Title: Christobal Bull
Author: Chris Corbett
Illustrator: Richardo Galvao
Publisher: Chris Corbett
ISBN: 979-898-78141-3-0
Pages: 46
Genre: Illustrated Children’s Book
Reviewed by: Beth Adams
Pacific Book Review
Upon finishing Christobal Bull by author Chris Corbett, my first thought was, “Wow!” That is a compliment only reserved for the finest, Best-in-Class books I read, especially in the illustrated children’s genre. What makes this book so special? 4 things.
First of all, the narration has a beat, rhyme, and vocabulary ideally suited keep the book moving at a perfect pace, and captivates the readers into the story of a bull. Not just any bull, but a strong and proud bull having everything any bull would want, yet is still missing something in his heart resulting in an overcoming feeling of loneliness. This gives Christobal incredible sensitivity and builds curiosity in the readers; what is it this bull needs? As it is revealed through the story – the bull has an emptiness because he seeks love.
Secondly, the illustrations are exquisite. Artist Richardo Galvao has a talent which combines humor into fanciful cartoon characters, bringing out the personification in each of the illustrations. This is key for having children deep-dive with their imaginations into the storyline.
Thirdly, everyone loves a good adventure, and Christobal Bull covers many places, friends and events. Readers get an introduction to geography, distances between countries, cultures, and most impressively the heavens. Readers go from a ranch in Texas to a bullfight in Mexico. Then it follows the travels of Christobal to lovely field in Honduras where he meets new friends such as big bear and little bear. It is while relaxing under a moon-lit sky, Christobal has an overpowering sensation of love. It is the moon, Lucille Luna, who fills his heart with love, finally giving him the completion of his happiness. Yet with the waning of the moon causing the full moon to shrink, then disappear, Christobal needs to go where the nights are longer. Onward to Canada then over the ocean to France and then to the Swiss Alpine peaks, as he searches for his love.
Then finally Chris Corbett ties up the loose ends when Christobal leaps into the sky to be with his love Lucille Luna forever. It is among the stars where we now see Taurus, the bull, amidst his friends the big bear and little bear (dippers), and all of the mythology associated with astrological encounters. This element, which may be deemed a spoiler within this review, came as a surprise when paging this book and created the “wow” sensation.
So, if you have youngsters in your family, run, don’t walk to your bookstore, or click online and get yourself a copy of this masterpiece. Chris Corbett has brought key elements together in this amazing children’s book, Christobal Bull, and I hope to read more from this author in the future.
