Denise Mealy | The Children’s Book Review | February 20, 2015
Age Range: 4 and up
Hardback: 35 pages
Publisher: Bella & Harry (2013)
ISBN: 978-1-937616-08-3
What to expect: Dogs, Travel, History, Rome
Bella and Harry, two friendly Chihuahuas, visit countries around the world with their family of people. In this edition, Bella and Harry visit Rome, Italy. The book includes a beautiful illustrated map of Italy as well as cute banter on whether or not the country is shaped like a boot.
First the pups explore the Roman Colosseum. Readers will learn the history of the structure, why it is an amphitheatre, and what the famous Gladiators were all about. Next, the pups visit Palatine Hill (one of the seven hills of Rome) and the ancient Roman Forum, which used to be a marketplace for Roman citizens. The Circus Maximus is next, but we learn from Bella and Harry that this is not a Circus as we think of today. There were no wild animals or clowns, but exciting chariot races. After the Chihuahuas enjoy a traditional Antipasto plate of meats and cheeses for lunch, they visit the Trevi Fountain for a cooling afternoon dip before ending at the scenic Spanish Steps.
The adorable and completely unique painted illustrations on every page will delight children and adults alike, and are vibrant enough to keep even toddler’s attention. The local scenery is presented in an enticing way that will make kids want to venture to Rome on their next vacation. This book would be a great gift before a family trip to Rome, or an excellent introduction to Italian heritage—though all children will enjoy learning about Rome with these cute dogs. Collecting the entire set would be an excellent way to introduce world history to the kids in your life.
Add this book to your collection: The Adventures of Bella & Harry: Let’s Visit Rome!
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
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The Adventures of Bella & Harry: Let’s Visit Rome!, 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.