Official Review: The Greater Understanding by Nanna Pete

[Cecilia_L]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Greater Understanding" by Nanna Pete.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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The Greater Understanding by Nanna Pete is a heartwarming picture book that teaches young children about responsibility, hard work, and helping others. The story features a kind farmer who loves his family, faithfully tends to his farm, and is always willing to help neighbors. Nana Pete is both the author and the illustrator.

This professionally edited book is 24 pages and traverses themes of family, kindness, responsibility, compassion, love, and helpfulness. The sweet story also educates young readers about farm life, such as the farmer's daily tasks, challenges with garden pests, care of different animals, and types of vegetables grown on the farm. The black and white illustrations complement the story and provide informative details, including the farmer's clothing and a visual layout of his vegetable garden. Pete's cute depictions of animals include raccoons, magpies, roosters, chicks, and geese.

I especially like that Pete effectively illustrates a strong work ethic and acts of kindness through the lifestyle of the farmer and his family, wisely avoiding preaching or lecturing to young readers. For instance, "The whole family was involved in harvesting, freezing, and canning the fruits and veggies to eat year round" is followed by examples of the farmer’s willingness to share with others. Children will enjoy Pete's illustrations of large footprints trailing pages as they ponder their meaning. I also appreciate Pete's reflections on generous giving, receiving with grace, and her recipe for "Honey Vanilla Banana Cake."

On the other hand, Pete's detailed illustrations are charming, but most children prefer colorful pictures. My only suggestion for improvement would be to add some color to the artwork.

It is my pleasure to rate The Greater Understanding 4 out of 4 stars. Despite my preference for colorful illustrations, the story conveys an inspirational and relevant message to young readers. I recommend it to parents, teachers, grandparents, and children through the age of 10. The picture book would also be a lovely gift for farmers and their families.

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The Greater Understanding
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[Unique Ego]

We live in a largely entitled generation, so I like that this author is trying to take kids back to the basics of kindness, hardworking, and responsibility. It makes more sense that the author is doing it with a picture book; it helps to drive the story home for children.

[Vannaskivt]

This sounds like a great read to remind families to slow down and appreciate what they have. Sounds like the illustrations are as nice as the story. Sometimes a black and white illustration leaves more to the imagination which is fun for kids. Thanks for the great review.

[PeterRabitt20]

This book seems like a book I'd like to read to my students, many of them live in urban areas. Thanks for the great review.

[Aan Granados]

This book has a good message to children, emphasizing kindness, work ethic, and generosity. Thanks for your review.

[Effie Cherotich]

This seems to be a lovely children's book that teaches on family, kindness and love. I think it's unique for the author to use black and white images instead of the usual colourful illustrations.

[Surabhi Rani]

The book 'The Greater Understanding' written and illustrated by Nanna Pete is an extraordinary work of fiction that has a touch of non-fiction. It aims at the inner growth and development of the personalities of the children. The book acquaints the readers with farming as a method of subsistence in the present times. Does a man's spirit of service pay in his life? What is the meaning of all humane endeavors?

Once upon a time, there lived a kind farmer in one of our familiar regions of the world. He earned his living through his occupation of farming and helped his needy neighbors alongside by freely distributing the extra farm products among them that were generated through his work. As he grew older, there came a day when he became very ill. Through the relentless service provided to him by his wife, he felt a bit healthier but unfortunately, a big storm arose. It brought heavy winds and rains for days altogether. This was not a good sign for the harvest. Will the farmer face adversity through his power of good attributes and generosity or would he be a failure in finding peace and happiness in his life?

The tale of a farmer is simple, enriching, and potent. It teaches the kids the secret of life! It encourages them to seek the wisdom that life imparts and not just the bookish knowledge! I find the book entertaining as well as instructive for the younger generation! The farm life has been portrayed in it with full potential! It includes the description of the crops, farm animals, and various activities of the household life. I like the fact that the language of the author is sublime and classic. The delicious recipes for 'Honey Banana Cake and 'The Cream Cheese Frosting' given at the end of the book are heartening for earnest readers! Another similar story that I have read is 'Fuzzy Bunny Slippers' by J. M. Verdi. It is a tale of bunnies who break into the house of a little girl to rescue the rabbits that they suppose she has kidnapped. I feel encouraged to redefine and change my priorities in life for sake of inner accomplishments after reading the book!

There is nothing that I didn't like about the book and the work of the author is close to perfect. I rate the book 4 out of 4 stars due to the author's spiritual vision and outlook on the future of the youngsters in the hard and busy world of today! This is a good book for growing children over the age of 10 years who have attained a certain degree of maturity and the power of discrimination in their lives. Guardians and teachers who are keen to provide their younger ones with moral orientation may find this book useful. Also, this is a good storytime read for general readers! I found no grammatical errors in the book to the best of my knowledge of English and the author's work is flawless.