Title: Mia Discovers Florence
Author: Alexandria Pereira
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 978-1-6655-4667-6
Genre: Children’s Picture Books
Pages: 26
Reviewed by: Allison Walker
Pacific Book Review
The fourth book of The Mystery of History series, Mia Discovers Florence, written and illustrated by Alexandria Pereira, is a colorful and educational addition to the children’s picture book series. The book begins with Mia painting a picture of her new puppy, Licorice, when her grandmother comes into the room. Mia’s painting reminds her of our Neanderthal ancestors painting on cave walls; although, Mia is painting on a canvas and not the walls of their home! Grandmother tells Mia their ancestors in Florence were also known as talented painters, and thus the two companions curl up on the couch together and read a story about the history of Florence, Italy.
The book is aptly titled Mia Discovers Florence because indeed, it is a story of discovery. Mia does not simply visit or study Florence, she and her grandmother delve into the ancient city’s history, art, and sciences. It is no small feat to condense several thousand years of history into a children’s picture book, but Pereira does a lovely job of it. She manages to capture the vibrant history of the small Italian city and its important contributions to the fields of art and science. From a small settlement on the banks of the Arno River, through the rise and fall of the Romans, and into the height of the Italian Renaissance, Pereira manages to condense Florentine history into a small and appetizing, child-sized, summary. Accompanied by colorful pictures, it’s clear Pereira spent a great deal of time writing and illustrating her book.
Because of the Italian names and descriptions of technology, philosophy, and other sciences, this is not a book a young child will read themselves. Mia Discovers Florence is a book a family will enjoy together. Perhaps a grandmother will share the book with her granddaughter, much like Mia and her grandmother spend time together in this story. Despite a slightly advanced or foreign vocabulary, the subject matter and drawings are age appropriate for a young child. The history and concepts presented are easy to understand and follow. In fact, to further support children’s learning and interest in history, Pereira includes easy educational activities; such as sculpting with clay, washing grapes, or using timelines.
Mia Discovers Florence is a treasured addition to the chronicles of Mia’s intellectual adventures, The Mystery of History series. Pereira’s illustrations are soft-toned, colorful and detailed beautifully in the realism style. Mia Discovers Florence is refreshingly educational and thoroughly enjoyable.
