Customer Reviews

The Adventures of Melon and Turnip

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This in every way delightful book contains a good moral, engaging text, and fantastic illustrations. Great gift for expecting parents or for youngsters!

Once upon a time, two little friends, Melon and Turnip, lived an idyllic life in their garden paradise. They had warm sunshine to loll beneath, gentle breezes, and sparkling waters. They were strong and healthy, and life was good. But for Melon and Turnip something was missing. They both craved adventure - especially Turnip!

Finally, Turnip could stand it no more, so he spun his root out of the soil and enticed Melon to break free of her vine and join him as he set out to see the world. Melon was afraid, but she managed to conquer her fear, snap her vine, and tumble down the hill with Turnip. Thus begins the adventures of these two friends.

As you turn the pages of this book, you will be caught up in the vibrant illustrations, provided by Paul Lopez, that bring this imaginative story so vividly to life. Melon and Turnip are beautifully created, and the expressions on their faces leave no doubt about their feelings. How wonderful is that for a child?

You will ride joyously along with these two friends as they splash into the river to begin their journey. You will be engrossed with them as they later enter the woods where they encounter many obstacles, make many friends, and learn very valuable lessons about life. It is in those woods where they meet a singing apple tree, a squirrel happily packing nuts away for the winter, a pine tree who lifts them high in his branches to view the valley, and even a snake and a rat! Each of these encounters teaches the two friends a special lesson about overcoming fear, understanding differences, and treating others the same way you would want them to treat you.

Just when you think this delightful story is over, the author and the illustrator give us even more to think about. In the back of the book there are several extra pages. The first page has all the words to the songs being sung by the trees and creatures in the woods. The second is devoted to a tiny character whose name is squash, and includes a questioning process about overcoming fear and living your dream. The last two pages are from the illustrator who explains his artwork (complete with drawings) and also includes a questioning process for budding young artists.


*****It is almost impossible to say enough good things about this book! It is so colorful, and its characters are so charmingly personified, that any child would grab it off the shelf on eye appeal alone. The hot peppers in the garden definitely look HOT. The huge crow that swooped down to grab at Melon appeared quite menacing, and Melon's luminous eyes showed her fear. Even though I'm very familiar with Trisha Howell's talents, I was still blown away by this offering. She and Paul Lopez have outdone themselves! I highly recommend The Adventures of Melon and Turnip for children everywhere.*****

Reviewed by Ruth Wilson of Huntress Reviews.

Loved the story, as did my grandaughter. The songs (or poems)
are catchy and there is a lot to learn for everyone.

This book is gorgeous! Trisha Howell did a wonderful job, writing a short meaningful children's story about a melon and a turnip that have to overcome obstacles to enjoy the good things in life. As a parent of 4 children, I see that some of my children are stimulated via sight; therefore I recommend books like this to parents who wish to teach empowering ideas to their children.

And by the way, the quality of this book is super. You should buy it just for the art!

Zev Saftlas, Author of Motivation That Works

This is the 2nd book my children have read by this author. The characters are wonderful, and my what an enchanting way to teach beautiful values. This book also encouraged my children to do a delightful puppet show. My children are looking forward to reading her new series of "Talia and the Tower" when it comes out.

Children will "root" for these two delightful friends who venture out of their safe garden and into the wide world! The concept of a melon and a turnip breaking free and traveling is great imaginative fun, and the world they discover together is full of wonder, meaning, challenge, danger and beauty. A lovely book.

"The Adventures of Melon & Trunip" is a wonderful children's book that helps prepare them for the joys as well as the difficulties of life. Not only is it beautifully illustrated but it teaches young children important lessons about love, friendship, loyalty, courage, compassion, faith and determination. These are all important qualities that strengthen the moral fiber of young people. The victory of Melon and Turnip over the isurmountable odds is humorous and thought provoking. This book deserves a place next to every great child's book on your book shelf.
Ralph Zuranski
http://www.InSearchOfHeroes.com

This charming fable chronicles the humanity of an unlikely pair of protagonists, Melon and Turnip, "two drifters off to see the world/There's such a lot of world to see." Trisha Adelena Howell and Paul Lopez, the team that brought you the wonderful Princess and the Pekinese, create visual and verbal magic once again in The Adventures of Melon and Turnip.

The collaborative effort of author Trisha Adelena Howell and illustrator Paul Lopez, The Adventures Of Melon And Turnip is a children's book about two unusual vegetative friends who sally forth from their garden and meet an amazing assortment of creatures and situations. From listening to a snake explain how carnivorous animals must eat other animals as a way of life, to witnesses the industrious food-hoarding of a squirrel preparing for winter, to learning the importance of respecting their friend's feelings, and much more, The Adventures Of Melon And Turnip is an educational delight with a positive, character-building message.