Song of the Old City
This lyrical, whimsical picture book, set in the old city of Istanbul, celebrates kindness and generosity of spirit.
Follow one little girl on her busy day through the old city of Istanbul--from the Galata bridge to the Grand Bazaar--as the city opens its arms to her. All along the way, the generous people she meets share many gifts with her: sesame rounds, hot tea, a boat ride, rose candy, pomegranate juice, even a scrub in a Turkish bath! But she doesn't just keep the gifts for herself. At every turn, she finds a way to share what has been given to her and pass it on so others can enjoy it too.
With poetic text and radiant artwork, author Anna Pellicioli and Turkish illustrator Merve Atilgan bring us this heartwarming tale of kindness and generosity in the city known as the crossroads of the world.
Title: Song of the Old City
Author: by Anna Pellicioli,
Merve Atilgan (Contributor)
Genre: Children’s picture book
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Publishing Date: 11/17/2020
Language: English
ISBN: 1524741043
ISBN-13: 9781524741044
My Review
There are endless hours in the day in the mind of a happy child which can be filled with random adventures, moments of bravery, unrestrained giggles and laughter, and the wondrous, new discoveries surrounding in abundance. So, it is in this lovely picture book that the story of a sweet little girl with plump red cheeks and a shirt and shoes to match it, begins by the water at the city of Istanbul port when a fisherman hands a girl a flapping fish right out of the water.
Oh, the wiggles and the surprise! Quickly she trades it with the simit seller for a tasty sesame round. Oh, yummy, it’s still warm! Now come the seagulls wanting all the crumbs and a ferry captain invites her on his boat, where the creaks and moans are contrary to the shining water and the jellies all around.
From hot tea to an accordion player and a new friend in the market streets, nothing stays unexplored in this whimsical portrait of an old city and a little girl with a twinkle in her eye exploring it. Kittens, balloons, rooftops and a Grand Bazaar make the perfect day followed by sweet dreams and songs of the gifts tomorrow may bring.
What a darling, beautiful picture book. A pure feast for the eyes!
This will make a sweet story-time read in a group or just with your child. The colorful art is so beautiful and inviting without being overbearing while it lends itself to dream further of the hustle and bustle of an old city and it’s inhabitants. It presents an opportunity to investigate the culture and markets of other, foreign countries while it satisfies the mind of a child with a full day of exploration through this little girl and her new friends.
Very enjoyable. Will make a lovely book to give :)
I received a digital copy of this novel from Edelweiss via the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Thank you so much.
