Rink s grandmother was raised by wolves, his Uncle Dud tames rattlesnakes, and Rink grows beautiful flowers all over his body when the moon is full. Townspeople just don t understand the Bowagons. But one day a new girl named Angelica arrives at Rink s school, and he soon discovers she has some unique qualities too. Using humor and metaphor to promote acceptance, this touching story shows us that what makes us different makes us beautiful.
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Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Grade 1-3–Everyone in Rink Bowagons family is a little different. His uncle trains rattlesnakes and his siblings and cousins are all shape-shifters. The boy has a special quirkiness all his own. On nights when there is a full moon, he sprouts beautiful, perfect, fragrant flowers from his body. At school, he is quiet and shy, and the other children keep their distance from him. One day, Angelina joins his class and all of the students vie for her attention. She has her own gift and recognizes what a special boy Rink really is. Together, their story is one that celebrates individuality and self-acceptance. The illustrations are done in acrylics on board and the way the texture of the wood shows through gives the lovely paintings a folksy quality. The luminous scenes and soulful relationship between Rink and Angelina make this story a joy to read.–Genevieve Gallagher, Murray Elementary School, Charlottesville, VA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
From Booklist
Gr. 1-3. Rink Bowagon is not like other boys. Not only does he live on Lonesome Mountain, a "hotbed of strange and exotic talents," but he is shy, quiet, and sprouts flowers from his body during each full moon. Shunned at school, Rink keeps to himself--until a kind, honest girl named Angelina Quiz with a short right leg joins his class. Rink instantly likes her and decides to ask her to the school dance, painstakingly crafting her a pair of snakeskin party shoes with one extra-thick right sole to balance her out. When Rink shows up at Angelina's door with green shoes and pink roses in hand (they had previously sprouted from his head), her heart flips, and the rest is history. This quirky, beautifully told story of individuality, love, and kindness (and the benefits of corrective shoes!) is illustrated with soft, luminous acrylics on visibly textured board. Artful compositions, intriguingly varied perspectives, and a gorgeous palette make these whimsical, expressive paintings suitable for framing. An odd, lovely offering. Karin Snelson
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
My eight year old son who has Tourette's, takes ballet lessons and is a vegetarian (in beef farming country) often feels at odds with his peers. He selected this book for his school book report because it "makes him feel mushy" and he likes how the boy "finds someone who loves him."
I have used this book to teach a unit on acceptance at the pre-school where I work and even younger children (ages 3-5) seem to appreciate the story and especially the illustrations.
I have used this book to teach a unit on acceptance at the pre-school where I work and even younger children (ages 3-5) seem to appreciate the story and especially the illustrations.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
My 5 year old daughter and I love this book. It's one of our all-time favorites and our standard gift for friends' birthday parties. Appropriate for both boys and girls, this story is fun to read while beautifully demonstrating how to be a truly good friend. Our family is looking forward to the next offering from this talented author.
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By M. Macchi
Format:Hardcover
This lovely book is compelling and heartwarming. In a charming manner, this story allows children to experience empathy for others while teaching them to view people through the lens of ability rather than disability.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Poetic & sublime
This is a beautiful book. The story of a different boy finding happiness is poetic; the illustrations are sublime. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Jan J. Pawlus
5.0 out of 5 stars
Neat Story with a Nice Message
I bought this picture book for my young nephew (two years old). It's a bit advanced for him (although he was very excited just to receive a new book! Read more
Published 8 months ago by Roof Beam Reader
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Hotbed of Strange and Exotic Talents
I loved this story. Rink is a member of an odd little family that all have special talents. Rink's talent is the most special of all; during the full moon, he grows flowers all... Read more
Published 18 months ago by Debnance at Readerbuzz
5.0 out of 5 stars
Magic Realism for Kids and Parents
This is a simply beautiful book, with some of the most amazing illustrations I have ever seen, period. The story is heartwarming as others have said. Read more
Published 19 months ago by A. Northrop
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awe Inspired
Quite simply, this is the best book we've ever enjoyed with our now-7-year-old son. We've read it countless times to him since we purchased it when he was 3 or 4. Read more
Published on September 28, 2010 by Benjamynn Gabriel
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another wonderful book by Barefoot Books!
We recently discovered Barefoot Books and I have to say that we are hooked!! The stories are unique and the pictures are simply WONDERFUL! Read more
Published on August 30, 2010 by Scorpiosgirl
5.0 out of 5 stars
This story grew flowers...in my heart!
This is a book I picked up when we sold it at Pottery Barn Kids. I was drawn in by the sweet illustrations and bright colors. After reading the story, I was sold. Read more
Published on January 19, 2010 by Katie Hanson
5.0 out of 5 stars
great book!
What a sweet book! The boy and girl and each a little unusual in their own way, but through a thoughtful gift and acceptance of each other they become friends and then life... Read more
Published on July 1, 2009 by cambridge reader
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Romance for the 4 - 7 Set
Beautifully illustrated and written, this is another winning tale about kids who are [feel] different. Read more
Published on February 12, 2008 by J. Demizio
5.0 out of 5 stars
Unusual and captivating!
This book creates two wonderful characters who each have a special gift. I bought this for myself because I enjoyed it so much and then bought copies for a nephew and friends'... Read more
Published on January 21, 2008 by Alice in Wonderland
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