Gollywood, Here I Come ~ Review

Gollywood, 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 6 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.


ABOUT THE BOOK: (34 pages)

"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 “America’s 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.”"

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Before writing his debut children's book, Terry John Barto directed and choreographed more than 200 regional theater productions. In addition, he was the creative mind behind numerous television and cruise ship live shows throughout the world. When Terry John Barto was employed as the creative director for Wings of Dreams Productions, he worked with many diverse ideas and turned them into screenplays for animated films. He also used his experience to help artists develop popular action figures and dolls for several large retailers. Terry lives in Los Angeles, California and enjoys Pilates, Yoga, and hiking with his dachshunds, Hunter and Mazie.

Gollywood, Here I Come! is a children's books about movie stars, who happen to be turkeys. At its heart, the story leaves young readers with the positive message, "You can do anything if you work hard and never give up."