Letters in Charcoal

Letters in Charcoal is a really really good book that I recommend for all ages. I really like how the designs are really basic but are used so cleverly. My favourite illustration is the double spread where Gina found out what Miguel Ángel was saying and when she held out the blue dress with lighter blue stripes going down it, there is a boat on it and it looked like a sea. I really like this because Juan Palomino has made his artwork so clever and the colours are also so bold on the page. I really like this book and I would rate it 9/10.

Otto

Latymer Prep Shadowers

Letters in Charcoal is a heartwarming book and explores different themes like love, siblingship, and determination. This book shows that there are some people who are so unfortunate that they can’t learn how to read and write. I like how the girl is always determined to learn how to write and read just so she can read her sister’s love letters she receives every day from a secret lover. This is a very touching book to read and I recommend this book to 7+ readers, though anyone can read it! I rate this book a 9/10!

Iris

Latymer Prep Shadowers

In Letters in Charcoal, a book set in an ordinary pueblo, most people do not know how to read. In this book, one of the main character’s sisters is sent love letters but does not know how to read them. Then, she asks the shopkeeper how to read, with a deal that she helps him sort out products, and they learn the wonders of the alphabet. As she learns it, she figures out that her sister’s boyfriend is moving away and she is heartbroken. The simple but effective illustrations are bold and noticeable, easily blending in with the text. I recommend this book for children 8+ and I rate it 8.25/10.

Isaac

Latymer Prep Shadowers

Letters in Charcoal is an amazing picture book, Juan Palomino has used simple pictures to bring the story to life. I also like how he has shown us that some people are less fortunate than us through pictures. I like the use of newspapers as a detail on some of the pages. I really love the double page spread where the 2 sisters swash their hair together like it is connected. I like the idea that on the inside back cover that there is the true story of what happened. Overall this was a good book with great illustrations and great context. Although this book is aimed at 5-7 year olds, older children can enjoy it. I would rate this a solid 9/10.

Zeynep

Latymer Prep Shadowers

Letters in Charcoal is an amazing book and I really liked it. I love how Juan shows that some people are less fortunate than others, and that some people can’t afford to get taught how to read. I love how Juan used the use of colours and letters in this book. I think this book is aimed for 5-8 year olds, but anyone can read it and enjoy it. I really enjoyed reading this book, so I will definitely rate this book a solid 9/10.

Leia

Latymer Prep Shadowers

This book is about how some people in the world cannot read and how they can learn to read, if a kind person helps. It shows you that, if you learn things, you can teach to others. I like the story. My faravrote bit was when the girl had to weigh rice. I do recommend it because it teaches you that not everyone is lucky to learn.

Zsa zsa

Sandroyd Bookivores

Eloise

BFS Umbra Readers

Immy

BFS Umbra Readers

Layla

BFS Umbra Readers

Leyre

Dovery Reading Gladiators

Amelia

Inkscape Critics

Annabelle

Inkscape Critics

Thomas

Inkscape Critics

Bruk

Inkscape Critics

Emil

Inkscape Critics

Harri

Inkscape Critics

I liked that Señor Velandia helped her learn how to read and write. 📕📝👍I disliked that Gina was receiving letters from Miguel Ángel but didn’t understand them. 🤷🏾‍♀️😢👎

Leyre

Dovery Reading Gladiators

This book is really nice and has wonderful illustrations the storyline is creative and shows a girl learning to read and write and how she soon shares her knowledge with others

Sara

Weald of Kent Sevenoaks

Zara

Sandroyd Bookivores

This book is about a young girl who does not know how to read. In fact, not many people do in the village of Palenque, actually, only one shopkeeper called Senior Velandia. Every month the girl's older sister receives letters from a young doctor. Gina does not know how to read either, so she spends hours thinking about what is written in the letters. Until one day, the little girl decides to leanr how to read. I really like the way this book is written and the way it teaches cchildren about how lucky we are. I loved the illustrations bacause of many uses of bright colours and no outlining. The illustrations are subtle and easy to interpret, which I also enjoyed. My favourite bit was the time when the shopkeeper taught the girl how to read. I would recommend this book to children from 3 to 6 years old. It teaches them to be grateful for what they have.

Anastasiia

Sandroyd Bookivores

Good colour choice as they are natural like where she lives. Good size Like the story

Ella

Prettygate Junior School

I REALLY LIKED THIS BOOK! I think that the book ' Letters in charcoal ' is fun, colourful , it feels like a very creative story and it's also very creative.

Immy

BFS Umbra Readers

i think the story was very interesting but also quite sad. the illustrations were beautiful i love the colour scheme.

Eloise

BFS Umbra Readers

"Letters in Charcoal" is a brilliant book and I loved reading it. I began searching for all the hidden letters in the images and my favourite page is the one with dress and the bodice is covered in all kinds of letters in a pattern. I also liked the colours as they were very different so we could really get the feel of village life in Colombia. Overall, I give this book a 8 out of 10.

jasmine

Rebel Readers

In the book a South American mother tells her son how, in her old village, only the owner of a shop know how to read. He also taught her how to read so she could read the love letters her sister received. I love the story because it shows you there are still some places where people can't read and that there is a big diversity of people around the world. The illustrations are colourful, with shadows made like a real penci or charcoal??? I love them because of the details they have and how in some pictures, some words are written in Spanish ( I am Spanish). Colours are well contrasted. I love the part when in the story, the main character finally reads her sister's letter even if the letter is a bit sad. I recommend the book to all children.

Emilio

Sandroyd Bookivores

This book is about a young girl who does not know how to read. I really like that story because it is about friendship and helping others. The illustrations are really colourful and the drawing are very precise. I really like these illustrations because it looks as if the artist has had a lot of fun drawing them. My favourite part is when the shopkeeper helps a young girl learn how to read. I would recommend this book because it is about helping others.

Freja

Sandroyd Bookivores

This story is about two girls- the main character and her older sister Gina- who live in Colombia. They don't know how to read or write and there aren't many people who know how to read and write where they live in the pueblo in Colombia . Gina used to read many letters from a boy called Miguel Angel. She was dying to understand what those letters said. Her little sister learned how to read and write. She taught some of the other people around her to read and write too. Now, many people know how to read and write.

Saadaq

Read to succeed

Personally, I really like this book because I find that it's very engaging with the colour scheme that's being used. In addition there are also small bits of writing but not too much. The context itself shows how some people do not have the ability to read or write.

Maisie

Loyal Judging Society

I like how the illustrations are quite muted and calming as it is very comfortable to look at and I feel like it reflects on the girls’ curiosity and inner world, full of wonder, very well. They also look pretty textured and enhances the story a lot. I love the story itself as well, but I felt really sad for the girls in the end, where they were finally able to read Miguel Angel’s letter, but it was already too late because he’s moving and won’t be able to send any more letters.

Eunice

Sale High Readers

Maud

Sandroyd Bookivores

I think Letters in Charcoal is really inspiring and it helped me learn more about the Spanish culture. I really enjoyed reading it and at the time, I had started writing a story set in Spain so that book really helped me with that. I love this book so much!

Gracie

AE Shadow-readers

There is this girl who doesn’t know how to read or write but she gets to learn. I like the story because it has realistic drawings and pictures which brings it to life. The illustration is very realistic. I like the illustration because it’s very detailed. My favourite part is when the girl meets the man and he helps her read and write. I would recommend reading it because it’s very interesting.

Milton

Sandroyd Bookivores

I think Letters in Charcoal is a good story because it talks about someone who can't read so I can relate. The pictures are immaculate, it is very weird how they draw faces but in a good way. The story is about a girl that learns how to read and write. When I was younger I didn't know how to read or write. But when I went to Burlington House I finally learned how to do both now in my opinion I'm the best in the class.

Magnus

BurlingtonBookReaders

I like the book because it shows how important reading actually is. It is about someone who can't read but then is passionate about reading and tries their best to learn how to read and write in Spanish. Later on, she realises how reading is used on a daily basis (such as on food packages, posters , books and signs).

Zeeshan

Read to succeed

I think the story is nice and easy for kids who are dyslexic, it could help motivate them to learn to read and write. The story doesn't have too many words but has great pictures that help summarise the story and helps people know what it is all about. Furthermore I would recommend this book 5 stars for creativity and imagination as it helps people who are dyslexic.

Henry

BurlingtonBookReaders

This story tells a tale about a girl who learns how to read, and spreads this gift to her friends and family. Her sister is getting letters from a boy but she can't understand what the boy was saying to her. So she helped her sister and they read it. The boy loved her but he had to leave the country. I can relate to this book because as a younger kid i felt like I was left out and everyone else could read but I couldn't.

Oliver

BurlingtonBookReaders

This book is about people who cannot read and who can barely write. There are a few people in the story who know how, like the shopkeeper. He teaches a girl in exchange for helping him weigh his food into packets (1 pound each). What I like about the book is that you can learn Spanish words from some pages.

Shaheem

Read to succeed

I am dyslexic and when I was in Y2 I couldn't read or write because i used to be in a french school and I just started English in Y2 so this is very relatable. I also liked the characters and the pictures because of the detail.

Maximilian

BurlingtonBookReaders

This book tells a story about a girl learning how to read and write and as she progressed she began to share the ability to read with others in the village. She tries to understand the letters her sister has been receiving but once she can finally understand them it is too late. I found this book relatable because for many years I found words and letters really overwhelming so I didn't learn to read until really late. I liked this book due to it being really easy to read and having amazing Illustrations.

Freddie

BurlingtonBookReaders

I like this book because there are two sisters and the younger sister learned how to read so she taught Gina [the older sister] in charcoal outside in the pueblo. Then, the older sister learns how to write and this affects her because when she is a grown up, she will have to know how to write and read . if Gina didn't know how to read she would not get a job but luckily her younger sister taught her.

Mirha

Read to succeed

The book is about a girl and her sister who don’t know how to read but keep getting letters from the owner of the Pueblo who is called Miguel Angel and try to decipher them. That is when she decides to read. She goes to a man called Señor Velandia who is one of the only people who knows how to write in her village. He is the owner of the only shop and she asks him if he can help her to read. He says "yes" if you help me measure the bags, which will be 1 lbs (pound). She agrees and then she learns to read. She then goes to teach her sister how to read. They finally get sent another letter from Miguel, which says that he will be leaving and it will be very hard for him to come back. Gina (the older sister) cries but they know they have to make a dress for the Christmas party. They attend the party and at it Gina meets Juan Jose. She also gets her first book from Señor. Then she cannot stop teaching or reading herself. I really like the story and it is amazing that it is non fiction! It is a REAL story! The illustrations are amazing because they are such easy things to draw but are very detailed at the same time and you could tell what everything is. My favourite bit was when she gets her first book. I would rate it 5/5 and definitely recommend it to anyone above the age of....actually....just anyone who can read!

Arthur

Sandroyd Bookivores

I really like how this book talks about a young girl who never knew how to read & write because it was an uncommon thing thing in their country, and i liked how she wanted to learn to read and write to read a letter and reply to it. It is also amazing how she taught people afterwards.

Liyana

Sale High Readers

This story is about a girl who lives in a town where people don’t know how to read. The girl gets help with a man called senior Velandia. He taught her the alphabet because she is helping him with making up the packages. We like the story very much! The pictures are very imaginative and colourful and the author really thought about the illustrations!!!! We love the illustrations they really nice and beautiful. Our favourite bit was when Gina taught all of her friends and her town the alphabet and helped them. We would recommend it to all ages including adults because it is a really thoughtful book. The author has described the words really well and we think it would be helpful for 5 year olds and above. THE END

Primrose and Bea

Sandroyd Bookivores

This illustrated book portrays a Colombian girl’s journey in learning how to read and write. I really liked this story because of the message it transmits. With the example of the girl wanting to learn to understand the letters, it shows that with effort and perseverance everything can be achieved. The illustrations were amazing, and they helped me understand the story better. I would really recommend this book to anyone because it shows that that not everyone can have the same opportunities and that we should appreciate what we have

Isabella

Sandroyd Bookivores

This was an utterly charming book about determination and leadership, as a young girl helps her village learns to read. In this books the young girl's sister recieve a letter every week but they live in the village where not many people can read. She slowly learns to read form a shopkeeper and shares her knowledge with other children. This is a lovely story story accompanied with colourful and simple yet detailed illustrations that bring the book to life. My favourite part is when her sister and the main character sit in a mango tree. This is a beautiful book whith setbacks and team work and was an inspiring read!

xanthe

Sandroyd Bookivores

This book really shows us what some people go through in every day life, in a tiny village, not knowing how to read and write. It has an important message - with effort you can do anything, which is true. Not all people are taught how to read or write. Letters are the whole reason the girl in this book wanted to learn. Each charcoal letter made this young girl want to know how to read and make sense of the world. The illustrations are so significant to get the message across by showing tiny but noticeable letters hidden everywhere in this book. This is what made it so unique, for me.

anna

Rebel Readers

Today Year 5 shadowing group read and discussed this book. The group looked carefully at the illustrations and the amount of detail gone into the images. Pupils enjoyed the story, though did feel it ended rather suddenly - we were all looking for more. After we read and discussed the book, the group completed a short letter writing task - some pupils wanted to thank Muguel for being so kind and some pupils wanted to explain why Gina did not respond to his letters.

Librarian

QEGS CARNEGIE BOOK CLUB

Anastasia

Mayfield Mighty Readers

This book tells the story of a character who lives in place where most people cannot read or write but she wants to know how to and believes it is important. When she learns she becomes very happy and enjoys it . It is age appropriate and shows young people the value of reading. I do think that the illustrations are lovely and very detailed but for younger readers the words can be a bit tricky I think. Lots of colours which is good.

harry

The WH shadowers

This book taught me that not everybody gets a chance to learn to read or write so I am lucky to be able to read and write, sometimes people take it as a given. The illustrations were gorgeous.

Erin

Danum Doodlers Does Books

The illustrations are amazingly good. I would give this a 25/10.

Riley

Danum Doodlers Does Books

The book was good but I would recommend it to 3-5 years because it just tells you about books and to read them.

harry

Brooke Weston Book Busters

This book was good it teaches children the importance of reading. My favourite part of the story was when Gina receives the letters from the doctor before he left. Also when there were letters in each page. I rate this book for 5+.

Shiloh

Brooke Weston Book Busters

I did not enjoy this book. I don`t think the book will get a good audience as the book didn`t have a good ending or storyline. The characters were boring and plain and I didn't like the way they were able to learn the alphabet. But the author has shown good storytelling skills.

jereign

Brooke Weston Book Busters

'Letters in Charcoal' is a book which is well illustrated. However, I do think that the illustrations within the book are not vibrant enough to catch a child's attention. But, the book does shine a light on reading, which is important as lots of children nowadays don't read or look at books with pictures in them. I would rate this book a 8.5/10.

Jennifer

Rebel Readers

First of all I like the simple but affective words and the art in this book. On the second page of the book It is like saying that no one is reading or writing the are just outside playing and working. On the third page of the book it is showing the different letters of the alphabet and the walls and food are full of words. So I think this book is set at the right age group. You wouldn't need to be able to read the word to understand the story.

Harley

The WH shadowers

I personally love this book. The way it highlighted the fact that just because you can't read, it doesn't mean you can't learn. The young girl was determined to learn to read as nobody else in the village could except one person, and that is very inspiring in my opinion. It is a very good book to read for children 7-9 as it teaches very good lessons. I would encourage people to read this particular book as it is a very good read. 9/10 :)

Sara-Jane

Academy Book Gurus

It was a really nice story to read about. It was about a girl that didn't know how to read letters .The only person who knew how to read in her town was the shop keeper and he helped her to read letters. When she got older she became a teacher. I liked the pictures and I think children ager 6 to 8 years will be enjoy reading.

Emilia

Brooke Weston Book Busters

I like this book because the girl in story didnt know how to read and then she did know how to and she taught other people how to read. I think this book would be good for children any age.

olly

Brooke Weston Book Busters

I loved the book so much because they could not read and the girl teaches them by using charcoal. I liked the part when the shopkeeper teaches the girl. I liked the pictures because they had the letters. I think kids in year 1/2 would love this book.

Rueben

Brooke Weston Book Busters

I felt really sad because she got a letter from someone who knows how to read and write but she didn’t know how to read and write. I would recommend this book for people that are older than 7 to read this book

Halle

Barrow Bookworms

I really like this book. I love the illustrations because the colours really suit the story. I would recommend this book to older children as some younger children may not understand the story. This story is very sad but in the end it is a bit more joyful. I really like the page at the back that tells you what life was like in the 1500s in Colombia, Palenque.

Cleo

Barrow Bookworms

I don’t really like it because I don’t understand what it is trying to tell me

Sofia

Barrow Bookworms

Letters in charcoal is about when only a few people can read or write but then this kind man teaches a girl how to read and write and she teaches everyone it’s really sad I would recommend it but it doesn’t really make sense that much to me.

Eva

Barrow Bookworms

Letters in charcoal is a good book but also sad because it’s about this town who cannot read and only one person can. Then this girl learns how to read then teaches other people but then she reads a letter that for Gina and the letters says that this person is leaving. I'd recommend it to KS2 children.

Ruby

Barrow Bookworms

I think the story was sad but it was also interesting.The pictures are nice.

Una

Barrow Bookworms

Letters in charcoal is a good book but it is more for older kids because it has hard words. It could have more colourful colours. I would probably recommend it to older kids.

Norah

Barrow Bookworms

A lovely read about the power and joy of language and reading, an experience everyone should have but one that unfortunately isn’t available to everyone. The illustrations and use of bold colours catch the reader's attention.

Mrs Whittaker

The WH shadowers

I really enjoyed Letters in Charcoal because it shows that even if something isn't easy, if you keep on trying and have hope then things will always be better.

Darcey

Bispham Bookworms