Adam Ciccio has created a book that I would love to share widely with students. The art is beautifully and the story is one of inspiration and hope. The kind of book that reminds us there is a hero and great possibility in all of us.

It is undeniable that today bullying is a big problem, the book tries to show children that it is not bad to be different and help can come from less expected places, in addition to the power of friendship and forgiveness, BUT , I think the story is not that attractive to children, the art is great, but the story is not that interesting. In addition, I think it is important to teach children to ask for help in these types of situations, especially from the adults around them.

I read The Boy in the Orange Cape with my 4 year old son and we both enjoyed it. It tells the story of Corey who is bullied for wearing his orange cape.
The story is aimed at 5 year olds and upwards but my 4 year old understood the message the story was telling and he got me to read the book again straight away to him as he enjoyed it that much.

Thank you to NetGalley and Clavis Publishing for my ARC.

I was drawn in by the beautiful artwork, but unfortunately this story fell short for me, and my 5.5 year old son was confused by the message. While I appreciate the author was trying to show how we can have empathy for others, and perhaps we don’t know what someone is going through until you connect with them, but the bullying and resolution didn’t sit well with me. I didn’t like that everyone ended up bullying the bully, and that ultimately how the bullying ended because every was the “same” all wearing capes. Ultimately this story just wasn’t for us.

Corey is a brave boy. He doesn't care about getting picked on or bullied because he wears his cape for a reason. I loved the animal illustrations. In the end, it all worked out but this book could start a conversation with kids when everything doesn't end as happily as this book. Sometimes kids don't stop picking on you and sometimes the bully doesn't apologize. Adults should be ready to talk to kids about that too. I liked the book and would recommend it. It will be purchased for my library's collection.

Thank you to NetGalley and Clavis Publishing for the DRC.

This was a cute little book about learning about others and the unity and support that can come from that. The illustrations were well done and accompanied the story well. The tale was simple enough that it is good for all ages. I will definitely read this one to my class as they do deal with bullying and learning about each other constantly.

With bullying being such a problem in today's society i thought that this book was very important and a must read for any child. I think books on bullying should definitely be read to and by all children, however while this one was great, I'm not sure that it will keep all children's attention.

I really enjoyed this book and think it would be an excellent addition to any young child's library. The story is simple and sweet, full of emotion from this adult reader's point of view. A perfect story to teach children about kindness, bravery, and friendship without being preachy. It also exposes that bullies are often acting out and need love too.

I thought the illustrations were pleasant and added to the story without overwhelming it. Adam Ciccio's simple tale is chock-full of truth and meaning. Great for ages 5 and up.

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A satisfying children's tale of overcoming bullies, supporting family and being resolute in the face of judgement from others. My kid loved it.

I believe that bullying continues to be a problem in this world and that books can be a way to equip children to combat bullies. I appreciate the fact that this book advocates kindness and grace. The child who was bullied does not choose to be mean to the bully, but rather extends forgiveness when the apology is offered. My child was bullied in elementary school and I know how hard it can be to teach love where hate lives.

This book was just OK. While the subject matter is important, the delivery may not grab the attention of some kids.

The Boy in the Orange Cape is sweet in its intention. A young boy is bullied for wearing a cape every day to school, tells someone why he wears it, suddenly everyone is wearing one in support. A tale of being supportive instead of bullying because you never know what someone is going through. Sweet enough but fell flat in a few areas for us.

The mismatched sizes and styles to certain words throughout the book felt and looked odd. It detracted from the story, in my opinion. For me, the rhythm of the story was clunky, I had to stop and explain things more than I usually do because it felt both rushed and too wordy at the same time. It's hard to pinpoint the bland taste in my mouth, this book just didn't do it for me. Perhaps it is because you can read the description summary of the book and you've gotten the entire story. You don't even need to read it yourself.

My Child's Favorite Parts: "My favorite part was when Billy realized that wearing capes to support people is good. And when Corey wore an orange cape to support his mama, that was really nice."
Her Least Favorite Part: "Well, I really like the pictures but it was kind of confusing story. I don't want to read it again."

The Boy in the Orange Cape is an illustrated children's book by Adam Ciccio.
The story not only focuses on Corey's love for his mother, but how he doesn't care what other think about him, (given that a bully can make your life miserable) and it can also be applied from the perspective of the bully that someone cannot be judged just because they do something that's different from you because you don't know their story.
So this book can also show how bullying effects someone who's going through a hard time.
There are a few editing issues but hopefully because that will be resolved. It can definitely be a must read for kids ages 5 & above with a few tweaks.
🦄🦄🦄
Rated 8.5/10
Melina L.

I was able to read The Boy In The Orange Cape to my 4year old son.
My son enjoyed this book with some lovely visual pictures to keep his attention.

We read this book and chatted about how Corey went to school a bit different each day from his peers, and how that is ok, and it's not nice to be like Billy the bully. We were very glad Billy and Corey became friends.

This is such a sweet story with all the feels! This book will help children realize that it’s ok to look different, and bullying is wrong. I know a few adults who could benefit from reading this as well. Beautifully illustrated & very well written.

Very cute book and definitely one that I'd read to my kids (4 and 1). Has nice messages about not caring what others think along with a sense of family - the kid with the cape is wearing his cape to show his mom he cares. I also liked the pictures and enjoyed that the characters were animals - kids love that.

BUT I did not like the writing style. There are too many bold and capitalized words that don't need to be. There is one point where the text is: "All of the girls wore a CAPE! All of the boys!" to me that is an incomplete sentence. All of the boys what?

I just wish the writing was a little more sophisticated. Otherwise I would definitely buy this book for my kiddos.

A wonderful children book with a very good message and just magnificent illustrations. I recommend it!

I´ve read it to my son and it was a very emotional experience. Both the characters and the story itself is highly relatable and it creates the opportunity for discussions about friendship, solidarity and how one can stand against bullies. On the other hand, it also has a positive message that gives a hope that bullies can change too. Recommended to age 5 and up. A good reading recommendation - eventually followed by discussion - both at home or in the school or kindergarten.

What a lovely little story!
Starts off really sad, but has a lovely message in it too which younger children would understand.
Bullying needs to be addressed from an early age and I think this book would be perfect to start off the conversation about it.
Pretty and colourful illustrations too .

This is a good book to read my second graders. It is short enough to hold their attention. It is really beautiful pictures. We have to discuss bullying at school on a regular basis and I think this book would help out a lot thank you

A lovely little story of how one boy's selflessness and bravery is a lesson to all the children in his class.