Cyril the Mandrill - Hardcover

Francesca Greco is a young Italian illustrator who studied art history at the University of Perugia. Her award-winning artwork has been included in exhibitions and published throughout the world.

PreSchool-Grade 2-Cyril, a mandrill from Gabon, lives in a zoo where visitors flock to see him because of his distinctive appearance. Because the other animals are jealous, they make fun of him, so he is very lonely. Try as he might to look like everyone else, he cannot erase the bright colors of his face. As the cold, gray winter arrives, the animals are moved indoors. Bored with their drab surroundings and depressed by the sameness of their days, they learn to appreciate Cyril's vivid markings. He cheers them toward spring by evoking memories of a warmer, more vibrant season, explaining, for example, that his mouth is yellow like the sun when it wakes up in the morning and begins to rise. In the end, he becomes a cherished member of the group. Greco's pen-and-watercolor paintings are delightful. Cyril is just plain gorgeous, and the cover illustration, which features a close-up of his multihued face and smiling eyes, will tempt readers to pick up the book. Unfortunately, the story is a bit contrived and the text a little stilted. Despite some awkwardness, the tale does present some good lessons: respect differences; enjoy your individuality; find your place to shine in the world. Not a first purchase, but certainly a worthwhile addition.-Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME
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