Samba in Switzerland


Children - Adventure
40 Pages
Reviewed on 03/13/2023
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography


Paul Yanuziello is a writer, storyteller, musician, martial arts instructor and an author. The opportunity to write and teach full time in 2017, as well as his passion for teaching and learning from children, became the motivational force to publish his first children’s picture book. In 2019, he published, Samba on a Snowy Day, to glowing reviews. When Yanuziello is not teaching or learning martial arts, he can be found writing, reading or practising shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) in his sanctuary near Blue Mountains, Ontario. To keep up to date with Paul, visit paulyanuziello.com and remember to subscribe to his blog, My Monthly Journal.

Other books written by Paul Yanuziello with illustrations by Joshua Miller:
Samba in Brazil
Samba in Switzerland
Scratchy the Squirrel: A Time for Friends

    Book Review

Reviewed by Marie-Hélène Fasquel for Readers' Favorite

Samba in Switzerland by Paul Yanuziello is beautifully illustrated by Joshua Miller and is the third book of a series. I cannot wait to read the first two. The story's dedications are heart-warming and are a good starting point for the cutest of children’s books. We will all want to visit Switzerland because the drawings are so gorgeous and they appeal to our different senses. One-year-old Samba, the Bernese mountain dog, and his best friend, Ariela, visit Switzerland and stay in an Ice Hotel. The story is about the adventures of a lovely dog who dreams and is brave, an adorable little girl, fun, love, friendship, and values, and helping those in need. What else could we want in a kid’s book?

Samba in Switzerland by Paul Yanuziello is delightful. I have shown it to my grandson who loves the drawings and asked me to translate the story into French. I spent a fabulous time with him and the two adorable protagonists. I loved how the story included an explanation of samba, the dance, and a few words in Portuguese, introducing children to other languages and understanding other cultures. The little girl was born in Rio de Janeiro and now lives in Canada, thus the plot includes the topic of immigration and fitting in, which are essential themes for children. They must understand that we are all different and that these differences make us so interesting. To top it all, the lovely supernatural creature called Bertie adds to the magic of this tale, and shares some positive truths, helping us to recognize what is important. At the end of this gem, we are encouraged to wonder which treasures we are not treasuring enough, and which ones we are not grateful for. Thank you for sharing this story and for the fun facts for kids found at the end.

Maria Victoria Beltran

Samba in Switzerland is the third in a series of children’s picture books by Paul Yanuziello with illustrations by Joshua Miller. Samba, the Bernese mountain dog, is off on his next adventure. With his best friend Ariela, he’s visiting Switzerland and staying at the magical Ice Hotel. Samba dozes off and starts dreaming. Exploring the mountain outside, Samba slips on the ice when a strange creature grabs him. The creature introduces himself as Bertie of the family Barbegazi, guardians of the treasures of the alps. Scared and thankful at the same time, Samba learns of the treasure that his new friend is guarding. Then Ariela wakes him up. Not to be missed, at the end of the book are interesting and fun facts about Switzerland.

Paul Yanuziello’s Samba in Switzerland is an entertaining and informative children’s story encompassing all the essential elements necessary to create a fascinating and fun story time with children. This adventurous tale is enough to capture a child’s imagination and is told in a way that’s easy to understand. The illustrations set a magical tone and enhance the text, which is engaging, varied, and colorful. Meant to amuse and inform you, this is also a story of friendship. I find Samba and Ariela highly likable characters and children should easily relate to them. It is a story that takes you on an unforgettable, magical journey. Here’s looking forward to Samba and Ariela’s next adventure!