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Gollywood, Here I Come!
Growing up in the small town of Gobbleville, Anamazie studies acting, singing, and dancing while basking in the local spotlight as a star baton twirler. Opportunity comes knocking when she is discovered by a talent scout and is cast in a major motion picture.
Gollywood Here I Come! taps into pop culture trends of TV shows like Americas Got Talent and the public's fascination with celebrities. At its heart, the story leaves young readers with the positive message, "You can do anything if you work hard and never give up."
Gollywood Here I Come! taps into pop culture trends of TV shows like Americas Got Talent and the public's fascination with celebrities. At its heart, the story leaves young readers with the positive message, "You can do anything if you work hard and never give up."
- GenresChildrensPicture Books
30 pages, Hardcover
First published August 23, 2014
13 people want to read
About the author
Terry John Barto
3 books32 followersTerry John Barto is a director and choreographer of 200+ regional theater productions, industrials, television, and cruise ship shows throughout the United States and abroad. As creative director for Wings of Dreams Productions, he honed diverse ideas into compelling stories, wrote screenplays for animation features, and inspired a team of artists to develop dolls and action figures.
He lives in Los Angeles, California and enjoys Pilates, Yoga, and hiking with his dachshunds, Hunter and Mazie. Terry John Barto is also the author of Gollywood, Here I Come! For more information, please go to gollywoodland.com
He lives in Los Angeles, California and enjoys Pilates, Yoga, and hiking with his dachshunds, Hunter and Mazie. Terry John Barto is also the author of Gollywood, Here I Come! For more information, please go to gollywoodland.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
October 8, 2014
Terry John Barto's Gollywood, Here I Come! is light-hearted encouragement for young creative artists who want a shot at the big time. Likeable characters and quick story pace appeal to young readers - it's very easy to like Animazie and her mom Henrietta Pearl. The upbeat storytelling and vibrant illustrations help convey to budding talents that hard work and perseverance can help make you a star!
Anamazie Marie LaBelle is a young turkey with big dreams. In her small town of Gobbleville, she is the youngest majorette in the Wattle View School Marching Band. She hones her singing, acting and dancing skills, then pits them against Gobbleville's best at the Korn-a-Plenty Community Theater for the show Gobbleville's Got Talent. She does this because Anamazie dreams of being a big star and walking the Red Carpet. After doing her best performing a patriotic medley for Gobbleville's Got Talent, Anamazie expectantly waits for the winner to be announced. Little does she know that despite any hardships ahead, waiting in the wings for Animazie is Mr. Albright, and he may be the key to a young turkey's dreams of going to glamorous Gollywood!
This children's book has good spirit. It is a positive counterpoint to a lot of negative press about child actors "gone bad" that media likes to eat up. Through lively illustrations and cheerful storytelling, it focuses on a positive motivational story about getting a shot at stardom. It conveys to children the importance of honing their talents in the performing arts, and emphasizes the nobility of pursuing big dreams. Yet even for so young an audience, the author is able to convey that hard work is needed, a lot of practice is needed, and that there will be difficult days ahead. The illustrations help keep the mood upbeat - each panel is full of vibrant color, and my favorite one is the double-page spread of Gobbleville, which reminds me of colorful tourist maps made for children. It adds to the happy, can-do attitude of the book.
Gollywood, Here I Come! is a great story for all star-struck little readers with big dreams. Aside from just being a fun story, it could help aspiring young artists shoot for the stars. May they be as hardworking, determined, and still as down-to-earth as Animazie Marie LaBelle was!
Anamazie Marie LaBelle is a young turkey with big dreams. In her small town of Gobbleville, she is the youngest majorette in the Wattle View School Marching Band. She hones her singing, acting and dancing skills, then pits them against Gobbleville's best at the Korn-a-Plenty Community Theater for the show Gobbleville's Got Talent. She does this because Anamazie dreams of being a big star and walking the Red Carpet. After doing her best performing a patriotic medley for Gobbleville's Got Talent, Anamazie expectantly waits for the winner to be announced. Little does she know that despite any hardships ahead, waiting in the wings for Animazie is Mr. Albright, and he may be the key to a young turkey's dreams of going to glamorous Gollywood!
This children's book has good spirit. It is a positive counterpoint to a lot of negative press about child actors "gone bad" that media likes to eat up. Through lively illustrations and cheerful storytelling, it focuses on a positive motivational story about getting a shot at stardom. It conveys to children the importance of honing their talents in the performing arts, and emphasizes the nobility of pursuing big dreams. Yet even for so young an audience, the author is able to convey that hard work is needed, a lot of practice is needed, and that there will be difficult days ahead. The illustrations help keep the mood upbeat - each panel is full of vibrant color, and my favorite one is the double-page spread of Gobbleville, which reminds me of colorful tourist maps made for children. It adds to the happy, can-do attitude of the book.
Gollywood, Here I Come! is a great story for all star-struck little readers with big dreams. Aside from just being a fun story, it could help aspiring young artists shoot for the stars. May they be as hardworking, determined, and still as down-to-earth as Animazie Marie LaBelle was!
December 18, 2014
Welcome to Gobbleville, a town literally run by turkeys - and welcome, picture book readers, to the world of Anamazie Marie LaBelle, a marching band majorette who, encouraged by her mother, dreams of becoming famous.
And it looks like she's on her way, because she's a finalist in the 'Gobbleville’s Got Talent' show, and everything is moving on course to fame - until someone else wins.
Anamazie and her mother are more than disappointed until a talent scout solicits her to become part of a film for Gollywood Pictures. So, it's off to the movies and a real studio: and mother and daughter are elated.
There's a lot of underlying humor in this picture book production which will delight adults pursuing read-alouds as well as kids reading on their own: "Then Anamazie waited outside on a bench while Henrietta roosted in a tree….Anamazie twirled with joy. Henrietta fell out of the tree."
Mattia Cerato's large-size, full-page color drawings are fun embellishments to the story line, while its gentle progression avoids the usual ominous atmosphere so many books today seem to feel compelled to inject. It's a pleasure to see success and hard work celebrated for what it is - and Gollywood, Here I Come! is all about achievement and pursuing goals with parental encouragement and support.
Those used to how elements of angst and struggle reach even into early picture book grades will appreciate this positive, upbeat, encouraging story of a mother who encourages her daughter and the success that follows their joint efforts.
And it looks like she's on her way, because she's a finalist in the 'Gobbleville’s Got Talent' show, and everything is moving on course to fame - until someone else wins.
Anamazie and her mother are more than disappointed until a talent scout solicits her to become part of a film for Gollywood Pictures. So, it's off to the movies and a real studio: and mother and daughter are elated.
There's a lot of underlying humor in this picture book production which will delight adults pursuing read-alouds as well as kids reading on their own: "Then Anamazie waited outside on a bench while Henrietta roosted in a tree….Anamazie twirled with joy. Henrietta fell out of the tree."
Mattia Cerato's large-size, full-page color drawings are fun embellishments to the story line, while its gentle progression avoids the usual ominous atmosphere so many books today seem to feel compelled to inject. It's a pleasure to see success and hard work celebrated for what it is - and Gollywood, Here I Come! is all about achievement and pursuing goals with parental encouragement and support.
Those used to how elements of angst and struggle reach even into early picture book grades will appreciate this positive, upbeat, encouraging story of a mother who encourages her daughter and the success that follows their joint efforts.
November 11, 2014
We love holiday books in our house and there just doesn't seem to be a whole lot for Thanksgiving! Christmas books abound and we have already received several but this is the first of our Thanksgiving books so we were extra excited to read Gollywood Here I Come!
Anamazie actually reminded me a lot of my five year old daughter Paige. They are both dreamers and a bit of a free spirit. Anamazie is from the town of Gobbleville and dreams of becoming a big star in Gollywood.
I was actually expecting this book to go in a completely different direction than it did so I was surprised at where it went. I assumed she would try and fail and the lesson would be if at first you don't succeed, try try again OR it's the effort that counts or something to that effect. This little turkey, however, really does have her dreams come true!
I like that it teaches kids to dream big as it shows the success story of a turkey with the biggest dream of all that really comes true. With colorful characters and bright illustrations, my kids all really enjoyed the story. The larger than life illustrations cover entire pages allowing my kids to get completely lost in the story as I read it to them.
I was expecting more of a Thanksgiving theme and outside of the fact that Anamazie and company are turkeys with turkey named towns, there really isn't a Thanksgiving theme here.
There is a small, realistic part of me that does not like this story because it's so unrealistic. But at this age, life is all about dreaming. It's no different than reading my daughter the story of Cinderella. Childhood is about dreaming, no matter how far outside of reality and who knows, they really could come true! Gollywood Here I Come will show your little dreamer what happens when you believe and never give up on your dreams.
Anamazie actually reminded me a lot of my five year old daughter Paige. They are both dreamers and a bit of a free spirit. Anamazie is from the town of Gobbleville and dreams of becoming a big star in Gollywood.
I was actually expecting this book to go in a completely different direction than it did so I was surprised at where it went. I assumed she would try and fail and the lesson would be if at first you don't succeed, try try again OR it's the effort that counts or something to that effect. This little turkey, however, really does have her dreams come true!
I like that it teaches kids to dream big as it shows the success story of a turkey with the biggest dream of all that really comes true. With colorful characters and bright illustrations, my kids all really enjoyed the story. The larger than life illustrations cover entire pages allowing my kids to get completely lost in the story as I read it to them.
I was expecting more of a Thanksgiving theme and outside of the fact that Anamazie and company are turkeys with turkey named towns, there really isn't a Thanksgiving theme here.
There is a small, realistic part of me that does not like this story because it's so unrealistic. But at this age, life is all about dreaming. It's no different than reading my daughter the story of Cinderella. Childhood is about dreaming, no matter how far outside of reality and who knows, they really could come true! Gollywood Here I Come will show your little dreamer what happens when you believe and never give up on your dreams.
November 22, 2014
What a delightful childrens book! I received it, read it and looked at the illustrations which I must say are well done! This is the story of a young turkey who wants to star in movies! The story is relevant to what children hear and see these days, and I believe any child would find the book to be a fun one to read over and over. I am sending this book on to my Mom who volunteers at a very small library in Iowa. The book was sent to me through the first reads program.
Here is the description as found here on Good Reads: When Anamazie isn't twirling a baton, taking an acting class, or attending singing and dance lessons, she fantasizes about being a movie star. One day, after leading the Wattle View School Band in the 4th of July parade, and a few hard knocks, her dream comes true.
Gollywood, here I come! is a success story through the eyes of a young turkey. Take a journey from the small town of Gobbleville to the glamour of Gollywood, as Anamazie becomes a child star.
Here is the description as found here on Good Reads: When Anamazie isn't twirling a baton, taking an acting class, or attending singing and dance lessons, she fantasizes about being a movie star. One day, after leading the Wattle View School Band in the 4th of July parade, and a few hard knocks, her dream comes true.
Gollywood, here I come! is a success story through the eyes of a young turkey. Take a journey from the small town of Gobbleville to the glamour of Gollywood, as Anamazie becomes a child star.
January 2, 2015
Welcome to Gobbleville where everyone that lives here are Turkeys. We meet Anamazie Marie LaBelle right off the bat and are shown that she has talent, not only in baton twirling but singing and acting as well. Her dream is to walk down the red carpet and be famous. When a talent scout sees her he thinks she will be perfect for the next leading role in Gollywood.
This is a very cute story about Anamazie following her dream and not letting setbacks get her down. She has a supportive mom and together they keep working to achieve Anamazie's goal of becoming famous. The illustrations are nice and bright and the references throughout the book will definitely be understood by older audiences but kids will still eat this up.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
This is a very cute story about Anamazie following her dream and not letting setbacks get her down. She has a supportive mom and together they keep working to achieve Anamazie's goal of becoming famous. The illustrations are nice and bright and the references throughout the book will definitely be understood by older audiences but kids will still eat this up.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
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July 29, 2019What struck our 12-year-old about the book were the beautiful, bright illustrations. She kept ooh-ing and aah-ing over all the characters ("they're so cute") and she spent more time looking at the scenery and all the activity going on in the illustrations than reading. Overall, she said it was a "good book for kids."
Fun illustrations and a happy ending will engage readers of all ages.
Fun illustrations and a happy ending will engage readers of all ages.
January 5, 2015
Anamazie thoroughly enjoys what she is doing and has a talent that is recognized by others. Children will really enjoy this colorful, positive book about following your dreams and the perseverance it takes to make it happen. Although her mom is supportive of her dreams, I felt the mother bordered on being a stage mom which brought up some concern. Others have not mentioned this aspect of the book. All in all, it is a good book that young children will enjoy.
April 7, 2015
Dream big, Little Turkey, dream big. That is the message this adorable book sends to its young readers. I loved reading it with my son. It really shows that with talent, smarts, hard work, and family, you can do anything you set your mind to. Even if you're a turkey who wants to be a movie star. It is well deserving of a five star review. Also, Anamazie is such a cutie! :) Such a perfect book, character, and story.
January 6, 2016
Perfect for young readers!
I choose my rating carefully. I read this book to my year old daughter and she likes it very much. My eleven year old, not so much. This book makes for a great bedtime story or as a way to sneak in some quality bonding time with little ones during the day. We will be reading this book again.
I choose my rating carefully. I read this book to my year old daughter and she likes it very much. My eleven year old, not so much. This book makes for a great bedtime story or as a way to sneak in some quality bonding time with little ones during the day. We will be reading this book again.
January 1, 2015
GOLLYWOOD, HERE I COME is a fun read. My daughter & I enjoyed following the exploits of Anamazie as her dreams of walking the red carpet come true. There are setbacks that she must face & it was interesting to see how she overcame them. Beautifully illustrated.
May 18, 2015
I love this book! The author has done a remarkable job depicting Hollywood for young children, which is something I haven't seen before! I love it! The colorful illustrations should certainly appeal as well!
January 7, 2015
What an adorable story that teaches young ones not to give up on their dreams and with hard work and perseverance they can do anything. I loved the modern take on a classic lesson. Very sweetly illustrated. My girls loved it!
January 12, 2015
Anamazie dreams of becoming a movie star. What kid doesn't? This story is a sweet, inspiring story that shows that dreams can come true, even if you are a turkey.
The illustrations are bright, bold, and beautiful, just like the aspiring Anamazie & her Mom.
The illustrations are bright, bold, and beautiful, just like the aspiring Anamazie & her Mom.
January 27, 2016
Gobbleville is a town for turkeys. Anamazie is a talented young turkey who leads the band with her twirling baton, takes acting classes, as well as singing and dance lessons. She dreams of becoming a movie star. This book is for all those youngsters out there who dream of doing something big. Anamazie never gives ups, practises all the time and eventually succeeds in her dream.
When Anamazie enters the 'Gobbleville’s Got Talent' show, she makes it to the finals. Her mother is convinced that she will win and continually encourages her to do her best. When someone else wins the contest, both Anamazie and her mother are disappointed but it does not last. When she is approached to audition for a part in a movie, they are both thrilled. Of course her dream comes true and she continues to encourage her friends to follow their dreams.
The pictures in this book are wonderful. Large, colourful with a lot happening that certainly add to the story. A great read aloud for children to teach that message of working hard, encouraging one another and following your dreams.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
When Anamazie enters the 'Gobbleville’s Got Talent' show, she makes it to the finals. Her mother is convinced that she will win and continually encourages her to do her best. When someone else wins the contest, both Anamazie and her mother are disappointed but it does not last. When she is approached to audition for a part in a movie, they are both thrilled. Of course her dream comes true and she continues to encourage her friends to follow their dreams.
The pictures in this book are wonderful. Large, colourful with a lot happening that certainly add to the story. A great read aloud for children to teach that message of working hard, encouraging one another and following your dreams.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 29, 2015
Gollywood, Here I Come! is the story of a little girl turkey named Anamazie Marie LaBelle and her great desire to one day walk a red carpet. She thinks that her chance has finally arrived when she becomes a finalist in Gobbleville's Got Talent and she receives thunderous applause after her performance. When the winner's name is announced and it isn't her name, Anamazie Marie LaBelle is devastated! Devastated, that is, until a talent scout in the audience invites her to audition for a movie.
This book is a wonderful story of a dream, the dreamer who never gives up and a loving mother who supports her daughter and encourages her to keep trying. The illustrations are fun and colorful and this book is written so that both children and adults will enjoy it.
I appreciate the positive message that Terry John Barto has conveyed in Gollywood, Here I Come! and I highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book from the author and Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.
This book is a wonderful story of a dream, the dreamer who never gives up and a loving mother who supports her daughter and encourages her to keep trying. The illustrations are fun and colorful and this book is written so that both children and adults will enjoy it.
I appreciate the positive message that Terry John Barto has conveyed in Gollywood, Here I Come! and I highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book from the author and Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.
June 27, 2015
Gollywood Here I Come! by Terry John Barto is a perfectly timed story. With all of the reality talent shows popular in today’s media, Mr. Barto introduces us to Anamazie Marie LaBelle, the latest superstar to enter Gollywood Studios. It’s a delightful story that demonstrates how important it is to give every opportunity the very best effort because you just never know if a talent scout is secretly sitting in the audience.
Success comes with sacrifice though, as Anamazie finds she must leave what she knows to spread her wings and soar into her new destiny. Gollywood Here I Come! is a great story for kids and adults alike.
I received this book from the author and The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion which I’ve provided here.
Success comes with sacrifice though, as Anamazie finds she must leave what she knows to spread her wings and soar into her new destiny. Gollywood Here I Come! is a great story for kids and adults alike.
I received this book from the author and The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion which I’ve provided here.
June 27, 2015
What a colorful story book! Each page has lots of things to look at. This was a fun thirty-two-page oversized paperback for children ages four to eight years old. Anamazie wants to be the best at everything she does. When she is approached by a talent scout to try out for a part in Gollywood she is so excited.. She is on her way to Gollywood! She learns her part and strives to the best she can and is picked to be in the movie. Her mother has always told her that through hard work and sticking to it, you can reach the goals you set in life. This was a fun book with great illustrations and one that encourages a youngster to always do their best. I was gifted a copy by The Book Club Network (bookfun.org) for my opinion, which I have given.
June 27, 2015
This was a very good children's book. The illustrations are great and very eye-catching. This book goes along the lines of "America's Got Talent" and "American Idol." Anamazie is a young turkey who loves acting, singing and dancing. She wants to be in the spotlight so bad. Her mom, Henrietta, is right there cheering her on. So begins her adventure. I loved the positive message of this book which was "You can do anything if you work hard and never give up." I think this is a great book for children of all ages. The positive message it portrays is wonderful for young children and something they need to remember. I received this book from bookfun for my honest opinion.
July 1, 2015
I loved reading this delightful book by Terry John Barto. I can't wait to add this to my classroom library for my students to enjoy it.
The main character Anamazie was very excited to audition to be part of of a talent show. However, she doesn't win but instead gets to do something better, becomes a star in a film, The story continues to tell about Anamzie's journey as she becomes a film star.
The illustrations are bright, fun and colorful. I hope that there will be a second story in the series that I can add to my library
I received a copy of this book from bookfun.com for my honest opinion.
July 2, 2015
Anamazie the turkey has big dreams and wants to work hard to see them come true. Anamazie heads to Gollywood! Beautiful colorful pictures will grab your attention while the story keeps it. Big paperback pages are perfectly oversized to engage children. Anamazie shows what determination and persistence can do and that sometimes disappointments do come through following your dreams. I think it teaches children to do hard work and to not give up. A whimsical story about becoming famous and dreaming big and the obstacles that can come with it. A fun addition to any bookshelf.
I received this from bookfun.org for an honest review.
I received this from bookfun.org for an honest review.
September 10, 2015
Gollywood, Here I Come is a wonderful story about following your dreams. Anamazie has a dream of becoming a movie star. Right now she competes at talent competitions in her home town, and she wins. This is not enough. Until she discovers a talent scout saw her performance and her life changes.
The author, Terry J. Barto, is a familiar face with those in entertainment. Now he has branched out into children's books and I believe that he has done a great job.
This is a wonderful read for any youngster. It is about not giving up and looking for the "talent scout" in all we do.
I was given this book by bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review.
The author, Terry J. Barto, is a familiar face with those in entertainment. Now he has branched out into children's books and I believe that he has done a great job.
This is a wonderful read for any youngster. It is about not giving up and looking for the "talent scout" in all we do.
I was given this book by bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review.
July 8, 2015
Gollywood Here I Come is a super cute book about a young turkey name Anamazie. This book is filled with beautiful pictures, lots of details and super easy to read. Children of ages 4-8 will enjoy this delightful book about Anamazie who has big dreams for her life, but things didn't turn out the way she thought when she lost a competition. She was sad, but with the support of her mom, Henrietta, she meets a scout who helped her realize her dreams could come true and she was casted in a movie. Thank you to the Book Club Network for this beautiful children's book.
July 6, 2015
Gollywood, Here I Come! is a great story for children. It captures their attention, keeps them focused, and entertains the whole time while telling a great life lesson. My first grader was thoroughly enraptured by the book and my 12-year-old who read it to him was also thoroughly entertained. A win-win for any parent when you can get multiple age groups to enjoy the same story.
I received this book for free from The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review. I have posted my review on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and Deeper Shopping.
I received this book for free from The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review. I have posted my review on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and Deeper Shopping.
October 17, 2015
Adorable Journey to Stardom
Terry John Barto's Illustrated children's book is a fun, light tale of the adventures of becoming a star. The main character Anamazie is an adorable and talented singer who will capture the hearts of young readers.
The illustrations are fantastic. Parents will appreciate the undertone message of the importance of family supporting their loved ones dreams.
Terry John Barto's Illustrated children's book is a fun, light tale of the adventures of becoming a star. The main character Anamazie is an adorable and talented singer who will capture the hearts of young readers.
The illustrations are fantastic. Parents will appreciate the undertone message of the importance of family supporting their loved ones dreams.
June 23, 2015
I was thrilled to read this book. What a delightful story. I read it to my son who is 8 yrs old and he enjoyed it as well. The pictures are colorful and the story easy to read. It is a story about a little young turkey named Anamazie who is very talented and in hopes her dreams come true. After losing a competition she meets a talent scout and her dreams began to come true.
May 5, 2015
I am a mother of four and have read soooooo many books with my children. I loved this book! It's a whimsical look at a child's dreams realized. I loved the illustrations and the attention to detail. Terry Barto's story is wonderful! A feel-good, work-hard, lesson in life!
March 10, 2017
The book opens with an impressive and expansive panorama of the town of Gobbleville, filled with buildings of all shapes and sizes, swimming pools, taco huts, trucks and buses. In the far off distance, beneath the setting sun and a passing zeppelin, loom the large, white letters, “Gollywood!”
The artist, Mattia Cerato, specializes in maps when he's not illustrating stories, and this definitely seems right up his alley.
From here, the scene zooms in on a parade marching down the main street. Anamazie Marie LeBelle is leading the Wattle View School Marching Band, tossing the baton high into the sky and imagining all the great things to come in her life! And no sooner is the parade over, than Anamazie has time only for a quick change of clothes before arriving at the theater for her next passionate calling, a patriotic tap dance on Gobbleville’s Got Talent!
From there, the author charts Anamazie’s meteoric rise to fame, as she at lasts finds her way to Gollywood, securing the starring role in The Turkey and I, directed by the famous J.B. Tuttlebaum... with only a few bumps along the way.
But all is well that ends well, and end well it does. Anamazie gives an inspirational final adieu to her former classmates, “My mom says you can do anything if you work hard and never give up!” and then it’s back to her limo, away from the blinding flash of the paparazzi, and she’s back on her way to Gollywood!
As he did also with Nickerbacher, the Funniest Dragon, the author writes a story about a character finding their calling and following their dreams.
The artist, Mattia Cerato, specializes in maps when he's not illustrating stories, and this definitely seems right up his alley.
From here, the scene zooms in on a parade marching down the main street. Anamazie Marie LeBelle is leading the Wattle View School Marching Band, tossing the baton high into the sky and imagining all the great things to come in her life! And no sooner is the parade over, than Anamazie has time only for a quick change of clothes before arriving at the theater for her next passionate calling, a patriotic tap dance on Gobbleville’s Got Talent!
From there, the author charts Anamazie’s meteoric rise to fame, as she at lasts finds her way to Gollywood, securing the starring role in The Turkey and I, directed by the famous J.B. Tuttlebaum... with only a few bumps along the way.
But all is well that ends well, and end well it does. Anamazie gives an inspirational final adieu to her former classmates, “My mom says you can do anything if you work hard and never give up!” and then it’s back to her limo, away from the blinding flash of the paparazzi, and she’s back on her way to Gollywood!
As he did also with Nickerbacher, the Funniest Dragon, the author writes a story about a character finding their calling and following their dreams.
Read
July 21, 2015Gollywood, Here I Come!
By Terry John Barto
Illustrated by Mattia Cerato
Gollywood, Here I Come! will appeal to young readers with the brilliant and colorful illustrations throughout. This is a simple story that lacks the conflict that is found in many stories published today.
Anamazie is baton-twirling, singing, acting star who is about to be discovered and make it big in Gollywood. Not winning the Gobbleville's Got Talent contest may be the best thing that could ever happen Anamazie.
Look closely at the illustrations and the story and you'll find several tongue and cheek references for well-known Hollywood icons - like The Turkey and I instead of The King and I.
This is a fun little book that will entertain young readers. I would recommend this for the 4 and under age range.
The story's main message “You can do anything if you work hard and never give up.” is a common theme in much of today's media which though offering a positive message can be a bit misleading especially to those who don't achieve these goals. Perhaps those sharing this story with young readers could focus on also on being happy for our family and friends who do succeed in achieving even if we don't come in first.
I was provided a copy of this book by the author through TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my review.
By Terry John Barto
Illustrated by Mattia Cerato
Gollywood, Here I Come! will appeal to young readers with the brilliant and colorful illustrations throughout. This is a simple story that lacks the conflict that is found in many stories published today.
Anamazie is baton-twirling, singing, acting star who is about to be discovered and make it big in Gollywood. Not winning the Gobbleville's Got Talent contest may be the best thing that could ever happen Anamazie.
Look closely at the illustrations and the story and you'll find several tongue and cheek references for well-known Hollywood icons - like The Turkey and I instead of The King and I.
This is a fun little book that will entertain young readers. I would recommend this for the 4 and under age range.
The story's main message “You can do anything if you work hard and never give up.” is a common theme in much of today's media which though offering a positive message can be a bit misleading especially to those who don't achieve these goals. Perhaps those sharing this story with young readers could focus on also on being happy for our family and friends who do succeed in achieving even if we don't come in first.
I was provided a copy of this book by the author through TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my review.
August 14, 2016
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Gollywood, Here I Come!
Author: Terry John Barto
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 19
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Style: 9/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 10/10
Of the 19 readers:
17 would read another book by this author.
19 thought the cover was good or excellent.
6 felt the characters were the best part of the book.
9 felt the story was the best part of the book.
4 felt the language was the best.
Readers’ Comments
‘Very much enjoyed. Good message. I liked the style of the illustrations. The turkey looks cool.’ Parent, aged 34
‘Interesting plot: a turkey starring in a film. I’m guessing ‘never give up on a dream’ is the central message. Glitzy, sweetly illustrated and kept my two children’s attention.’ Parent of two, aged 5 and 7
‘I’m delighted to find an author who understand the importance of the central message the children gets from his/her writing. But, also, can disguise that message – and not preach – in a delightful and funny story. Highly recommended.’ Primary school teacher, aged 51
‘Best fun ever.’ Girl, aged 5
‘I knew this book was good when my daughter read it with me seven nights in a row.’ Parent, aged 42
‘A tiny turkey with huge aspirations. Wonderful stuff!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: Gollywood, Here I Come!
Author: Terry John Barto
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 19
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Style: 9/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 10/10
Of the 19 readers:
17 would read another book by this author.
19 thought the cover was good or excellent.
6 felt the characters were the best part of the book.
9 felt the story was the best part of the book.
4 felt the language was the best.
Readers’ Comments
‘Very much enjoyed. Good message. I liked the style of the illustrations. The turkey looks cool.’ Parent, aged 34
‘Interesting plot: a turkey starring in a film. I’m guessing ‘never give up on a dream’ is the central message. Glitzy, sweetly illustrated and kept my two children’s attention.’ Parent of two, aged 5 and 7
‘I’m delighted to find an author who understand the importance of the central message the children gets from his/her writing. But, also, can disguise that message – and not preach – in a delightful and funny story. Highly recommended.’ Primary school teacher, aged 51
‘Best fun ever.’ Girl, aged 5
‘I knew this book was good when my daughter read it with me seven nights in a row.’ Parent, aged 42
‘A tiny turkey with huge aspirations. Wonderful stuff!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
June 28, 2015
Little Anamazie, the turkey, dreams of being a big star. So when she comes in second at the local talent show she's devastated. But she and her mother are thrilled when a talent scout approaches them and offers Anamazie a chance to try out for a new movie. Anamazie auditions for the part and gets it. Soon she's on her way to Gollywood and the life of a star. Her mother is right when she says "You can do anything if you work hard and never give up.
The illustrations make this book. They are bright, colorful, and fill each page. The little bird character with her long lashes is precious. My daughter's favorite part of the book was the pictures. The story was cute. It didn't focus on the message of "hard work" very much and glamorized acting. My daughter enjoyed the story, but wanted to know what the movie was about.
I received this book free of charge from Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.
The illustrations make this book. They are bright, colorful, and fill each page. The little bird character with her long lashes is precious. My daughter's favorite part of the book was the pictures. The story was cute. It didn't focus on the message of "hard work" very much and glamorized acting. My daughter enjoyed the story, but wanted to know what the movie was about.
I received this book free of charge from Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews