When Was the Last Time You Read a Children’s Book?

Review of Geronimo Stilton #1: Lost Treasure of the Emerald Eye, Edizioni Piemme

I was in Indigo Bookstore looking at the books on the discount table when I  noticed  Geronimo Stilton Lost Treasure of the Emerald Eye for $4.99 and decided to buy a copy to read and review here. Every now and again I like to read a children’s book to see the world through the eyes of a child. When was the last time you read a children’s book?

I ventured into the land of make believe and had a few chuckles and real laughter in the process. The person who said that laughter is good for the soul was on target. When was the last time you had a good laugh?

The characters in Geronimo Stilton Lost Treasure of the Emerald Eye are mice, and the book is filled with “all things mice” a lot of mouse imagery: cheddar-flavored toothpaste, New Mouse City, The Rodent’s Gazette, the address Seventeen Swiss Cheese Centre, The Mouse House restaurant, the gym Rats La Lanne, Wild Whiskers concert,  the magician Harry Ratini. I was delighted with the play on words, and most of us would recognize where the names came from. For example, Rat and the Beanstalk, Rodent Rules for Dummies, Mouse Jordan sneakers, Christopher Columouse, Supermouse Bowl, and Mouse Everest are a few references that many would be able to relate to.

The book focuses on Geronimo Stilton, the editor of the Rodent’s Gazette, Geronimo’s sister Thea, a  special correspondent at the Rodent’s Gazette, their cousin Trap Stilton, owner of the store Cheap Junk for Less, and Geronimo’s favourite nephew, nine year old Benjamin Stilton. Thea Stilton finds a treasure map where an X is marked at Emerald Eye. She convinces Geronimo to go with her on this treasure hunt. Geronimo, Thea and Trap embark on their treasure hunt sailing Lady Luck, and later on the journey find Benjamin who has stowed away on the ship. The story is about their preparation,  journey and the obstacles they encounter on the way.

The author  Edizioni Piemme brings the story to life with his choice of words, “We turned the corner and there it was… a wonderful, beautiful waterfall! It rushed down from the top of a cliff into a lake of crystal-clear water. On the other side of the waterfall stood a tree so tall even the clouds had to step aside to make room for it. Its enormous roots  clung to the rocks like a cat with a tuna sandwich” Isn’t that great imagery? Can you see the scene in your mind’s eye?

Here are five great ideas that came to mind while I read this book. I also thought of Russell Conwell‘s essay Acres of Diamonds. You can download a copy of this essay from the Resources page of this blog.

5 Great Ideas

1. Theory is good, but practice is better
2. When communicating, use plain language for clarity
3. Don’t just take someone’s word for it, investigate or ask for proof
4. Keep your head, be calm in times of crises
5. When you go in search of “something,” make sure that you know the characteristics of that “something”

This is a small book, large print, 166 pages that you can read in a few hours. It will take you out of your current head space into the land of make believe. Reflect on the adventure and the lessons relevant to your life. What are your five great ideas after reading the book. And, while reading Geronimo Stilton Lost Treasure of the Emerald Eye, what comes to your mind? I recommend this book.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Acres of Diamonds by Russell Conwell (kevineikenberry.com)

Kindle