The Children’s Book Review | April 16, 2015
Gollywood, Here I Come!
Written by Terry John Barto
Illustrated by Mattia Cerato
Age Range: 3-7
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: AuthorHouse (September 17, 2014) ISBN: 978-1496935090
What to expect: Amusing turkey characters, Fame, Movie studios, Stage mothers, Encouraging advice
Anamazie Marie LaBelle is the youngest majorette to lead the marching band in the town parade. As she twirls her baton, she imagines that the sun is the spotlight and Main Street is the red carpet. The main street of Gobbleville, that is and yes, the ambitious and imaginative Anamazie is a turkey.
Her mother Henrietta Pearl is the perfect stage mother, grooming and coaching her daughter while escorting her to the finals of Gobbleville’s Got Talent. Surprisingly, Anamazie doesn’t win the finals. With her hopes of stardom dashed, she is reduced to tears. However, we quickly learn that her destiny lies elsewhere. Anamazie is spotted by a talent agent and invited to Gollywood—the turkey equivalent of Hollywood—to audition for a role in a major motion picture. Director J. B. Tuttlebaum casts young Anamazie in the lead role of “The Turkey & I.”
There is much for little Bubbles—as her mother calls her—to learn in the bigger world of Gollywood, but with the right director, the support of her family and her own plucky nature, Anamazie is successful and realizes her dream of becoming a movie star. Aspiring starlets will enjoy learning the ropes of the movie trade as they follow Anamazie through her daily schedule. Throughout the story, Anamazie’s mother provides comic relief as she too learns a few lessons in Gollywood.
The story ends with valuable advice on realizing one’s aspirations. As Anamazie returns to Gobbleville to bid farewell to her old public school classmates, she encourages them by sharing her mother’s advice: “You can do anything if you work hard and never give up.”
Mattia Cerato’s colorful illustrations bring humor and life to the turkey world. This book will appeal to young children who dream of fame and their parents who know that dreams must be accompanied by effort and perseverance.
Available Here:
Book Trailer
About the Author
Before writing his debut children’s book, Terry John Barto directed and choreographed more than 200 regional theater productions. In addition, he was the creative mind behind numerous television and cruise ship live shows throughout the world. When Terry John Barto was employed as the creative director for Wings of Dreams Productions, he worked with many diverse ideas and turned them into screenplays for animated films. He also used his experience to help artists develop popular action figures and dolls for several large retailers. Terry is also the author of Nickerbacher, The Funniest Dragon.
He lives in Los Angeles, California and enjoys Pilates, Yoga, and hiking with his dachshunds, Hunter and Mazie.
For more information, visit: http://gollywoodhereicome.com
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