Storytelling is an important means of teaching children; they absorb what they hear and see. This in turn enables them to process subtle lessons without realizing it. Humberto, the Bookworm Hamster is a wonderful children's picture book that utilizes this very process. Calvani cleverly weaves an engaging story that conveys two very important messages for children.
The first message, or lesson, is that reading can bring a child on fantastic adventures, and it can open new and unknown worlds...it can ignite the imagination. The child can be a hero on a huge white steed, with sword in hand; he can be a space traveler soaring through the universe; he can fight a fire-breathing dragon with the aid of his magical lance; he can travel to far away places; a child can be anything and do anything through books.
The second message in Humberto, the Bookworm Hamster is that of friendship. Through outstanding story telling, Calvani demonstrates the importance of balance. Humberto limits his entire world to reading until he is awakened to the fact that there are other things in life as important, sometimes even more important. Choosing between saving his books during a flood, or his neighbors, Humberto chooses his neighbors. He realizes having friends fills a part of his life that books cannot. And, the best part is that he can share his books with his new friends.
In addition to a charming story, the illustrations in Humberto, the Bookworm Hamster are amazing. They are bright, bold, and fanciful. They are sure to capture every child's attention and imagination.
I am an advocate of children reading for learning, inspiration, and for sparking the imagination. As a grandparent I look for books that not only tell an entertaining story, but ones that also provide an uplifting lesson or moral element. I have two young grandchildren and this is definitely a book I will be reading to them.
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