Book Review & Giveaway: Spiky

 Summer reading is in full swing at the Rup House. We like to make reading our number one priority for all the kids (and me too!) What we like to do is require reading each morning before doing any electronics. Another way we motivate our kids to read is to sign up for all the local reading programs. Our library kicked off their program on Monday and J-man (8) has already earned two rewards. I'm so thankful for these local programs as they really help motivate our kids to get some reading in. Check out your local banks, bookstores, libraries and chuck e cheese for local reading incentive programs.

One of the reasons summer reading is so important is that it is such a big memory from my childhood. Maybe it is because I was a girl - but I looked forward to reading every summer. I still make a huge list of books I want to read each summer the only difference now is that I have a stack to read aloud to the kids and another stack for them. I wish my parents had seen the value in literature and had read aloud to me when I was younger - but the 1980s were a different time.

We were recently sent the book Spiky by Ilaria Guarducci. This book was interesting and to be honest I wasn't sure about it at first. The main character Spiky was pretty awful in the beginning. He let his outer appearance of being prickly and scary affect how he was on the inside. He was mean to everyone and had no friends. Then one day he wasn't spiky anymore on the outside and he had to rediscover himself. As the character started to redeem himself my love for the book grew. I loved that he found friends and finally fit in. Just as the spiky exterior changed his spiky interior changed as well. He became a fun, kind guy that had lots of friends. I like this because it is a subtle reminder that we don't have to be stuck in our ways. Maybe on a smaller scale - waking up in a bad mood you can then choose to change your outlook and change the day. You can learn to treat people better and they will treat you better too. Many great lessons there in this book! It was perfect for Mr. Man 8 because he likes being the stinker in our home. He loves practical jokes and causing chaos. I like how we could have the conversation with him about how he can also be that sweet guy that is on the inside too. 

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About the book:

 Spiky lives in the dark of the forest, where he spends his days being very, very bad, bullying the other forest creatures and sharpening the spikes on his body. Those spikes are handy for keeping everybody at a distance, and that’s just how Spiky likes it! But then one day the unthinkable happens: Spiky starts losing his spikes! Soon he is left looking as soft and as pink as a soft, pink marshmallow. What will Spiky do, now that he can no longer scare away the other forest creatures? Will he have to (gulp!) make friends? It’s a good thing Bernardo the bunny comes along to show him how it’s done.

Additional Information: 

Ilaria Guarducci studied at the Nemo NT Academy of Digital Arts. Since 2012, she has worked as a freelance author and illustrator for various publishing houses and advertising agencies. She has written and/or illustrated seven children's books. Spiky, published in Italy under the title Spino, was shortlisted for the Soligatto Award for Best Picture Book. Ilaria lives with her family in Prato, Italy. Learn more at www.ilariaguarducci.blogspot.com.

Laura Watkinson is an award-winning translator of books for young readers and adults. She translated Soldier Bear and Mikis and the Donkey, both by Bibi Dumon Tak and illustrated by Philip Hopman, and Mister Orange by Truus Matti, all of which won the Batchelder Award. Additionally, her Dutch-to-English translation of The Letter for the King by Tonke Dragt won the Vondel Prize. Originally from the United Kingdom, she now lives in a tall house on a canal in Amsterdam with her husband and two cats. Learn more at www.laurawatkinson.com.

Spiky is the first release from Amazon Crossing Kids, a new imprint for children’s books in translation. Amazon Crossing Kids aims to increase the diversity of children’s books in translation and encourage young reading from a range of cultural perspectives.

Early praise for Spiky

"This quirky self-discovery story features a descriptive, fairy tale–like narrative… [Spiky’s] transformation ultimately offers a positive message about kindness and what it means to have—and be—a friend.” —Booklist

Giveaway!

One lucky winner will receive a copy of Spiky, courtesy of Two Lions (U.S. addresses).

Entry-Form

ARupLife.com received product, press or compensation to facilitate this review. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that by clicking on an affiliate link I may receive a small amount of money. We only give our honest opinions of products. This post is in accordance with the FTC 10 CFR, Part 255 concerning the use, endorsements or testimonials in advertising. Lisa Rupertus/ A Rup LIfe is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.