The Call of the Swamp by Davide Cali

Hello everyone! Hope you all are enjoying weekend. Today’s short story is children’s picture-book, The Call of the Swamp by Davide Cali.

Expected publication: September 25th 2017 by Eerdmans Books for Young Readers

Read Date: July 6th 2017

Stars: 4/5

Boris was found at the edge of the swamp and adopted by lovely couple. He is born different, looked different, he has scales and gills but is like normal kids- goes to school and rides his bike and climbs trees. One day when he smells scent of swamp, he feels like the swamp is calling him, like he doesn’t belong with his parents because of his different look. He starts his journey to swamp with lots of questions of who is his actual family and whether he belongs swamp and among his own people. And eventually he discovers where he actually belongs.

Call of the Swamp was very beautiful picture book with the simple moral – ‘we belonged where we are loved and with those whom we love’. This book conveyed very clear message to children and also to foster/adopted kids that parents love their children no matter how they look or how different they are born, no matter what others say. In today’s world where children feel insecure because of their stand out nature or look, this story gives them insight that they belong where they are loved not where everyone look or behave similar.

“If you are happy where you are, then we’re happy too.”

I even liked Boris’s parents who were selfless, kind and with big heart. When Boris asked questions, I liked how they showed their love. And once he left, I loved it that they didn’t force him to come back and instead they said we are happy, if you’re. This was also very important message for parents to understand that no matter how much you love your children, you don’t force them for anything, just show your love and support them, and they realizes they are loved and where they belong.
Illustrations were spectacular. Picture of Boris was drawn very nicely and different to help in conveying message. The house and swamp world was also remarkable.
 

I’m not contradicting just what I said. But here, his parents send only one message in letters. That was good no doubt, but I feel, there should be more other kind, loving letters too like, ‘mom and dad loves you’, etc etc. How poor child will understand by one message only! I’m damn sure kids need more than just one letter.

Overall, amazing picture book that every children would love to read and definitely best bedtime story.
I recommend it to every child.

Author: Davide Cali

Illustrator: Marco Somà

Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company

*** Note: I received a copy of this book via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Publishers and author. ***

What do you think about the story and review? Have you read this story or any other story by Davide Cali? Share your thoughts in the comment-box below.

Happy Reading! :)