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The Boy and the Mountain
A boy sets off to draw a mountain in this thoughtful exploration of art and the creative process. For fans of Hike by Pete Oswald.
A little boy, who is a keen artist, becomes obsessed with a mountain he can see from his house. One day, he tries to draw the mountain, but his drawing doesn't look anything like it, so he decides that he has to take a closer look. He sets off with his dog, drawing what he sees along the way, and making a growing collection of animal companions during his hike. But when he finally reaches the mountain, the boy makes a discovery about the importance of perspective and friendship which changes how he views the world around him.
Both a powerful exploration of art and a sweet ode to hiking, this picture book from acclaimed author-illustrator Marianna Coppo and her partner, Mario Bellini, will inspire readers young and old to stop and take the time to appreciate both the world around them and others who inhabit it.
A little boy, who is a keen artist, becomes obsessed with a mountain he can see from his house. One day, he tries to draw the mountain, but his drawing doesn't look anything like it, so he decides that he has to take a closer look. He sets off with his dog, drawing what he sees along the way, and making a growing collection of animal companions during his hike. But when he finally reaches the mountain, the boy makes a discovery about the importance of perspective and friendship which changes how he views the world around him.
Both a powerful exploration of art and a sweet ode to hiking, this picture book from acclaimed author-illustrator Marianna Coppo and her partner, Mario Bellini, will inspire readers young and old to stop and take the time to appreciate both the world around them and others who inhabit it.
48 pages, Hardcover
Published June 21, 2022
2 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
March 14, 2022
Wow, this book caught me off guard! I thought the story was going in one direction but author Mario Bellini veered into a tangent I was not expecting! Good for Mario. This is a story of a young boy who sees a mountain and wants to make a painting of it. He is not satisfied with his efforts and so he takes a closer look and draws new paintings. Still not satisfied he decides to get real closeup and explores to find even more details. Along the way he finds new subjects to paint and is followed by a lot of animal friends. He finds more details on the mountain but when he returns home his friends say goodbye and he creates a new painting of the mountain, one that absolutely surprised me but which made the young boy very happy. Good story, the swerve was interesting and I like the fact that the young boy was painting, something you do not often see in children's books. Easy book for parents and first readers to enjoy, and which has simple yet effective illustrations. Really enjoyed this.
January 6, 2022
A cute little story about a little boy who wants to draw the mountain he can see from his window. He attempts his sketch multiple times and from various angles. But he is never satisfied with the result. He even tries climbing the mountain but that too doesn’t help much. Until he finally realises what it was that he had been missing out on.
The story is quite simplistic in its essence and yet teaches a lot about perspectives. It also helps kids realise that sometimes, we might miss out on the obvious that’s right next to us in the quest to search something farther in the distance. The book might also create an interest in exploring what’s outside the window rather than sticking to screens all day long. However, all these morals come out only on contemplation and the story doesn’t advocate any lesson directly. So it will work better if read with an adult.
As the cover image suggests, the illustrations are adorable and suit the story aptly. The language is easy enough for beginner readers to read on their own.
Overall, a very sweet book with a beautiful ending that kids are sure to love.
3.75 stars from me.
My thanks to Penguin Random House Canada, Tundra Books, and NetGalley for the ARC of “The Boy and the Mountain”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
The story is quite simplistic in its essence and yet teaches a lot about perspectives. It also helps kids realise that sometimes, we might miss out on the obvious that’s right next to us in the quest to search something farther in the distance. The book might also create an interest in exploring what’s outside the window rather than sticking to screens all day long. However, all these morals come out only on contemplation and the story doesn’t advocate any lesson directly. So it will work better if read with an adult.
As the cover image suggests, the illustrations are adorable and suit the story aptly. The language is easy enough for beginner readers to read on their own.
Overall, a very sweet book with a beautiful ending that kids are sure to love.
3.75 stars from me.
My thanks to Penguin Random House Canada, Tundra Books, and NetGalley for the ARC of “The Boy and the Mountain”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
November 30, 2021
Such a creative story! If every child is given the chance to observe nature and learn to express what they see and feel through art like how the little boy in this storybook does, it would be really helpful in their development. I love the artstyle. It's basic but so well done.
A precious book for preschools and playschools.
Thank you, author/artist and the publisher, for the advance reading copy.
A precious book for preschools and playschools.
Thank you, author/artist and the publisher, for the advance reading copy.
November 24, 2021
Er... eh? A boy is permanently trying to get a drawing of his favourite mountain (no, best not to ask) that conveys the real thing, but when it fails he climbs the real deal, meets some animals, has larks with them, comes home, the end. I hate to spoil plots, but that's the one here, and I would have thought it was all in aid of showing how cool friends are, especially when you're a bit of a sad lad with your crayons and not much else about you. But no, it's a lesson in aid of hiking and sort of nature mindfulness. And yes, there are times when a book can win by being open to multiple interpretations, and more subtle in its intention than others, but this wasn't one of them. Uneventful.
June 21, 2022
A little boy is fascinated by the mountain he can see in the distance from his home. He tries several times to draw it, but despite all his attempts, the drawing never quite comes out right. He finally decides to go on an adventure to the mountain and, along the way, finds out what's been missing from his drawings.
This is a gentle, sweet tale about friendship and what makes things precious to us. The message is very subtle, so this would probably be best as a one-on-one read with an adult reading partner who can ask questions to guide young readers to the main idea of the story. The art is appealing and full of fun little details to discover. It also lends itself naturally to having kids try to make their own versions of the drawings. This would be a nice quiet time read for pre-K and early elementary children.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
This is a gentle, sweet tale about friendship and what makes things precious to us. The message is very subtle, so this would probably be best as a one-on-one read with an adult reading partner who can ask questions to guide young readers to the main idea of the story. The art is appealing and full of fun little details to discover. It also lends itself naturally to having kids try to make their own versions of the drawings. This would be a nice quiet time read for pre-K and early elementary children.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
June 29, 2022
A simple lesson in looking past the whole picture to see what it is made up of is easily readable to others and by ESL.
Marianna Coppo fills the pages with simple, colorful, creative illustrations which add even more love and meaning to this book.
Translated by Debbie Bibo
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Penguin Random House Canada, Tundra Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
Marianna Coppo fills the pages with simple, colorful, creative illustrations which add even more love and meaning to this book.
Translated by Debbie Bibo
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Penguin Random House Canada, Tundra Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
March 1, 2022
What a darling story. I loved the bright and simple illustrations and the sweet story. It's definitely one we will want to reread.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.
December 9, 2021
A little boy stands at his window and falls in love with the mountain that is in his purview. He tries to capture its magnificence in his drawings but it just never turns out right. He decides that he needs a closer look and off he goes on an adventure to climb the mountain and then finally he will be able to draw it perfectly.
Along the way he discovers beautiful snippets of nature which he easily and beautifully captures on paper. He also encounters many animal friends along the way which makes him very happy to have as company in the climb. When the group, yes the animals all join in on his mission, reach the summit the little boy is disappointed at what he finds. It's plain and ordinary and not exciting at all!
Time flies by that afternoon and the little guy heads homeward. He bids adieu to his new friends as he enters his house. That night the little boy draws the mountain one more time and eureka!!!! He suddenly discovers the magic ingredient that has been missing with his mountain fantasy and that makes him completely satisfied.
The illustrations are simple and very kid-friendly. The boy learns that his fascination with the mountain is not the most important thing but it's is the journey that got him there. The best part by far is all the new friends that joined him along the way! This is a sweet heartwarming book that I recommend.
Along the way he discovers beautiful snippets of nature which he easily and beautifully captures on paper. He also encounters many animal friends along the way which makes him very happy to have as company in the climb. When the group, yes the animals all join in on his mission, reach the summit the little boy is disappointed at what he finds. It's plain and ordinary and not exciting at all!
Time flies by that afternoon and the little guy heads homeward. He bids adieu to his new friends as he enters his house. That night the little boy draws the mountain one more time and eureka!!!! He suddenly discovers the magic ingredient that has been missing with his mountain fantasy and that makes him completely satisfied.
The illustrations are simple and very kid-friendly. The boy learns that his fascination with the mountain is not the most important thing but it's is the journey that got him there. The best part by far is all the new friends that joined him along the way! This is a sweet heartwarming book that I recommend.
June 23, 2022
A boy loves the nearby mountain, but always feels that something is missing. His artistic attempts end in frustration until he decides to get a closer look. A much closer look, by hiking up the mountain!
While he hikes, the boy notices interesting things (and doesn't notice others--the funny part) but it isn't until he reaches the top, that he realizes what was missing.
I liked the illustrations of the animals, etc., (very cute), but the boy didn't appeal to me.
This could become a favorite bedtime story, or inspiration for creative writing or nature studies.
4/5 Stars
Thanks to Penguin Random House Canada and Tundra Books, and NetGalley for the preview of this galley; the review is voluntary.
#TheBoyandtheMountain
#MarioBellini MarioBelliniAuth
#MariannaCoppo #MariannaCoppoIllust
#Tundra Books #NetGalley
#PenguinRandomHouseCanada
#LexileMeasureAD530L
#ChildrensFictionHumor
#ChildrensArtFiction
#ChildrensFriendshipBooks
#ChildrensLiteratureBooks
#ChildrensFictionAnimals
#ChildrensFictionBedtimeStory
#ChildrensFictionNature
#ChildrensFictionCreativeWritingInspiration
While he hikes, the boy notices interesting things (and doesn't notice others--the funny part) but it isn't until he reaches the top, that he realizes what was missing.
I liked the illustrations of the animals, etc., (very cute), but the boy didn't appeal to me.
This could become a favorite bedtime story, or inspiration for creative writing or nature studies.
4/5 Stars
Thanks to Penguin Random House Canada and Tundra Books, and NetGalley for the preview of this galley; the review is voluntary.
#TheBoyandtheMountain
#MarioBellini MarioBelliniAuth
#MariannaCoppo #MariannaCoppoIllust
#Tundra Books #NetGalley
#PenguinRandomHouseCanada
#LexileMeasureAD530L
#ChildrensFictionHumor
#ChildrensArtFiction
#ChildrensFriendshipBooks
#ChildrensLiteratureBooks
#ChildrensFictionAnimals
#ChildrensFictionBedtimeStory
#ChildrensFictionNature
#ChildrensFictionCreativeWritingInspiration
December 15, 2021
The Boy and the Mountain is written by Mario Bellini and Marianna Coppo, two avid hikers residing in Italy. As a hiker myself, this book immediately caught my attention. The story follows a boy who tries to draw his beloved window-view mountain, but finds that something is always missing. He goes on an adventure to try to capture it's beauty, meeting multiple friends along the way.
This book will make you smile the entire time reading it to and with your children. The artwork is adorable, making me want my kid's room's walls covered with it. The authors did a wonderful job of crafting a sweet story that is appropriate for it's age group of 3 - 7 years old. It will definitely spark an interest in exploring and drawing nature, making it a book that I would like to use as a reading field trip for my toddler once it is available to purchase.
This book will make you smile the entire time reading it to and with your children. The artwork is adorable, making me want my kid's room's walls covered with it. The authors did a wonderful job of crafting a sweet story that is appropriate for it's age group of 3 - 7 years old. It will definitely spark an interest in exploring and drawing nature, making it a book that I would like to use as a reading field trip for my toddler once it is available to purchase.
November 23, 2021
This was adorable! It is a very short children’s book about a boy who wants to draw a mountain - so he goes on a hike to explore and get a better idea of what to draw. I love the illustrations (very simple but whimsical) and the simplicity of the message to take a pause and appreciate the small details of life. I do honestly wish there were a few more pages to add some more details because the story is very bare-bones, but that’s okay because it’ll work for a younger audience. I am adding this to my want to buy list for my future elementary school counseling library :)
*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
PUB DATE - 6/21/2022
*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
PUB DATE - 6/21/2022
February 14, 2022
This is a sweet and simple story about perspective. The little boy loves the mountain view from his window but he is not able to ever get it completely finished in his opinion. He sets out to see if the different angles can help achieve the ultimate drawing of the mountain. All the way up the mountain, the little boy is able to take in the little things. He gains new perspectives all the way up the mountain. At the end of the day he realizes that he made friends that completed the mountain picture.
Thank you for the ARC from Netgalley to review and read with my son.
Thank you for the ARC from Netgalley to review and read with my son.
November 25, 2021
A beautiful story with just as beautiful illustrations. Mario Bellini's The Boy and the Mountain, tell a story of a boy who is truly fond of this mountain he can see. The story makes you think of the big things you see, but also the beauty in the small things you come across, with a great view of perspective. A lovely treat for young children, especially to get them to create their own drawings and paintings of what surrounds them.
March 12, 2022
There is always room and time for an adventure book! I love this sweet little story about a boy and his imagination, his appreciation for the things that surround him, and the mountain that is near his home. The artwork is beautiful and helps to promote the idea that changing your perspective sometimes opens a door to a whole other world. Wonderful color palette and format of illustration/text.
Perfect for a new baby gift or any child through lower elementary I would say!
Perfect for a new baby gift or any child through lower elementary I would say!
May 26, 2024
I was disappointed. It seems as though Ekelund had a fragment of a story that didn't amount to much and then tried to stretch it into an entire book (and a very short book at that). I thoroughly enjoyed his first book, In Praise of Paths, and thought his second book, A Year in the Woods, was okay. This is probably the last book I'll read by him, which makes me sad, but there is so much to read and not enough time to spend on so-so books.
November 23, 2021
An interesting picture book with simple and clean design.
I liked the story but felt that something is missing from the narration. It didn't bother my daughter (3.5yo) though, who focused on the boy's mission and the animals. We both loved the illustrations, especially the depiction of nature.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for an Advance Review Copy.
I liked the story but felt that something is missing from the narration. It didn't bother my daughter (3.5yo) though, who focused on the boy's mission and the animals. We both loved the illustrations, especially the depiction of nature.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for an Advance Review Copy.
February 13, 2022
The boy who admire the mountain, then decided to see closer what missing in his drawing about the big rock. He found animals, leaves, rivers, but something's not right in his drawings. Until he found out the best of all, and satisfied. Great book to have on your shelves, to share with friends, or to read aloud with family.
March 3, 2022
The Boy and the Mountain is a beautifully illustrated book that shows readers the importance of looking for the small details. I think this would be a fantastic book before a nature walk, inspiring students to look for small details to draw and perhaps write about. The illustrations are simple but impactful.
November 19, 2021
3,5/5. I think I liked the concept behind this book more that the actual book itself, because the story itself wasn't that good, but the idea of the page presenting the drawing, the perception of the protagonist was good!
December 8, 2021
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A boy is trying to draw the mountain, and he's never satisfied with his picture until he realizes what's missing from them- his friends.
A boy is trying to draw the mountain, and he's never satisfied with his picture until he realizes what's missing from them- his friends.
January 1, 2022
This was a cute book about perspective. The little boy wants to draw the mountain but it doesn't look right so he decides to go up the mountain, as he does his pictures change.
The illustrations were fun, the story was quick and cute. What more could you want from a picture book.
The illustrations were fun, the story was quick and cute. What more could you want from a picture book.
August 10, 2022
Simplistic illustrations follow the story of a boy who sees a mountain and longs to draw it. From far away it has few characteristics. So he decides to climb and sees its wonders close up. Animal friends join him and remind him there is even more to see.
Read
November 6, 2022Ok, take out the bear, make the kid at least 10. Or, make it a metaphor or fable, like 100 Acre Wood. In other words, change the book into a different one and then I'll like it. Sorry, not for me I guess.
December 13, 2021
Simply and effectively illustrated, this simple story highlights looking at big picture while finding beauty in the small things that make up the larger view. Wonderful primary picture book.
April 16, 2022
A wonderful heartwarming story of friendship, bravery and big problems. With beautiful illustrations and a great barrette, young children will enjoy this compelling read.
June 29, 2022
Marianna Coppo's illustrations are flawless (five stars for them!).
August 12, 2022
A boy makes friends while drawing his way up the mountain.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
abandoned-and-samples
November 6, 2022I received a sampler eARC courtesy of Tundra Books (NY).
November 24, 2022
Holt-Delhi library PJ story time 11-23-2022
December 13, 2022
Simple and cute! About a boy who is trying to get the drawing of the mountain outside his window just right. He sets off on a hike up the mountain to see what his drawing is missing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews