Story Swapping

A Family Tradition

Children - Picture Book
35 Pages
Reviewed on 12/09/2022
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Amy Louise Hill for Readers' Favorite

Story Swapping: A Family Tradition by Vassi Rombis is a picture book for young children. Young Kalianne and her mom have a family tradition of telling stories each night before going to bed. Kalianne's mom works away from home a lot and has many stories to tell, but Kalianne soon wishes that she had a story to tell her mom too. One day whilst at school, Kalianne was sad because she can't think of a good enough story. With some kind and inspirational words from her teacher Ms. Acosta, Kalianne realizes that she does have stories to tell after all, and they are fun ones too! Later that night, whilst getting snuggled into bed, Kalianne is excited to surprise her mother with her story. When her mom joins her, Kalianne reveals her drawing that shows what she did that day. What fun story did Kalianne tell her mom and will you start a family tradition like Kalianne?

Story Swapping by Vassi Rombis was a lot of fun to read. I love books that spark creativity and inspiration in children. The book focuses on a family bond beautifully. It can be hard when a parent works a lot but this book shows that you can still have a strong relationship with your child if you make the effort. The writing is professional and reads smoothly. The illustrations by the talented Frances Rose Espanol are adorable and fit perfectly with the theme. I can't recommend this book enough. It will entertain any young reader, and I feel it will even have them wanting to start the tradition. Good luck with your future creations, Vassi, I hope to see more from you soon.

Pikasho Deka

Story Swapping is a children's picture book by Vassi Rombis complemented by some vibrant illustrations by Frances Rosa Espanol. Kalianne is a spirited four-year-old who loves nothing more than to be put into bed at night by her loving mother, who tells some mesmerizing stories. After learning that her current quilt used to belong to her mother, Kailanne is determined to tell her mother a story of her own. At school, she plays and takes part in multiple activities with her friends but feels hesitant when it's time to return home, thinking about how she can tell stories when she doesn't have any adventures. However, Ms. Acosta assures Kali that storytelling is an art form unique to each person, and she can tell her story any way she likes.

Often, adults and children can find it difficult to bond, as it is natural for priorities to change as we grow older, but storytelling is one of the age-old proven ways parents can bond with their youngsters. As an author and elementary administrator with over twenty-five years of experience, Vassi Rombis demonstrates the benefits of storytelling and how it helps form closer bonds with one's children through this heartwarming tale about a mother and her child. Kalianne is an adorable kid who will win your heart in a minute. Additionally, Frances Rosa Espanol's beautiful illustrations add color to the pages and make the characters stand out all the more. Overall, I had a wonderful time reading Story Swapping. This is a book I will recommend to both parents and their kids.

Philip Van Heusen

Kali is a young girl with a special relationship with her mom. Kali’s mom works long hours but is always there at night to share a special story with Kali before she sleeps. In Story Swapping: A Family Tradition, the reader learns about the family tradition of telling bedtime stories. Vassi Rombis reminds readers of the importance of story time and has Kali snuggle with her mom and a special story quilt. The story quilt is full of memories, with more being added every night. Kali does not tell her mom stories because she feels her life is not exciting enough. At school, Kali learns that her adventures are an important part of who she is and begins to share them with her mom at night. Story swapping is a great family tradition and it might be one you would like to incorporate into your family time.

You may want to share your story but feel unworthy of being heard. You may feel your adventures are not important or exciting enough. One thing that sets humans apart from animals is their need to exchange stories. Story Swapping by Vassi Rombis teaches the importance of everyone’s story. You may not have landed on the moon, but the moon may have inspired you to write a poem. Both adventures are worthy of sharing. Take time to snuggle with your child every night and tell stories. Relate what life was like when you were growing up, then let your child describe what their life is like now. What was it like to grow up before the age of cell phones? What is it like going to kindergarten and having a cell phone? Explore your life and family traditions with your children.