Cover Image: João by a Thread

João by a Thread

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

This is an immersive and beautifully illustration picture book which speaks to bedtime fears, imagination, and the power of the mind to overcome challenges. The art is gorgeous and is definitely the highlight of this work. After reading this galley, I happily ordered the title for our juvenile collection. I imagine it will appeal to families who find highly stylized picture book art engaging.

Was this review helpful?

Suffice to say the under-ten year old me, in the target audience for this, would have hated it. And the adult me, even considering the length of the work and line in the illustrations, thinks little better. One to give a broad pass to, in my mind – unless the more pretentious picture book is your thing.

Was this review helpful?

Soooo nice!!

Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publishers for letting me read this book in exchange for my review.

Was this review helpful?

Really unique and beautiful. Reads almost like poetry, or like narration of a dream (or a nightmare - sensitive or younger readers might find some elements a little surreal - parents be aware). The art is gorgeous and the story complex/abstract enough for multiple readings to be rewarding. Definitely recommended if you're looking for a children's book that goes beyond a linear plot and will open up a discussion.

Was this review helpful?

Not my kind of children’s book, maybe a little to deep for young children, but beautifully illustrated.

Was this review helpful?

The illustrations are gorgeous, but the text adds so little that I would have been happier without it.

Received via NetGalley.

Was this review helpful?

Joao is going to sleep, and begins to imagine all the things his blanket could cover if it was big enough.

The red, white, and black illustrations of the many blankets that Joao imagines are integrated pieces of the story telling, and I really did love the ending result of the story itself being threaded together.

Simply put, this story is beautifully illustrated and as an adult I really did enjoy everything about it. On the other hand, though I found the translation to be a bit clunky and hard to follow for a younger reader.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you so much Netgalley for the ARC!❤️

Considering the book is labelled as Children's Fiction, I expected it to be a bit childish but the narration has surprising depth. It's eloquently written and I love the creativity behind the plot. It's perfect for kids aged 8-9 years. Might be hard for someone younger to interpret the meaning. Recommended!

Was this review helpful?

I was immediately captivated and drawn in by this stunning cover, and the little ones will be, too. Sometimes children’s books can lack originality, but this one is entirely original and unique. A beautifully executed tale of how bedtime fears can be turned into magical adventures and fantastic dreams, this will have your little ones looking forward to bedtime and the wonderful realm of dreams, as opposed to being scared of the monsters under the bed or in the closet. The only risk with this one, because it is a little more abstract than the average children’s book, is that it can be a bit overwhelming and easy to lose interest, but the way the story is weaved there is so much room for discussion and weaving in your own personal magic, that it’s certainly worth a shot.

Was this review helpful?