Flying Freddo

Tina Zang
Cover Art: Sonal Panse

3/4/2003

Review by Molly

Freddo is the youngest tiger in the Circus Tortolli troupe. Watching Rondo, Hopping Harry, Chubby Charly and Old Orlando, Freddo just knows he is going to be the best trick tiger ever. But, the wig worn by the trainer smells of moth powder, the sawdust is itchy, smoke scratches his throat and the polka music is out of tune. Poor Freddo. He cannot learn any of the tricks. What can he do?

From the talented genius of children’s author Tina Zang comes a ‘sure to please work’ children and parents alike are certain to enjoy. Flying Freddo as presented in pdf is an easy to manipulate format filled with the intriguing tale of a young tiger who comes into his own ‘when the chips are down.’ Completed with the lush illustrations provided by gifted artist Sonal Panse this book is one I would use in my own classroom.

The dilemma of Freddo as presented in Flying Freddo is one children will readily identify with. Children always hope they likewise will be the best; the hero for their family and friends. Children too often find many stumbling blocks on their own road to greatness. Reading about Freddo and how he overcomes his particular obstacles will help youngsters come to realize that we can all find our special niche despite impediments in our pathway. Flying Freddo is an excellent book for parents, home school and classroom teacher’s to use for a ‘discussion starter’ into how we can recognize, face and overcome hurdles.

Vocabulary used in Flying Freddo is a little advanced for very young readers, is well within the scope of most high average to above average readers among the ‘older’ set. Flying Freddo is a read-to book for the 3-5 set, a read-with-help for many 6 year olds and a read alone for the strong reader 7-9 set. Flying Freddo will provide a perfect ‘cuddle time’ sitting in mom or dad’s lap reading the book together for 3-6 and 7 year olds. Many in the 7-9 group will enjoy reading Flying Freddo aloud for their parents.

For the American audience parents will want to explain the term moth powder. However children will readily accept that moth powder is what we in the U.S. call moth balls if parents will provide a sample for children to recognize.

The one thing I as a teacher would like to see is a suggested reading level/interest level added to the book. Teacher’s like to know about where the vocabulary used lies when choosing a book for their classroom. A vocabulary list at the end of the book is always a real help for teachers too.

I particularly liked the set up used, with author and illustrator information placed at the back of the book. This portion is often put in the very front of the book, is not often interesting to the little folks who may not have the patience to wade through the ‘grown up’ stuff to get to the story. And another big plus… the LINKS ACTUALLY WORK! I was able to click onto the publisher site, the author’s site, and the illustrator’s site. I think this is the first time I have ever reviewed a book and found ALL the links actually function.

This ebook can be found at http://www.writers-exchange.com/epublishing/.