LoveReading4Kids Says
For Ages Seven to 107, Translated from Spanish by Ben Dawlatly
From a tiny press dedicated to publishing literature from around the world that will ‘broaden perspectives’ and infused with the wonder of the natural environment these stories, which follow the seasons of the year in a remote mountain valley, introduce us to Toletis a true hero of our times.
From his passionate interest in Egyptology (hence his adopted name and the names he gives his dog and best friend) to the invented language he shares with Aunt Josefina this boy is endlessly surprising. Both humour and pathos are beautifully portrayed in the jokes and mutual teasing of the children and in the descriptions of the way Toletis misses his Grandfather Rafael enormously, but sees him every day ‘ in the last rays of sunlight before night’. A delightful book full of wisdom and love for the natural world and beautifully enhanced by the striking illustrations.
According to Toletis, nature teaches us many lessons, whether or not we want to learn them or are clever enough to understand them.
Reviewed by Joy CourtJoy Court is co – founder of All Around Reading, having previously managed the Schools Library Service in Coventry, where she established the Coventry Inspiration Book Awards and…
More reviews by Joy Court About Toletis
The trees and grass are disappearing to make way for a new section of road. Toletis, his dog Amenophis, friends Claudia and Tutan are on a mission to find ingenious ways of replacing them and turning their little valley town, set deep in the mountains, lusciously green again. The odds are stacked against them.
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Rafa Ruiz Press Reviews
Toletis is a book to savour, like roast potatoes at just the right temperature. The aromas and sounds are like the snapping of crisp branches in a winter's evening. It is soothing, like a cat purring in the mist. And it is a pleasure to behold thanks to Elena Hormiga's joyful illustrations. Eva San Martin, nature columnist
Highly recommended for children and a sound recommendation for those of us that are a bit older but want to remember the excitement of discovering the world around us ... World Wildlife Fund, Spain
When Toletis comes round your house and shows you his mountains, mist and adventures, you don't want him to leave. Toletis is one to keep on the bedside table to fill your dreams with a magical, deep peace. Josefina Maestre, environmental journalist, editor of Birds and Nature magazine, presenter of Nature Reserve, an environmental program on Spanish National Radio R5
Toletis' big heart and the powerful images in the book awaken a desire in readers of all ages to care for the earth we inhabit. Thanks to the deftness and ingenuity of the author's prose, reading these tales leaves you thinking one thing above all else: I want more! Maisa Marban, storyteller. She has worked with Toletis for several years at festivals, schools and bookshops
Toletis is an ideal book to take the children out of the classroom and into a world of nature and friendship; it awakens their creativity and imagination. It is useful as a textbook for thinking about the values relating to science, art and language and it has become an inexhaustible source of activities and resources. Miriam Leiros, primary school teacher in a public school in Galicia, Spain using PBL teaching methods
In Toletis, there are lots of different stories and they are all hilarious. Toletis is one of the most descriptive and silly books I have read this year. I believe this book captures
every season in absolute beauty whilst being funny and interesting. Sam (aged 9), Historic Gardens, Newsletter 48
Toletis is a beautiful book. Incredibly easy to read and painting a beautiful world which is so real you can almost smell it. It takes you back to the innocence of childhood, where imagination takes over during play and almost anything can happen. You are allowed into their world, told their secret words and in-jokes, and you feel it's a privilege to do so. The Brick Castle
Toletis is a thinker and his reflections are often accompanied by full-page color illustrations. Our “always on” generation would do themselves a favor by looking out their own windows and seeing the beauty that Toletis has found. Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday
This beautifully illustrated book perfectly captures the wonder of a child’s mind in a way that I haven’t seen anywhere else. Gently touching on everyday problems such as loss, love and heartbreak; Toletis is a uniquely wonderful perspective on life through the eyes of a child. Inspire Create Educate (UK blog)
About Rafa Ruiz
Rafa Ruiz is a journalist and author who believes the light at the end of the tunnel can only be seen through progressive eyes. He has a staunch commitment to culture, art and the environment, and the majority of his career has been focused on these three areas. He spent 10 years at Spanish newspaper El Pais and 15 years at their weekly supplement, he has written numerous children's books, and he codirects the Mad is Mad art gallery in Madrid which gives space to up-and-coming artists. He is also one of the partner-founders of the Press Association for Environmental Information (APIA).
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