Malina's Jam: Walt Disney Animation Studios Artist Showcase

by Tammi Sauer

Malina the hedgehog loves to tend to her raspberry bushes and loves to make delicious raspberry jam, but when winter comes, she realizes that a caring community is sweeter than any sweet treat.

Genres: Picture Books, Friendship, Food, Childrens, Animals, Nature

48 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2024

About the author

Tammi Sauer is the author of Cowboy Camp (Sterling, 2005), Chicken Dance (Sterling, 2009), Mostly Monsterly (Paula Wiseman/S&S, 2010), the forthcoming Princess-in-Training (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt), and something that's currently Top Secret.

Tammi and her family live in Oklahoma with one dog, two geckos, and a tank full of random fish.

Reviews

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 5 out of 5]

“She loved her tea. She loved her books.” Nothing expresses so much as this.

You know when you know you are reading and loving a cute children’s book.

This book is so bookish as the character is obsessed with books and reading and making jam! Her garden is beautiful. She loves sipping tea while reading and she’s quite friendly!

This book will encourage the kids to read books and enjoy the outside world. And yes, there’s this jam recipe towards the end of the book. Also, do not forget to read the author’s note. Love the yummy illustrations!

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Едно срамежливо таралежче обича да чете на маслиновите си храсти през пролетта, на бурканите с малинов конфитюр през есента, а през зимата на рафтовете с буркани. Това обаче се променя, когато решава да сподели своят конфитюр.

Живи и пъстри илюстрации, с много живот и създадени с любов.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

At its core Malina’s Jam picture book is a gentle reminder on how our communities shape us! Malina pours her love into her jam and she shares her love with her embracing community. What I liked is that this book is also a great reminder that reciprocation is important. The community enjoyed the fruits of Malina’s garden but also recognized that she needed help with prepping her garden for future berry harvests. Thank you Disney Books for the ARC and the opportunity to interview the author Svetla Radiveova, seen here! https://thisblisslife.com/malinas-jam...

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable artwork and a savory story about caring and sharing, friendship and community are the recipe for success in this endearing narrative about a shy, big-hearted, book-loving hedgehog, her special raspberry garden, and her fancy for jam. The Author’s Note also contains valuable vocational information about how the author became an animator, along with the author/artist’s interesting backstory.

[Книжни Криле · Rating 5 out of 5]

Какво се случва, когато едно малко, стеснително таралежче реши да сподели своя мармалад с горските обитатели? И какво става, когато един роден талант, превърнал се в аниматор на студиото „Дисни“, реши да сподели своите илюстраторски и разказвачески умения с читателите? Случват се приказки като тази! „Конфитюрът на Малина“ (изд. „Enthusiast“) на Светла Радивоева e част от поредицата на студио „Уолт Дисни“, която цели индивидуално да представи работата на своите забележителни художници. Това е една красива детска книга, в която шепа горски обитатели ни дават урок по алтруизъм, задружност и щедрост. Прочетете ревюто на „Книжни Криле“: https://knijnikrile.wordpress.com/202...

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely little book dreamed up by Disney animator Svetla Radivoeva and brought to life through her charming illustrations. A warm addition to the Walt Disney Animation Studios Artist Showcase project. The lessons of community and friendship - along with Malina's raspberry jam, of course! - are sure to be a sweet treat for young readers.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Malina the hedgehog loves her raspberry garden and making jam. She's shy and struggles making friends, but is generous, too. Jam brings everyone together in this sweet story with great illustrations. This makes a great group read aloud!

[Kirsti Call · Rating 4 out of 5]

Expressive illustrations paired with a caring sharing story sure to delight all ages.

[Meredith Spidel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This newest title from Disney Books is so, so sweet! It was a delight to read with my own kiddos, then add to our #LittleFreeLibraryDowningtown. Thanks for sending an ARC our way for review, Disney!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

So sweet! A cute and shy little hedgehog who loves tea, books, and jam speaks to my heart.

[Lisa D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Perfect book for fans of frog & toad! Too cute!

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book sat and sat on my shelf - I didn't think I would like it. I LOVED it. Such a sweet book on sharing and friendship!

[Children's Literature Centre at FSU · Rating 5 out of 5]

A about the importance of coming together and helping others

[Olivia Yeadon · Rating 5 out of 5]

you're kidding!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Roses for Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most beautifully illustrated picture books I've seen!

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aww! In this sweet story, Malina the hedgehog's generosity to her woodland neighbors is returned many times over, and she makes new friends in the process. Cute, retro-style character designs.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love sweet shy Malina and I love her unspoken but obvious enthusiasm for mutual aid.

[Ekaterina Toncheva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Една от най-любимите книги на 3 годишната ми дъщеря. Четем я постоянно :)

[Emanuella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Прекрасна! Поучителна, симпатична, лична. Четенето, пиенето на чай и таралежите са ми слабост. Дори и да не бяха, щях пак да дам 5 звезди, защото е една от най-милите детски книжки.

[Десислава Милева · Rating 5 out of 5]

Забавна детска книжка с чудесни илюстрации, дело на Светла Радивоева. Чудесно е, че можем да се насладим на работата ѝ.

[Raven Black · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story, but one we've seen before. However, the illustrations are delightful and worth the read. I can see a series of books about Malina and friends

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute story about sharing and friendship.

[Miss Pippi the Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet story about a shy hedgehog who gardens and makes jam.
It's a book about caring, sharing, and friendship.

2021 storytime theme: Spring-ish
2023 storytime theme: Sonic the Hedgehog
Jars have rings, just like Sonic collects rings.

Reviewed from a library copy.

[Pinky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Malina loves her raspberry jam and she shares it with her neighbors. She gives it all away without realizing it, but they return her kindness with more kindness and become friends.