in our home. We love it so much, that I just had to do a Saffy Review! The bright colors, and fun-to-say words will engage and captivate your little munchkin. The story is simple, but teaches a very beautiful message…”
– Mom Ok’d
“A newly hatched sea turtle, a baby giraffe anxious for independence and a little elephant who wants more than anything to help his mother … These are the endearing characters in Simply Read Books’ board book series, Simply Small, by Paola Opal.
The repetitive text and simple storyline in these board books are perfect for babies. Each of the characters struggles with issues that young children can relate to. Saffy experiences the frustration that every child feels when he or she wants to do more than they can. Children like being mommy or daddy’s helper and we see this characteristic in Ollie. In families where there is more than one child, siblings are always trying to keep up with each other, just as Totty tries to catch up with his siblings.”
– Review, Canadian Children’s Book News, 2010
“This well-designed board book features an elongated shape and uncluttered pages. The simple text is complemented by Opal’s bright, boldly outlined illustrations of the expressive wide-eyed baby giraffe. Thick, sturdy pages will hold up to repeated readings. An excellent addition to board book collections.”
– Linda Ludke, Resource Links
“This simple but warm story is effectively packaged as the board book’s shape, like a giraffe, is taller than it is wide. The little giraffe’s androgynous name will allow readers to substitute the male pronoun in the reading, if so wished. Using a cartoon-like style, Opal manages to capture the emotions of the mother and child through how she illustrates their eyes. The simple artwork, with its bold, black outlines, is highly appropriate for the intended target audience. A worthy addition to home libraries and collections serving preschoolers.”
– Dave Jenkinson, CM Magazine
“The repetitive text and simple storyline in these board books are perfect for babies. Each of the characters struggles with issues that young children can relate to. Saffy experiences the frustration that every child feels when he or she wants to do more than they can. Children like being mommy or daddy’s helper and we see this characteristic in Ollie. In families where there is more than one child, siblings are always trying to keep up with each other, just as Totty tries to catch up with his siblings.”
– Best books for Kids & Teens 2010 Chosen Title, CCBC
“Bare beauty is what you find in the Simply Small Series books…almost haiku-like.”
– Word of Mouse Book Reviews
“…just perfect for the youngest readers.”
– ABC Best Books for Children
“Opal uses vibrant onomatopoeic language, such as ‘swoosh,’ ‘thump’ and ‘splash,’ which makes reading aloud to children fun.” — CM Review
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