Denise Mealy | The Children’s Book Review | January 20, 2015
Age Range: 4 and up
Hardback: 35 pages
Publisher: Bella & Harry (2013)
ISBN: 978-1-937616-07-6
What to expect: Dogs, Travel, History, Scotland
Bella and Harry, two adorable Chihuahuas, visit countries around the world with their family of people. In this edition, Bella and Harry visit Scotland, visiting Balmoral Castle, Castle Urquhart, Loch Ness and Edinburgh Castle. Children will enjoy reading about each historic site, and the explanation of what each site is famous for.
Scottish cultural references are explained throughout, including the meaning behind Tartans, the British monarchy, Falconry, the geographic location of Scotland and hunting for the infamous Loch Ness monster, or Nessie. The family children even enjoy traditional Scottish treats like Dundee cake with cheese and hot tea. The end of the book concludes with traditional Scottish phrases and words that children can learn.
Along with the cute narration, the book includes very unique, stylized painted picture illustrations on each page that will intrigue even smaller children. The Chihuahuas are suitably wide-eyed and adorable with fancy colors and bows, and act as a fun guide into foreign lands for children. This book would be a great gift before a family trip to Scotland, or an excellent introduction to Scottish heritage —though all children would enjoy learning about Scotland with these cute dogs. Who wouldn’t want to learn their world history with these two sweet, wet-nosed tour guides?
Add this book to your collection: The Adventures of Bella & Harry: Let’s Visit Edinburgh!
About the Author
The Bella and Harry series of children’s books is Lisa Manzione’s first foray into children’s fiction writing. As a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), Lisa’s entrance into the field of literature is one she has eagerly awaited and is very passionate about. As the daughter of a single parent who worked for a major airline, Lisa’s exposure to (and interest in) travel began at an early age. Later in life, as Lisa’s own children grew up and her love of animals continued, the idea for the Bella and Harry series was born.
About the Illustrator
Born in rural Pennsylvania, Kristine’s passion for art began at a young age. This interest in art continued and ultimately led Kristine to study at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. Now a mother of two avid junior readers, Kristine’s unique talent and particular flair for children’s themes has evolved quite naturally into the world of children’s books and illustrations. She is quick to credit her own children for inspiring this phase of her art, as it is often conceived by seeing the characters and places through their eyes. In addition to her work on the Bella and Harry series, Kristine has also illustrated the most recently recognized children’s book, “Wacky Jacky, The True Story of an Unlikely Beauty Queen”.
Fun Stuff
Visit the Official Site
Like Bella & Harry on Facebook
The Adventures of Bella & Harry: Let’s Visit Edinburgh!, by Lisa Manzione and Kristine Lucco, was reviewed by Denise Mealy. Follow along with our articles tagged with Travel Books and Dog Books to discover more great books for kids.