Rangeela Tales- Book 1 by Gita V. Reddy

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Disclosure: I was given this ebook for an honest review.

Had I known when Ms. Reddy offered this review copy of her book that this was not a picture book like Bala-Gala the Brave and Dangerous, I might not have agreed to read this. I’m five books behind on my reading goal and thought a few illustrated lovelies would do it for me. I had enjoyed Bala-Gala the Brave and Dangerous. So I thought this an easy win.

A chapter book for kids and no illustration? Oh, no! But I started reading and was charmed by the boy and his talking parrot. How fun would it be to have a bird friend who could keep you company or go spying for you? And he’s so smart! It made me miss having a bird. I’ve never had a parrot, but parakeets were fun. I had one, actually, it was my daughter’s, but he could whisper. If my daughter was asleep, he seemed to know and he would whisper little chirps to me. It was the cutest thing! Anyway, this story brought that all back.

I loved the boy and his parrot. But I found a lot that needed more explanation. I think it needs to be clearer where this story it taking place. I know it was a blurb in the front of the book, but I think it would be better worked into the story more.

Second the cast of characters could be clearer, and include nicknames. “Jo” confused me. Oh, and when you have a cat named Robber, having a story that has a thief is another confusion. Oh, and I thought Rangeela was a parrot but suddenly when he has a conversation with another bird that one is called parrot???

Okay, here’s number three. When I read children’s books I think of the times I would read to my own kids. In this case, Bond, not James Bond, is the house man. Not sure what grandpa does. I was beginning to worry about how much work Bond has to do and how little the kids did. Most of the kids I know would not understand having a servant. It is explained that Bond was destitute and Grandpa gave his room and board in exchange for his work around the house. But how to explain that to the kids I am reading the story to? Meanwhile, I was, jealous. I want an house-man!

Oh, and an on property junk pile that has everything one needs. There are people with big properties that can probably boast such a pile. But apartment dwellers might have a hard time with this concept.

Those confusing problems are easily resolved with a more clear explanation about where and when the story takes place. And the rest is on the parent who reads the story aloud. Many educational conversations could come of this book. But what of the kid reading it silently. How will they understand?

Still it was a fun book and I will be starting book 2 tonight. I am in love with the boy and the parrot!

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