The Tickling Tale of Smoo


Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
125 Pages
Reviewed on 04/05/2023
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Author Biography

Louiza Kallona grew up in London in the 70s but moved to Edinburgh, aged eighteen, attracted by the local history, the whopping volcanic rock, and with the hope of meeting people as funny as Billy Connolly.

She has worked as an adult literacy development worker in Scotland, as a full-time writer for MM publications and progressive jazz-rock fiddler, while living in Athens, and as a troubadour’s fiddler, playing in Irish pubs, in Scandinavia.

She started writing The Tickling Tale of Smoo while living with five other eccentric bikers in Middletoun farmhouse, where the book begins, and now lives by the sea, in Tønsberg, Norway, with her boyfriend.

Loves penguins and playing the fiddle. Is extremely ticklish.

A vivid and wonderfully bizarre dream planted the seed for The Tickling Tale of Smoo. The dream had an image of a huge hand tickling the world in a very cartoony and Monty Pythonesque style. She immediately knew that she had to turn it into a children's book.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Amy Raines for Readers' Favorite

In The Tickling Tale of Smoo by Louiza Kallona, Ben and Lucy listen to their grandmother tell a story about the world’s tickle spot hidden in the armpits of Smoo. Nobody they knew had laughed in months, not even a chuckle. Their parents didn’t believe that the world could be tickled, but Ben and Lucy couldn’t turn down the opportunity to go with their grandmother and Uncle Patrick to Durness to visit Gabel Lylhu’s cottage to find more answers. If Gabel Lylhu, an anagram of Belly Laugh, is no longer tickling Smoo and making the world’s laughter, how will joy ever return? If Gabel can no longer tickle Smoo, who is next in line to fulfill the task?

The Tickling Tale of Smoo by Louiza Kallona is a fun fantasy that re-imagines where the joy and laughter in the world come from. Ben and Lucy behave much like most young siblings. Their playful rivalry is as believable as their curiosity, and love for their grandmother’s stories. I loved how Louiza created the unique personality of Smoo and gives kids something magically different to believe in. The educational edge of this story doesn’t go unnoticed as some of the characters are named as anagrams, encouraging kids to figure out what the names mean before Lucy does. I enjoyed the book, and hope that Louiza continues to come up with more tales that give kids new and imaginative ways to view how the world works.

Superkambrook

https://www.superkambrook.com/2023/01/the-tickling-tale-of-smoo-by-louiza-kallona-book-review.html

'The Tickling Tale of Smoo by Louiza Kallona was a wonderfully weird story filled with excitement and humor.

It had humor, suspense, unforgettable characters, and a unique plot that required an out-of-the-box-thinking resolution.

Kids will love The Tickling Tale of Smoo. Adults will love it too. It’s a story that the entire family can read and enjoy together!'

Morgan Amos

https://thebookcommentary.com/review-preview/924/the-tickling-tale-of-smoo

'This whimsical story is delightful and perfect for middle schoolers. The book has vibrant characters, and vivid imagery, and it explores the importance of family and togetherness, which is a resonant theme in the story. These characters face surprising challenges, solve riddles, and meet various individuals with complex personalities along their journey. The book speaks eloquently to contemporary readers who are so absorbed with the cares of life that they forget the simpler joys of the old life. The writing is clear, the plot has ample twists and turns, and the story has plenty of fun moments to keep readers engaged. This quirky and unpredictable tale reserves a lot of surprises for readers. The Tickling Tale of Smoo is a delightful romp that is full of life, passion, and heart! You'll be captivated by this adventurous and action-packed book.'