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In this colorful children’s book, young readers join Will on a very sweet adventure. From his grandmother, Will learns about a special place called Candy Mountain. Candy Mountain is especially pleasant for good boys and girls. Young readers embark on the grand adventure to Candy Mountain with Will and a special conductor who guides a magical train decorated with gingerbread people. On the journey, Will makes new friends, and readers enter a new land where the buildings are constructed from gingerbread and candy. However, Will and Will’s new friends cannot stay on Candy Mountain for too long. Their journey quickly ends, but the memories of Candy Mountain that Will and readers have are sure to last a lifetime.
This book features colorful, memorable illustrations by YM Cho that tell a story entirely their own. These illustrations will quickly engage young readers. They help them fully visualize Will’s adventures on Candy Mountain. Next, the illustrations also portray the story’s other important characters, such as Quinn, one of Will’s new friends, and the gingerbread men, who act as helpful guides on Candy Mountain. The inclusion of the gingerbread men as kind, generous guides on Candy Mountain adds even more humor and fun to the book and its illustrations. Throughout the book, young readers see signs that read, “If you need help, ask a gingerbread man.” Thus, the drawings become a sort of game that challenges readers to spot the gingerbread men.
Another important aspect of the book is that it includes reflective questions about the story. These questions help adults engage in meaningful discussions with children about the book. The questions encourage young readers to remember and recall specific details from Will’s time on Candy Mountain. This practice is an important lesson for young readers in paying attention to details, utilizing their memory, and building rhetorical skills. Will’s journey also invites young readers to use their imaginations and create their own version of Candy Mountain. Thus, the book becomes a fun, friendly teaching tool that early-grade teachers can use in the classroom.
Haller's book also teaches its audience about the importance of getting to know others and building community. Candy Mountain is a joyful place where all the candies, goodies, and gingerbread men work together to create a fantastic experience for their visitors. Each individual candy and goodie has its own role in the community. That role, however, contributes to the larger, sweetened vision of Candy Mountain. Therefore, it teaches youngsters about the importance of finding their passions, utilizing their talents, and finding their place within their communities.
Haller has crafted a fun, delightful read for readers of any age. Adult readers will enjoy it just as much as the younger ones. Will is an inspiring character who encourages readers of any age to be the best person that they can be, to embrace adventure, and to be kind to others. This is a book that readers will return to time and time again. It is the perfect addition to any children’s library, family reading list, or classroom bookshelf.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review