The following review was contributed by: LILY AZERAD-GOLDMAN

To read an interview with Carol Weston click HERE

The whimsical jacket of the book The Diary of Melanie Martin: How I Survived Matt the Brat, Michelangelo, and The Leaning Tower Of Pizza illustrated by Marci Roth, informs the reader that Melanie has embarked with her family on an exciting trip to Italy. What’s more, the reader is given the opportunity to peek into Melanie’s diary without any guilt feelings.

Author Carol Weston has created a refreshingly normal family with delightful characters.

Mom is a teacher obsessed with art, and Dad is grumpy and stressed. Matt the brat, Melanie’s brother, is being just that, her annoying little brother. And Melanie of course, the author of the diary, is a ten-year old busy body.

Carol Weston’s wit keeps the reader smiling, if not laughing out loud. Learning a new language (Italian) becomes somewhat of a game for her readers. Weston has “invented” new phonetics by associating words. How can you not remember the name Michelangelo, when it is broken down as Michael Ann Jello?

Every chapter is enhanced with little doodles and handwritten notes.

Carol Weston’s simple and clear style keeps the momentum of the story constantly in motion. She never toys with her characters’ emotions, rather she laughs with them and not at them!

In addition, her readers are given a few art lessons. Giggling and laughing at “nude” pictures will make them even more memorable.

Ten-year olds, as well as seven year olds, can readily relate to sibling rivalry. There is much to be learned from reading this delightful little book, and a great deal to be felt.

It is certainly an excellent read or “eccelente” (Aye che len tey), as they say in Italian! Can’t wait for the next Melanie’s diary!