Anne Villeneuve - The Little Bird

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Book title: Loula is Leaving for Africa, by Anne Villeneuve, Kids Can Press
Illustration title: The Little Bird

About the book: Loula has had ENOUGH of her TERRIBLE triplet brothers. She's leaving home and going to Africa! Though her quirky parents are too distracted to pay much attention to her plans, Loula has a good friend in the family chauffeur, Gilbert, who gently inquires, “Mademoiselle, may I ask, why Africa?” “Because!” Loula explains. “Africa is far away, very far away, the farthest away I can get from my MEAN, HORRIBLE, STINKY brothers. Plus they are scared of snakes. And if they come, piranhas will eat them.” “Well then,” says Gilbert, “I think Africa is the best destination.” So together, with the help of their imaginations, Loula and Gilbert travel over the sand, through the air and across the water to reach their own special island of Africa. Which, Loula happily discovers at the end of the day, is “not so far away” from home. 

Award-winning Anne Villeneuve has created a lovable and memorable character in the irrepressible Loula, who enchants and inspires with her spunk and the unique way she approaches the challenges in her life. Villeneuve's artwork, loosely drawn and painted warmly with watercolors, is both witty and charming, just like her character. This is a wonderful story about independence and adventure that also offers a heartwarming example of the important role a caring adult can play in a child's life. It provides a terrific opportunity to discuss dealing with feelings and how to be resourceful when faced with things that are out of your control.

2015 - Blue Spruce, Forest of Reading, Short-listed

2014 - Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator's Award, Canadian Library Association, Short-listed

2014 - Best Books of the Year for Children and Young Adults, Bank Street Children's Book Committee, Winner

2014 - 2014 Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children's Book Award, Ontario Arts Council, Winner

2013 - Toronto Public Library's First & Best List, Toronto Public Library, Winner

“Villeneuve's sketchy ink-and-watercolor pictures are a good match for this whimsical story in which Africa is a state of mind.” — The New York Times, November 2013

Weight: 0.25kg, including shipping material
Medium: ink and watercolour on Fabriano fine art paper, signed