Matthew Ralph Author, Illustrated by Khansa
Five stars
In what is a real departure for this reader, I was invited to read a children’s book and leave a review, if I felt inclined. When Matthew Ralph approached me for this, I’ll admit I was a bit leery, it’s been years since I was even near a children’s book! But then again, that’s probably a good vantage point to view this work from as well. So let’s get to it!
Let me just start by saying that I loved Sam! He’s a young sloth, but he’s also a different sloth. He’s speedy when all his fellow sloths are slow and sleepy. The life lessons start quickly in this story, but they don’t hammer at you, they simply are.
Sam is tired of the sloths he lives with all being too sleepy to play with him, so he sets out to find others that will play with him. In his journey through the rainforest, he encounters several other young animals with whom he would like to play. At each meeting, he discovers that they each play differently, but the heartwarming thing throughout the story is that though they all play differently, they still all play together. Would that some adults would learn this.
Children’s books are also about the pictures, and Sam the Speedy Sloth is no different. I wouldn’t be doing the book justice if I didn’t mention that the illustrator here is outstanding. Great vignettes that are colourful and eye-catching, perfect for any little to enjoy along with a great tale that has much to teach.
Sam’s story is told in rhyme, but it’s not a complicated meter, I think most children will really enjoy this – in fact my grands will be getting Sam’s story in their stockings!
Additionally, Ralph has included several great activities at the end of this book, which I think will be a great boost to learning. Overall a good story, well written, with engaging characters and language; well worth picking up for your littles – maybe even for yourself!
[I was fortunate to receive a copy of this book from the author. However, I was not required to write a review, the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.]
Roxx Is Reading 