Reviews:
Clinical Social Worker Karen Shell says:
"Sean Madden's book is creative and entertaining for
both children and adults. It captures the imagination as Vito fights for what is
fair. The world needs more Vitos!!"
Reporter Melissa J. Wantuck (Vertasource) says:
"Author and illustrator Sean Madden spent 20 years
working with kids. Between raising his own and counseling students, his job was
to find ways to speak to children on their level. Then he decided to pick up his
pen and create a story as another way to do that. He reached out and succeeded
with Vito and the Magic Bread.
The hero of Madden’s story is Vito, a resident of
Chip Swirlee, a planet in a galaxy many light years from Earth. Vito isn’t
human and while he looks like a pig, he’s more than the four-legged creatures
here on Earth. And while on Earth he stands barely higher than your thumb, he
has magical powers are greater than anything you’ve seen. Vito is a superhero.
Like Superman, he comes from another planet to fight bad people and help those
who are good, all while wearing his silver cape.
Vito is the archetypal savior. He’s humble and selfless in
his actions to help others and doesn’t expect anything in return. He’s an
excellent role model for young children and this book directly appeals to
independent readers, particularly boys who love comic books and beginner science
fiction readers. Think The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy for kids having
all the ingredients of various space creatures, time travel, and trying to help
the people of Earth.
Vito and the Magic Bread is imaginative and full of
illustrations young readers will enjoy. Some may seem to be a little off the
wall (like the nod to Napoleon Dynamite), but when taken as a whole they give
the story its character and uniqueness. As Madden’s first published work, Vito
and the Magic Bread is a good beginning and hopefully more Vito adventures will
follow."
Rick Merritt, 4th Grade Teacher says:
“I have been an elementary classroom teacher for 31 years. Read aloud, books have been an integral part of my program. Mr. Madden’s book, Vito and the Magic Bread, was enthusiastically received by my fourth graders. They wouldn’t let me stop reading until I finished the story. They were mesmerized by the illustrations and the imaginative creatures. All of my students loved the story, but I noticed that my gifted students were particularly drawn to the details of the story. All agreed that there should be a sequel or an entire series based on Vito and his adventures. When asked to compare this story with another that they were familiar with, many students suggested The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, by CS Lewis. The Vito series have incredible potential!”
School Principal NancyJean Osborn says:
"Sean Madden cleverly creates a story of action,
aliens and adventure that will capture the hearts of both children and adults.
Vito, the Superhero, fights the proverbial fight of justice and right with just
the right touch of humor, heart and hilarity. This book is a great read aloud
for children. Whether read as a bedtime story, or as a read-aloud after lunch at
school, children will cheer for Vito and Mr. And Mrs. Calabash! The story
expertly creates a believable world of aliens who happen to need haircuts and
bakers who can bake the most amazing breads. Children will cheer for the good
guys as Vito helps save the bakery with klutzy grace and plenty of style."
"Vito and the Magic Bread instantly invites the reader
to join with the characters on an incredible journey. Along the way, the reader
will laugh, cheer, and learn a little history through some very incredible
breads. The detailed illustrations along with vivid descriptions and dialogue
make this book a great read for everyone. Children and adults alike are going to
be clamoring for the next installment of Vito's adventures. Grab your favorite
doughnut and hot chocolate and share this great story together with your
children, grandchildren or students. You won't be disappointed."