Good morning, I would like to share a new book which you will find inside our Back-To-School Gift Guide 23: Black Diamond Collection Volume 1 by Isabel Cintra (Author), Zeka Cintra (Illustrator) a storybook for younger children.
Black Diamond Collection Volume 1 is different than other books s there is 3 stories inside the book. These stories can be read all at one time. Or read over different day. Charlie and I had fun looking at the illustrations in the book and discussing what might happen before we began reading the stories.
Charlie and I enjoyed looking at the cover of the book and seeing the children with the beautiful white dress which Carlie said is the perfect party dress. If you look closely, you will see Butterflies including a blue Butterfly which was Charlie’s favorite. Did you see the little girl looking in the mirror just like in the story?
The first story is the Princess and the Mirror. Charlie said this a story for girls, because it’s about a Princess. After reading the story Charlie said he enjoyed seeing the King and Queen. Following them on the journey until the baby was born was fun as they took lots of walks. Which Charlie and I need to do.
Through this book we learn how vain someone can be as the Queen can’t pass a mirror without looking into it. We enjoyed getting to learn about her Fairy Godmother and the promise she made to her. As well as learning how much, she loved her daughter which kept the Fairy Godmother from doing something had to the family. Children of all ages will enjoy the story and adults as well. Especially if they like Princesses which we all know Suzzane was. I wish she had been here to have read the story with us but that can’t happen.
Next was the Great Little Taylor and Charlie thought the little boy was cute and he liked his outfit. I love how the Author reminds us that with hop our dreams do exist. In this story we learn of a young boy who helps his dad create clothes on the sewing machine they got from his grandmother. it’\s hard work and they stay up late and its cold but that doesn’t stop them.
Mrs. Zida comes to pick up the dress and only pass one coin which isn’t enough for all the work they did. Akin could tell his dad was sad and he couldn’t help much because he was small. Akin tells his dad his dream of getting a new sewing machine and setting up a studio and selling clothes to the King Radar’s castle.
The father reminds him that they can’t afford another machine and what they have is enough as it puts food on the table. Off to bed they go. Akin goes for a walk toward the castle and picks up a flyer. Not knowing how to read he heads home for his dd to read it to him. The Princess is going to marry and there is a contest.
The best tailor will win golden coins. Akin says they must get started designing the dress, but the dad says no, they have no, chance of winning. The dad says Mr. Abel might not sell them fabric because they hadn’t paid their bill. Mr. Abel refuses to sell the material and the father is defeated. Aki ask to go to his friend’s home to play but instead he goes back by himself to speak to Mr. Abel about the fabric.
Akin ask Mr. Abel to listen to his heart and he gives him all the material he needs. Akin designed the dress and the father began to see the dress. akin added embroider all the lace with threads. It took 15 days to make the dress and just from the pictures the dress was beautiful. I wish I had this dress.
There was a line of tailors, and they were the last one in line. They hadn’t registered and was told they couldn’t accept the dress. The King walks up and ask Akir what is wrong. He tells him to bring his dress because the Princess didn’t like the other dresses. Isa feel in love with the dress and put it on. It fit perfectly.
They were paid and before you ask what happened next, I am not going to tell you. I think you need to pick up your own copy of Black Diamond Collection Volume 1 to find out what happens when you dream and don’t give up no, matter what happens. No, matter what Charlie says. Charlie said you should see the page that says the end and all the cute puppies on it he wanted to keep.
The last story is The Sweetest Ladybug which we see fixing a little girl’s hair. Can you imagine a Ladybug fixing your hair? I can’t and neither can Charlie. Johana is the little girl in this story a protagonist. A word Charlie didn’t know we will be adding to our Homeschool Spelling Class this week. Do you have other words we should add to our list?
Johana’s father is a Scientist who researches secret lives of Insects. Johana would watch her father work. She would spend hours in the study looking at the Insects and naming them. One morning there was a Cricket wearing a top hat. can you believe that? Johana captures the Cricket who takes out a flute and begins to play.
Johana begins shrinking. Now they are the same size. The spell will take time to wear off. The Cricket invites Johana to his home. The Cricket has Johana dress up like a ladybug so no, one would know, she is human. They see a Frog and hide so he doesn’t see them. They see other Insects and Birds, but Johana becomes tired.
It’s Mr. Beetle’s baby’s Birthday. Cricket gets ready while Johana naps. Then they use a ribbon to fix her hair. They arrive and see so many Insects. Cricket gives a ball to Mr. Beetle for the baby. Johana notices the cake which her mom had made, and she had taken to her room even though she wasn’t supposed to.
The Cricket lets Johana know the Caterpillar they had seen turned into the Butterfly that had arrived at the party. Cricket takes Johana home before the spell ends. This is a dream she wanted to remember forever. Do you think Johana and the Cricket ever saw each other again? We don’t know which is why I think there should be a second book. How about you?
Venture into the spellbinding world of Isabel Cintra’s imagination with the Black Diamond Collection Volume 1. This special edition presents three magical tales, brilliantly brought to life by Zeka Cintra’s illustrations.
In “The Princess and the Mirror“, a kingdom’s obsession with beauty summons a wise fairy to restore balance, weaving a lesson on love and vanity. “The Great Little Tailor” spins a tale of adversity, resilience, and hope set in a humble village, reminding us that optimism and courage can reshape destiny. “The Sweetest Ladybug” invites you to witness how Johana’s imaginative whims become reality, painting a vibrant landscape of backyard mysteries.
Embrace the charm and wisdom of these captivating fairy tales, offering a timeless exploration of universal truths. This collection is a must-have gem in every fairy tale lover’s library.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
