Product Description

For a young bulldog named Noelle, the joy of being adopted by her very own little girl is overshadowed by the worry that she won't fit in to her wonderful new home.

What can an odd–looking brown pup possibly have to offer in a world where shimmering fish, glittering fireflies, and beautiful Dalmatians play games that Noelle's short legs can barely keep up with?

Five–time GRAMMY® Award–winning singer–songwriter Gloria Estefan's first book for children is a heartwarming story. Exuberantly illustrated by Michael Garland, it captures all the worry of an outsider trying to fit in – and all the joy of discovering that everyone has a talent that matters, and that true beauty comes from inside.

o Includes CD single of Gloria Estefan's latest release Noelle's Song

Ages 3+

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #175894 in Books
• Published on: 2005-10-01
• Released on: 2005-10-11
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 32 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780060826239
• Condition: USED - VERY GOOD
• Notes:
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From Publishers Weekly
As singer/songwriter Estefan's first book opens, a girl welcomes her new pet: "With most of her features so oddly arranged,/ compared to most Bulldogs she looked a bit strange." Noelle soon learns that she otherwise fails to measure up: she can't run fast like Dalmatians and sinks when she tries to swim with the fish. Clunky rhymes (as when the fish spout, " 'We thought everyone everywhere knew how to swim.'/ 'So did I,' said Noelle. 'That's why I jumped in!'") lead up to a predictable outcome. A sunflower tries to reassure the pooch ("You're quite special, Noelle, with a look you can't beat./ Dark and rich like the earth and, like chocolate, so sweet"), and Noelle dreams of the day "she'd find her mysterious, magical way," which comes the next morning (e.g., she crawls under a car to retrieve a ball for the Dalmatians and rescues a stranded fish). Garland's (SantaKid) electric-hued, at times garish digital artwork is as lacking in subtlety as the narrative. Estefan's talent is better showcased in "Noelle's Song (Been Wishin')" about finding a friend, performed on an accompanying CD.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

About the Author

International superstar Gloria Estefan is one of the most successful crossover artists in the world. Among her many honors, she was the first Hispanic woman to be named BMI songwriter of the year, was inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, and is an American Music Award Lifetime Achievement recipient. She was also awarded the Ellis Island Congressional Medal of Honor for her philanthropic work. She is the New York Times bestselling author of The Magically Mysterious Adventures of Noelle the Bulldog. Gloria lives with her son Nayib, daughter Emily, and husband Emilio in Miami.

Gloria Estefan es una de las cantantes latinas mÁs exitosas del mundo entero. Fue la primera mujer hispana en ser nombrada mejor cantautora del aÑo por el sello BMI, fue la primera en entrar en el Songwriters Hall of Fame y la primera en recibir el American Music Award Lifetime Achievement. TambiÉn recibiÓ la medalla de honor de Ellis Island por parte del congreso estadounidense por sus obras de filantropÍa. Ella es la autora de Las MÁgicas y Misteriosas Aventuras de una Bulldog Llamada Noelle, cuya ediciÓn en inglÉs fue un best seller del New York Times.

Customer Reviews

Very Cute
This book is adorable and well written and well illustrated. I guess that singers/songwriters carry over their writing skills to the pages, because I know Gloria writes some of her own music and it's another form of story telling. Therefore this book is great and being a mother herself, I guess she knew exactly the kind of stories young children love to hear. I have read this to a little cousin of mine and he was enthralled the whole way through. Noelle is a cute little character (that is actually one of her real dogs) and it tells a story of all these things that happen to her very interestingly. The real message is really about the dog having a hard time fitting in and it's a metaphor for kids feeling left out and not included and different. My cousin also loved all the colors and pictures. This is a great book that I really recommend parents to read to their kids (and enjoy yourself too).

Lovable Bulldog
Noelle is a beautiful little bulldog who is awaiting adoption. A little girl sees her and instantly bonds with her. Delighted at having a home, the little bulldog decides to explore her new world.

The lovable little bulldog is saddened when she feels she does not fit in her new environment. She thinks every other creature is more appealing that she is. Brightly colored creatures such as a sunflower, fish in a pond and a butterfly convince Noelle just how wonderful and special she is. A pack of dalmatians come to respect the little bulldog when she comes through for them as do the fish.

I love the book; the bright colors and the adorable little bulldog who found herself a place in the hearts of those who read her story. This is a nice story with a timeless message that is not presented in cliche form. I think it is gentle and not judgmental and I really loved the picture of the girl embracing Noelle. The sweet little bulldog is unconditionally loved and accepted.

The Beatle classic, "Hey, Bulldog!" underscores this lovely story. Noelle's name ties in nicely with Christmas and the spirit of love and giving is beautifully presented in this book. I love it!

Lovely verse and message
My 6 year old and I enjoyed this book thoroughly. The verse is simple and yet some challenging words are thrown in.. we highly recommend this book.