Samson, the Mighty Flea! - Hardcover

McAllister, Angela

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1512481238 ISBN 13: 9781512481235

Publisher: Andersen Press USA, 2017

Synopsis

Samson is the star of Fleabag's Circus―this strong-flea can lift a match, he can lift a pea, he can lift lovely flea Amelie. But it's not enough―Samson wants to be the biggest star anywhere, so he sets off into the big, wide world. Discover what happens to the world's smallest strongman in this hilarious, touching tale.

About this title

About the Author:

Angela McAllister has written more than 50 picture books. She studied philosophy and has worked as a nanny. It was her work with children that first inspired her to begin writing children's books. Angela lives with her husband in Hampshire, UK.

Nathan Reed is a printmaker from South East London. His limited edition prints have been featured in the Guardian and on greeting cards. This is the first time Nathan has used this illustration style in a picture book.

Review:

"Samson, a circus strongman (strong-flea), craves the adulation that only comes with being the 'biggest star in the world.' So he leaves the tiny Fleabag's Circus and his friends to seek greater glory in the wider world. One friend, Amelie, is particularly sad to see him leave, and tucks a note in his suitcase. As you might expect, fame does not immediately rain down on the miniscule hero, but he soldiers on, training harder than ever. In the end he finds the attention he craves, but realizes that success is not as satisfying as the love and companionship of good friends. It is then that he discovers Amelie's note (stitched on a hankie) and returns to the Fleabag Circus. Amelie has taken over his strong-flea routine, and he discovers that cheering others' successes is more satisfying than searching for his own. The brightly colored illustrations (most spanning two pages) will fix the attention of young listeners. Early readers will find the story engaging. VERDICT: A fun read-aloud for a circus-themed storytime. A small but mighty addition."―School Library Journal

(Journal)

"Samson the Mighty Flea is the strongest bug in Fleabag's Circus, and his feats of strength (lifting a match! a pea!) have made him its star attraction. But after a while, he starts dreaming of greater fame, and leaves the circus and his darling assistant, Amelie, behind to seek success in the wider world. Though the world outside the Fleabag tent is far bigger than Samson anticipates, the formidable flea is undeterred. He trains harder. He lifts a stick! Yet, no one seems to notice. When the Circus of Dreams catches his eye, he makes his debut before a large, roaring crowd―atop the (human) strongman's head. And there on the Mighty Mustachio's balding pate, Samson is struck by a pang of loneliness for the life and friends he's left behind, and he springs forth to reclaim them. Reed's saturated digital illustrations easily pull readers into the world's tiniest big top. Humorous juxtapositions of Samson's accomplishments and aspirations with the enormity of the world will keep the laughs coming throughout this bighearted story."―Booklist

(Journal)

About this edition

• Publisher: Andersen Press USA
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 1512481238
• ISBN 13: 9781512481235
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 40
• Illustrator: Reed Nathan