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When Mino Took the Bus
From best-selling author of Shy Ones and Hug Me comes a gentle story about a chipmunk named Mino who must leave their mother and set off into the big world on their own.
"[Ciraolo's] deep empathy for those on the verge of a big transition—with all its excitement and anxiety—is unmistakable. At the last stop, the animals gaze out the bus window, contemplating their future with a mixture of apprehension and wonder, before disembarking toward their new lives. The journey has not only mattered—it has fortified them."
—Publishers Weekly
"Endearing Mino will suck readers in with his excitement about the world" —Kirkus Reviews
Nature is a capricious architect. One wonders what mood she was in, that time she invented chipmunks. Whatever temper inspired her, it was decided that, on completion of their seventh week, all chipmunks must leave their mother and set out on their own into the big unknown.
But Nature’s fickle moods change faster than the weather, and if pride won’t ever let her go back on her decisions, conscience would always prompt her to make up for her shortcomings.
And so it is that on that fateful birthday, Mino is given his mother’s kiss, but not her tears, and, with a sparkle in his heart and a sunny disposition, he’s put on a bus towards his future life and a new home, where he might plant his seeds and watch them grow.
"[Ciraolo's] deep empathy for those on the verge of a big transition—with all its excitement and anxiety—is unmistakable. At the last stop, the animals gaze out the bus window, contemplating their future with a mixture of apprehension and wonder, before disembarking toward their new lives. The journey has not only mattered—it has fortified them."
—Publishers Weekly
"Endearing Mino will suck readers in with his excitement about the world" —Kirkus Reviews
Nature is a capricious architect. One wonders what mood she was in, that time she invented chipmunks. Whatever temper inspired her, it was decided that, on completion of their seventh week, all chipmunks must leave their mother and set out on their own into the big unknown.
But Nature’s fickle moods change faster than the weather, and if pride won’t ever let her go back on her decisions, conscience would always prompt her to make up for her shortcomings.
And so it is that on that fateful birthday, Mino is given his mother’s kiss, but not her tears, and, with a sparkle in his heart and a sunny disposition, he’s put on a bus towards his future life and a new home, where he might plant his seeds and watch them grow.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published February 7, 2023
1 person is currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Simona Ciraolo
19 books42 followersSimona Ciraolo studied animation at the National Film School in Turin, Italy, and earned a master's in illustration at the Cambridge School of Art in England, where she was awarded the Sebastian Walker Award in 2014. Simona Ciraolo now lives in London.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 19, 2024
When Mino Took the Bus is gorgeously illustrated, featuring the most detailed and colorful imagery I’ve ever seen in a children’s picture book.
In this story, Mino needs to relocate to his new home, and he must say goodbye to his mother. Along the way, he chats with everyone on the bus; Mino establishes a community with the bus riders, getting to know something about each one. They share a picnic and stories. In the end, everyone on the bus walks away a with memories of their friends and happy feelings of belonging.
The story/plot, writing, and imagery are some of the best out there, and I’ll be buying this book since it has to go back to the library because I loved it so much.
In this story, Mino needs to relocate to his new home, and he must say goodbye to his mother. Along the way, he chats with everyone on the bus; Mino establishes a community with the bus riders, getting to know something about each one. They share a picnic and stories. In the end, everyone on the bus walks away a with memories of their friends and happy feelings of belonging.
The story/plot, writing, and imagery are some of the best out there, and I’ll be buying this book since it has to go back to the library because I loved it so much.
February 7, 2023
beautiful art and a really tender story :-( !
April 9, 2023
A delightful story for preschoolers+ to help them gain the courage they may need to leave home when the time comes.
And that time has come for the young chipmunk Mino who kisses his mother goodbye and leaves home (via a long bus ride) to make his own life. Much excitement on the long bus ride where Milo gets help and wisdom from the bus driver Guido and meets many new friends, also on a similar journey.
And that time has come for the young chipmunk Mino who kisses his mother goodbye and leaves home (via a long bus ride) to make his own life. Much excitement on the long bus ride where Milo gets help and wisdom from the bus driver Guido and meets many new friends, also on a similar journey.
January 2, 2023
This tender and sweet book about a little chipmunk on a big journey emphasizes the impact of meeting new friends and making memories together along the way. I adore the gorgeously soft illustrations full of little details that accompany this wonderful book!
July 10, 2025
It's such a lovely book. The pictures are cute and make me feel warm. The language is simple to understand, but sometimes philosophical, like “The future outside is waiting.” It was a beautiful experience playing the role of a chipmunk, collecting and taking all the good things with me.
Want to read
August 4, 2022Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss.
June 14, 2023
oh my god, mino is a delight. my whole heart.
September 8, 2023
A book about enjoying the journey, with jaw-dropping illustrations
April 1, 2025
Bellissimi disegni, ma arrivata alla fine mi sembra che manchi il finale! Dove cavolo è arrivato Mino alla fine? Mi sento presa in giro...
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews