L3C ATFQ Reviews

Reviews for “A Talent for Quiet” by Kim Chatel

Kim Chatel has many talents! Not only is she a published author, but she also does amazing fiber art (see my review on her first children's book, Rainbow Sheep,here), and she's an accomplished photographer. Her newest children's book, A Talent for Quiet, showcases her lovely photographs, while enhancing a tale of a little girl who is learning to accept and bond with her new stepfather.

Read the whole review at Reviews by Heidi
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/ReviewsbyHeidi/668884/

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This is a warm, simple story with a quiet tone that matches its title. The photographs are beautiful and will stimulate young minds. At the end of the book there’s a glossary, interesting facts about photography, and tips on how to take great pictures. This would make a wonderful educational gift for those children who love photography and taking pictures, as well as to those who have a new step parent. Highly recommended.

Read the whole review at Mayra’s Secret Bookcase
http://mayrassecretbookcase.blogspot.com/2009/03/book-review-talent-for-quiet-by-kim.html

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I've reviewed Kim Chatel's books before, and was eager to get my hands on her latest, A Talent for Quiet, (Guardian Angel Publishing.) What a truly lovely book!

While I would classify A Talent For Quiet as a picture book, it's not for the under 6's. I think kids from 6-12 would enjoy it. I know that sounds like a big range for a picture book, but stay with me on this.

Chatel is not just an excellent and versatile writer, she's a creative artist too. Her photography provides the illustrations for the book, and in back, there's a guide to encourage kids to develop their own camera skills. Of course it's not a definitive guide, there isn't the space. But these tips from an experienced photographer help kids get the most out of what may well become a fascinating hobby. Thus the book does double duty as a story to enjoy, and a resource for budding photographers.

The story is about Reanie. Reanie isn't one of those in-your-face, bounce-a-ball, exuberant kids. She's quiet, shy, and not too sure how she feels about her new step-father, Bill. When Bill takes Reanie on a photo safari one morning, he asks her if she can be quiet enough not to scare birds away. While Reanie doubts her own abilities, she's pretty sure she has a talent for quiet. And so she does. Reanie leads the reader along the river's edge, spying geese, frogs, crawfish and the elusive grey heron, while exploring her new-found talent.

A Talent For Quiet isn't a noisy, in your face book. It's a gentle story about a very real child coming to terms with her new life. If you have a quiet child, you'll certainly appreciate the message I perceived: noisy or quiet, we all have talents, and they can be found in unexpected places. If your son or daughter is looking for a hobby, this book could be a great introduction to the wonderful world of photography. If you're looking for a story that explores real relationships, and the caring dynamic between a step-parent and a child, seek this one out.

To me, the book is a celebration of natural beauty, and the art form that captures it with a camera. Chatel's writing is skilled, understated, and expertly leads the reader on a special journey - toward the discovery of a unique talent, in a quiet place.

Reviewed by Susan Stephenson

http://thebookchook.blogspot.com/2009/03/book-review-talent-for-quiet.html

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Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth for Roundtable Reviews

Amazon places A TALENT FOR QUIET for the 9 to 12 age group. I think younger readers could handle it, especially children who have a new step-parent in their life.

After Reanie's mom remarries, she finds it hard fitting in with her new stepfather. He's into sports, she's not. He's loud and boisterous, while she's quiet and reserved. While he always tries to include her, she quietly rejects him and hides out in her room. However, his passion for cameras intrigues her.

One day, he asks Reanie if she'd like to go on a "photo safari." She agrees and soon finds that she and her stepfather have more in common than she could ever imagine.

Instead of using illustrations, the author's book is filled with beautiful photography of the wildlife you find in and around a river. I liked that change of pace. The book contains details on photography making it suitable for any child with an interest in taking photographs.

All in all, it's a well-written, emotional story that I hope leads to a series. I'd like to see more of Reanie as her relationship with her stepfather grows.

http://roundtableforkids.blogspot.com/2009/05/talent-for-quiet-picturephotography.html?showComment=1242819285609#c6182610373933577243