" Benji's Doll" - a bookwrap

 

Unwrapping

Benji's Doll

Authored by Luis Amavisca, Alicia Acosta

Illustrated by Amelie Graux

Specs

* Ages 3-7

* Grade Level:  PS-2

* Hardcover:  40 pages

* Publisher:  NubeOcho

* Pub. Date:  Oct. 21, 2021

* Language:  English 

Editorial Reviews

 

Facial features are exaggerated in this Spanish import—eyes are large, noses upturned, ears stick out—but no one exudes a more toothy joy than Benji when his wish for a doll finally comes true. Though slight on story, it’s big on heart and makes for a long-overdue replacement for the venerable William’s Doll, by Charlotte Zolotow and illustrated by William Pène Du Bois (1972). Friendship trumps gender norms. — Kirkus

Unwrapping Some Illustrations for You

                              The Book                                                                                                                                                                                      

I love this book.  Benji loves dolls.  He has many other stuffed animals to play with but he adores and wants a doll.  He has wanted one badly for a long time.  His best friend Jenny shares her pretty doll with him whenever they get together to play and in return Benji shares his truck. 

One day Benji's wish is granted as his parents hand him a big box tied up with shiny ribbon.  To his delight the box contains his very own doll. Off he runs to the park to share his coveted new doll with all his friends.  Pablo, the neighbourhood bully, appears and snatches Benji's doll from him.  He starts squeezing the poor doll's head causing its eye to pop out!  PLOP! Oh my!  Poor Benji is heartbroken and starts sobbing uncontrollably.  

Pablo sees the sorrow he has provoked and feels very badly about what he did.  He had just wanted to play and never intended to break the doll.  How can Pablo make up for his unkind and mean behaviour?  If he does find a way to repent and say he's sorry will Benji forgive him? 

The illustrations are wonderful.  They enrich the storyline perfectly.  The message is clear... there doesn't have to be boy toys and girl toys but just kid toys to enjoy at playtime.  I highly recommend this book.

Storywraps Rating - 5 HUGS! 

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Meet the Authors

Luis Amavisca is a well-known visual artist and writer for kids in Spain. He has worked and written about equality, solidarity, environment and non-violence. He has published several books including Princess Li/i and Bang Bang I Hurt the Moon, this last one being the runner-up for the Most Inspirational Children's Picture Book by the International Latino Book Awards. 

Alicia Acosta is a professional storyteller from Andalusia, Spain. Using her background as a psychologist, she works with children in schools to promote a love of reading. Her book, Little Captain Jack, was a finalist for the International Latino Book Award in the Best Children's Fiction Picture Book in English. 

About the Illustrator

Amélie Graux is a well-renowned international artist who was born in Paris in 1977. She studied animation in Paris and directed her first and only short film Who wants some liver paté?, awarded at the Annecy Festival. She has illustrated several books with publishers such as Gallimard, Flammarion, Milan, Nathan, Didier Jeunesse, Little Urban and NubeOcho.

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