The Geronimo Stilton Series

Of late my seven year old son has been pestering me to buy him books. It was such a huge relief for me as previously I used to persuade him to start the habit of reading story books and fairy tales that have impressive illustrations. I don't know how he discovered the children fiction series by Geronimo Stilton. The series is such a popular hit among the kids. Even for the autumn break home work, he chose the Geronimo Stilton series as recommended by his seniors and he was incredibly happy as I continued reading to him. An enthusiastic reader myself and with a little bit curiosity,  I have decided to read the at least one of the books myself. The pleasure of reading children’s book was extraordinary. I picked up the Race Across the America title.

Right from the first page I couldn’t stop myself from admiring the way the characters are introduced in the book. It appears a lot of emphasis is given, with an intention to teach the kids, on the distinctive words that are used in the story every time. They are highlighted in special way-in special colour fonts- different to attract the reader’s attention. The kid would invariably stop and look for the meaning. In general, the series is specially written, formatted and designed for children in age group of 6-12 with attractive illustrations that makes reading a thrilling experience.

Coming to the story itself, the main character of this series is Mr. Geronimo Stilton, a rodent, who is the publisher of a famous newspaper on the Mouse Island, The Rodent Gazette. He lives in the New Mouse city and is a voracious reader.  He likes a quiet and subdued life but ends up in an irresistible adventure of racing across the America on bicycle due to coercion by his close friend Bruce Hyena who is a sportiest mouse. Though it was a tough ordeal for him to undergo regular and tough training regime, he takes up the race not to disappoint his nine year old cousin, Benjamin Stilton. Hence he had to cycle race rather unwillingly.

The book has fantastic information about almost everything that has to deal with bicycles: how they were introduced for the very first time in France to the most advanced racing bikes. This information is presented in a lucid and crisp language suitable for children of age group the series is meant for. The adventures of cycling across the country and its benefits are also neatly described. Moreover, the strength of working in the team is beautifully illustrated in the book and attempts to teach the reader how the team members have sincerely delivered their tasks to clinch victory in the race. Apart from cycling, all the major landmarks travelled during the race were detailed during the course of the story like the Grand Canyon, river Mississippi, Miracle rock, Monument Valley, Ear of the Wind etc., with an intention to introduce all these historical places of importance to the kids. The narration was in a classic flow that children would find it really interesting and informative as well.

I was simply impressed by the language and needless to say, the book is a recommended reading even for adults who will thoroughly enjoy reading this book and the series for improving their vocabulary. Congruently, it helps the reader to learn the art of using the right word at the right place and context making them adept in their oral and writing skills. For a parent like me reading this book has helped to decipher the tenderness of children’s heart. The kind of children fiction encompassed with adventure was handy to understand how children would respond to different new activities. The ending of this book would particularly leave an indelible impression on children’s mind as the Geronimo and his friends decide to dedicate their victory for the cause of the mouselings suffering from leukaemia. They raise massive funds for their health care and hence the enormous challenge he accepted was worth it. The honest convictions in their actions was heart a touching story and I am sure children would at least cultivate the habit of working for and helping others.

The Geronimo Stilton series of books are a massive hit among children. The character was first created by Elisabetta Dami, who is extremely adventurous and loves writing fiction, especially adventure stories for children. The stories were originally written in Italian and they were soon translated into 35 languages. The first book came out in 2000. Scholastic corporation has started publishing these series in English from 2004.

It has been an excellent experience to read children’s book. Just like their sublime hearts the characters are naive the plots are mysterious and the experiences are magical. It was like a voyage to the mystical dreamy fairy land....Hope the children of the present generation who are gadget savvy explore the inexplicable enchantment of reading books.

 

 

 

 

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