Saturday, June 18, 2011

The Adventures of Bella & Harry :: Let's Visit Paris!


The Adventures of Bella & Harry: Let’s Visit Paris! is the first book in a series about jet-setting sibling Chihuahuas who travel the world and (covertly!) educate their readers along the way. In their Parisian adventure, the wide-eyed, long-eared duo hit popular landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Arc de Triomphe breaking from their packed schedule only to sample French cuisine.

Written at an early elementary reading level, the story is engaging and easy to follow. Brief yet detailed descriptions of French foods, artists and popular tourist destinations offer children a glimpse into a culture different from their own. Kids will need help with the French names, of course, but I love that the author, Lisa Manzione, doesn’t talk down to her readers. She understands that kids like to learn new things and that they like a challenge – they also like knowing things other people don’t know, such as how to say, “Je ne parle pas Francais” (I do not speak French)! Kristine Lucco's illustrations are bright and colorful but not too cartoonish, keeping the story rooted in just enough reality that the educational elements are cleverly disguised amid the fun.


If your children are curious (or if you want them to be!) about what lies across the Atlantic, I highly recommend the Bella & Harry series. The second and third books find our canine travelers in Venice and London, and I, for one, can’t wait to read them! If your family is planning a visit to any of these locations, then these books are a MUST for prepping your children for the trip!

Lisa Manzione is a financial professional, children’s book author, geographic literacy advocate and mother of two children, ages 21 and 23.

The Adventures of Bella & Harry: Let’s Visit Paris! :: $16.95

I received a copy of this book for review purposes.ERINSIMPLESIGNATURE

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