Member Reviews

This somewhat melancholy tale of a family of weaver ants in search of a home, and how they are treated by the big, sometimes bad, world is made a little less sad by the addition of the author's lovely, ethereal artwork.

There is a happy ending that will hopefully impress upon the reader and listener the importance of being kind, especially to those in need.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you, Netgalley, for allowing me to read and review this book. These opinions are completely my own.

It is a cute book with lovely illustrations. It may go beyond a child's mind, but they will appreciate the message of home and comfort.

Was this review helpful?

The Weaver's home is small, but it means the world to them. It's held together by a thread, and one day, the thread breaks.

The Weavers struggle to find a new home. Some days are good, and some are scary. Flora trusts her mother to make things all right again, and as a parent, I know it can be just as scary for us as it is for the child. Still, we trudge on.

Oh. This book. This book got me right in the feels. A Home That Means the World is such a sweet, thoughtful, well-written book. Throughout I kept thinking it could be used for so many serious conversations often difficult to discuss with children, specifically loss. Whether it's the loss of a home, displacement, or the loss of a loved one, Turnbull has crafted a heartfelt tale vague enough to connect the emotional dots, but concrete enough to solidify the emotion. I truly believe this book can help create conversations about many more topics and issues I've not touched on, but it also could be your favorite new bedtime story. I really enjoyed this one.

Was this review helpful?

Beautiful art and a sweet story that will pull on your heartstrings. Beautifully illustrated. The cover drew me in immediately. Themes of kindness and belonging. It's a quick and simple read but impactful.

Was this review helpful?

Beautiful illustrations and words. A lovely book accessible on many levels to introduce or develop knowledge of refugees/homelessness and being kind and empathetic. Lovely to read aloud with pictures adding a huge amount to what can be explored.

Was this review helpful?

It was a cute book, and the pictures were very whimsical and sweet, but I don't see myself recommending it or reading it in a storytime.

Was this review helpful?

An extraordinary masterpiece!
I loved the vintage style of this book, the illustrations are amazing.
the theme of this book is very close to my heart, it explores the notion of a home, of being an outsider and welcoming people into our lives without judgment or fear.
AMAZING READ!

Was this review helpful?

"What is lost can be found."

This poetic story about a family of weavers who are displaced from their home would spark meaningful conversations about the importance of family, shelter, and community. The plot doesn't move quickly or with much action, so our recommendation is this story is best suited for older children. It could even be paired with novels about refugees for middle school and high school aged children.

Was this review helpful?

As I read this book, I couldn't help but think about refugees. The story is about a famoily that have become displaced and the challenges they go through as they meander along a journey to settle somewhere new. There were good and bad days, days of being understood and days that brouught the opposite. All in all, I found it quite touching and cleverly written to invoke the feelings that it did in my adult self.

Looking at this book through my parent eyes, I view it as a useful device for explaining to younger readers about new neighbours and class fellows they encounter that have come from abroad be it in search of a life, displacement due to conflict, or similar struggles. That said, the book is beautifully written and avoids any negative images, connotations, and the like. Rather than focusing on the negative of having to move, it focuses on the journey and the persistence to start over.

The pictures in the book are quite unique and tell a story themselves. For younger readers that haven't learned to decipher the written word, they provide an opportunity for readers to use their imagination and tell thier own stories. I enjoyed the read immensely and would have no reservations recommending it for audiences between 0 and 6 years of age. I also have no reservations rating the book 5 out of 5. It was well written, nicely laid out, and demonstrates great execution of a creative idea.

Was this review helpful?

‘A Home That Means the World’ by Victoria Turnbull is a heartwarming children's book that beautifully explores the themes of home, family love, and friendships. With its charming plot and adorable characters, this story is sure to resonate with both children and adults alike.

Plot: ★★★★★

The plot of ‘A Home That Means the World’ is absolutely adorable. It revolves around the notions of home, family love, and friendships, providing a comforting and relatable story for young readers. The narrative is engaging and full of warmth, making it a perfect bedtime read.

Character: ★★★★★

The characters in this book are very cute and sweet. They are well-developed and relatable, embodying the essence of family and friendship. Children will find the characters endearing and may see reflections of their own family dynamics within the story.

Illustrations: ★★★★★

The illustrations in ‘A Home That Means the World’ are very cute and the vintage style really enhances the homely theme. The artwork complements the narrative beautifully, adding depth and visual appeal to the story. The illustrations are detailed and evoke a sense of nostalgia, further enriching the reading experience.

Engagement: ★★★★☆

The engagement level of this book is wonderful. The heartwarming story and charming illustrations ensure that young readers will be captivated from beginning to end. The themes of home and family are universally appealing and will keep children interested throughout.

Readability: ★★★★☆

The readability of ‘A Home That Means the World’ is great. The language is simple and clear, making it accessible for young readers. The text flows smoothly, making it an excellent choice for both independent reading and read-aloud sessions. The balance between text and illustrations helps maintain children's interest and enhances their understanding of the story.

Enjoyment: ★★★★☆

This book is very enjoyable for young children. The combination of a heartwarming plot, adorable characters, and beautiful illustrations makes it a delightful read. Children will love the story's comforting themes and may even draw parallels to their own experiences with home and family.


‘A Home That Means the World’ by Victoria Turnbull is a charming and visually appealing children's book that celebrates the importance of home, family love, and friendships. With its adorable plot, sweet characters, and vintage-style illustrations, it is sure to become a beloved favourite for young readers and their families.

Was this review helpful?

When they lost their home my six year gasped and said can you even imagine? And isn’t that the point so that she can imagine what it’s like to loose but to keep hope and know that sticking together is the best thing.

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed this book, as did my three and four year olds. We liked the length, story, and overall message. Thank you Netgalley for this book in exchange for an honest review!

Was this review helpful?

Children's fiction is a genre that I adore with all my heart. Because it's beautiful, it has calmness and peace. The world of children is not chaotic and pretentious, and even if there is chaos, it is peaceful chaos, a chaos that you adore.

This is an illustrated book of only 17 pages, and with every page that you read, your heart feels warm. 💛

It's the story of a weaver ant family—Flora and her mother—who lost their home and found it back. They made it to the home, which means the world and what is lost can be found, what is broken can be repaired, and what is closed can be opened again.🌻

This book is little, yet it is impactful. It teaches you to be kind, and it teaches you that no matter what, we all long for a place where we can belong, and no matter how small it is, it is your home that means the world. May we all find our way back home.

I am grateful to #netgalley for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review. #netgalley#AHomeThatMeansTheWorld
❣️

Was this review helpful?

Tiny Flora, a Weaver ant, and her family set out to find a new home when their treetop home falls apart. Victoria Trumbull turns this tale into a much-needed allegory about the plight of refugees. I could not decide what was more beautiful: the writing or those ethereal illustrations. Both were equally touching as poor, worried Flora encounters the compassionate — and not. Highly, highly recommended for readers of any age.

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children’s Books in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

A simple story of resilience, as a small family of ants get their home blown away, and have to pack bags and travel until they find a new place to call home – and a community in which to have it. It's a quiet, low-key kind of narrative, pulling a lot of the drama out of things, so they can face spiders, gates, and hellish weather and just be somewhere else, somehow, the following image. The message is paramount, then, to keep on keeping on – but that and the old school kind of imagery might not be enough for some. Are ants even something that we can care that much about, for one thing? Three and a half stars.

Was this review helpful?

“And every day she searched the horizon for something small that might grow into a home.”

“They were lost. But lost can be found, broken can mend.”

It is a touching and heartfelt story of finding a new home. The delicate drawings are stunning and go very well with the narrative. I simply wish this book was a little longer.

Thank you to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books for providing this e-arc.

Was this review helpful?

Charming, heartwarming story that models for children being welcoming and kind to all people. The illustrations are engaging and interesting, and I love how the story is told through a weaver ant family who must move forward after their home is destroyed. Thanks to NetGalley and publisher for the ARC. Pub Date: Sep, 3, 2024.

#AHomeThatMeansTheWorld
#NetGalley

Was this review helpful?

I will not be reviewing this book as a children’s book for young children, but rather as a poignant, profound, meditative picture book about life. Its ups and downs, migration, moving, losing your home (physically or metaphorically), helping others, hope… The art style is a good fit for the themes in this book.

Was this review helpful?

This is a beautiful story. Flora and her family lose their home, due to the choices of others. So, they must set out to find a new home. Though home may sometimes be held together by mere threads, it means the world to the ones whose home it is. This story appears to be an allegory for those who may face homelessness or emigration to a new home due to forces outside of their power. This story was sweet, at times heartbreaking, and most importantly relatable for those children who may have experienced something like Flora. I adored this story and it created a great opportunity to discuss heavier things with my daughter in a way she could untamed that can help her to develop empathy for others. The illustrations were dreamy and whimsical. Just a lovely and inspiring story of struggle, family, and resilience.

Was this review helpful?

I received an ARC of this children's book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a really lovely book. The pictures are very cute and the story is wonderful!

Was this review helpful?