Samson: the Mighty Flea!

by Angela McAllister, Nathan Reed (Illustrations)

Samson is the star of Fleabag's Circus – this strong-flea can lift a match, he can lift a pea, he can lift lovely flea Amelie. But it's not enough – Samson wants to be the biggest star anywhere, so he sets off into the big, wide world. Discover what happens to the world's smallest strongman in this hilarious, touching tale.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Friendship

40 pages, Hardcover

Published October 25, 2016

About the author

Angela McAllister is an award- winning author of over eighty books for children, including picture books, junior fiction, non-fiction and novels. Her work has been adapted for the stage and is widely used in schools. It has been translated into more than twenty languages. She lives in the south of England.

Reviews

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Samson is the undisputed star of Fleabag's Circus, but he's sure he can be an even bigger sensation elsewhere. Out into the cold, cruel world he goes to make his fortune. But, things don't turn out like he expected, and he misses his pals. Is it possible to go home again?

This one is told in rhyme . . . but it doesn't flow nicely. Probably not a fun read aloud. HOWEVER, I'm in love with Nathan Reed's bright, cheery pictures, so four mighty stars it is.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

The star of Fleabag's Circus, Samson is incredibly strong. While he has the admiration of all his circus friends, he longs for more, and sets off to became famous. After several setbacks and learning that his impressive feats are nothing compared to what others can do, Samson finally receives the attention and applause he longs to have. Still, something is missing, and he heads back home. The lively and cartoon-like illustrations, filled with fleas in various garb, are great complements to this familiar story that reminds readers that there's no place like home. Sometimes it's necessary to leave home to find oneself, but often it's true that happiness was right there, waiting all along. Readers will smile at Samson's feats of strength and the true love that Amelie has for him and her own determination to lift that pea. This story, told in rhyming text, was originally published in Great Britain before being published here in the United States. This is a humorous story with an important message about fame and leaving those we love behind us.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 3 out of 5]

McAllister, Angela Samson the Mighty Flea!, PICTURE BOOK Lerner, 2017. $18.

Samson is mighty and can lift many heavy things, but his small town flea circus is not enough. He finds his way to the big city, and discovers that its lonely at the top. He remembers his lost love and his home and discovers where true happiness lies.

This book is bold and bright with fantastic illustrations and lots of cover appeal. However I didn’t find that I enjoyed the story and I think students will have a challenge relating to fleas. I am not sure exactly how his change of mind happened, it was very sudden and didn’t seem like a natural course. I like the message of the story: appreciate what you have, but I think there are better books that fit that bill. Also it bugged me that some of the book rhymed (even to the point of being forced) while other parts didn’t in the slightest.

EL (K-3) –OPTIONAL. Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute story about finding out that what you achieve in life is pretty empty if you don't have someone to share it with. Samson the flea goes looking for a bigger stage for his act, but once he gets to the top, he feels like something is missing. I liked the message this sent.

[Elsa Leuty · Rating 1 out of 5]

Samson the Mighty Flea: A Tiny Disappointment
I was excited to dive into the world of Samson, a flea with extraordinary strength. However, this tale fell flat for me. The story lacked a compelling plot and whilst the characters were quite sweet, the odd rhyme scheme kept throwing me off. Weird.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The world's smallest strongman goes out into the world to become famous but soon realizes there's no place like home.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a cute book with a nice message about finding you place and seeking out bigger and better things without leaving behind the things that really matter. The illustrations bump it up a star for me.

[Serina · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really think this would have been better as a rhyming book

[Michelle Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Themes: circus, fleas, being true to yourself

[C.C. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Samson wants to be a big star and after venturing out he realizes that home (with Amelia) is where he wants to be.

[Adriana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the illustrations. Story was very long.

[Sarah Daniluk · Rating 4 out of 5]

We all think we're pretty great at times. It's important to realize that others can be just as amazing! Be humble!

[The Reading Writing Puppet · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s cute. I really love Amelie.

[J and E · Rating 2 out of 5]

The illustrations in this are absolutely lovely, but the writing is a bit odd. It occasionally rhymes...and then doesn't, the result being the story doesn't flow well. Really nice to look at though.

[Christine Turner]

Personal Note: Pair with "Sandy's Circus: A Story About Alexander Calder" by Tanya Lee Stone.

Subject: Fleas -- Juvenile fiction.
Fame -- Juvenile fiction.
Size judgment -- Juvenile fiction.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found the partial rhyme format distracting. I wanted more from the story. It feels a little "done before." The art is cute, though.

[Grace Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet book to read with my daughter

[Emily Douce · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice story about a circus flea and his search for fame. I really liked the illustrations. I enjoyed reading it with my 5 year old, suitable for much younger kids too.