When I was working with the kindergartners in our enrichment program, I was fortunate to read books to them. I actually enjoy reading books to children. I have fun with changing my voice and making sounds when I am reading to add to the story. I find that the kids enjoy that so much more than simply JUST reading.
Fun fact – I have many of my favorite books from when I was a child (back in the Stone Age, ha ha). I kept them to read to my kids (and future grandchildren). I also kept my kid’s favorite books from when they were little in hopes they will read them to their own children one day.
The children’s books that I am sent to review I donate to the classroom where I used to work. From time to time I receive a book to review that I enjoy so much that I keep it. I add it to my children’s book collection so that my grandchildren can enjoy it one day. Benji and the Giant Kite is one of those “keepers.”
Benji and the Giant Kite is written by best selling author Alan C. Fox. The book is based on a real life incident.
“This one happened when I was a child. I decided to tell the story, because I wanted to share the sense of achievement I felt by working hard to obtain something I really loved. But once I saw the kite flying at the beach, I wanted to let it go. My dream had been accomplished. It was time move on to another, new experience. You must always keep going to fulfill your dreams and aspirations.”
The book is illustrated by Eefje Jujil and is the second book in Fox’s series of picture books. The first one in the series is Benji and the 24 Pound Banana Squash. I haven’t read that one yet, but it sounds interesting. Benji and the 24 Pound Banana Squash was named a notable children’s book of 2017 by Booklist magazine and has become a much-loved story for youngsters and parents alike.
In Benji and the Giant Kite, we learn about Benji’s great love of kites. It doesn’t matter the color or shape – he loves them all.
One day in a toy store Benji sees the ultimate kite – a giant, orange one. He REALLY wants it and begs his mom for it. His mom turns him down, telling him that if he really wants the kite he needs to work for it and save the money to purchase it.
Benji doesn’t hesitate to help out in order to raise the money to buy his beloved kite. He works hard in the flower and vegetable gardens to earn the money for the kite.
Benji is finally able to purchase the kite, but it’s what happens after that I don’t want to tell you. I think you need to read the book for yourself to find out. I was personally very surprised by Benji’s actions after he purchased the kite and enjoyed it at the beach one day. It’s rather sweet.
I think many children can relate to Benji. Even I can remember wanting things as a child and not being able to have them. For example, growing up I spent my summers in Pennsylvania with my cousins. They lived in the middle of now where. From time to time we wanted ice cream, but we were little and didn’t have jobs. My cousins and I would go through the couch pillows and the laundry looking for change (my aunt and uncle were fine with that). When we had enough we would walk the 3 miles (no joke, it was 3+ miles one way to the ice cream place) to buy an ice cream. Often it was just one ice cream that the three of us shared. We didn’t mind. We got to enjoy the ice cream and we had plenty of adventures to and from the ice cream shop.
Even my own kids can relate to this book. They’re older now but they know if they REALLY want something they need to save up for it, like my son. He paid for his own car (his first car) with the money he saved up.
Benji and the Giant Kite is all about perseverance, dreams and letting go (you need to read the book to understand the letting go part).
Look for the book where ever books are sold.
To learn more about the author, Alan Fox, visit AlanFox.com. You can also check him out on social media. All of the links are found on the bottom of his website.
Kimberly
*I received a free copy to review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.