The Showers of Blessings

Tina Lost in a Crowd is a fun and helpful picture book that shows children what to do if they get separated from their parents or supervisors at any large public gathering. Instead of panicking when Tina and her friend get separated from Tina’s parents at an outdoor concert, the girls keep their heads and remember what to do. They stay in one place until help arrives. Based on a real life-experience, Miriam Hurdle’s story teaches a valuable lesson to kids in a non-threatening and sensitive manner. I would recommend Hurdle’s book as an educational tool for parents as a valuable resource before taking their children and their friends on an outing to the zoo, sporting event, mall, or other public places where there are likely to be lots of people.

It’s been years since I’ve read a children’s book – and I thoroughly enjoyed this charming tale. Tina just finished third grade and is looking forward to her summer and spending time with her friend. She and her mother plan a list of activities, something I did with my sons when they were little. The family decides to attend an outdoor concert at a large venue and bring along Tina’s friend Erica. It’s a scary, but very realistic situation when the two girls get lost during intermission. In the author’s note at the end of the book she mentions this event is based on a true story involving her own daughter – a parent’s nightmare! Luckily, Tina and her parents have talked about what to do if they were ever separated, something all parents should discuss with their children.

The illustrations are vibrant and colorful and go along well with the text. With summer coming up, this would be a fun story to read with children and would also spur conversations about what they would do in Tina’s situation. This is a book I’d highly recommend to parents and caregivers of young children.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Tina and her friend Erica go to the Hollywood Bowl with Tina’s parents to listen to a classical music concert and watch fireworks. During the intermission, on the way to the restrooms, Tina and Erica get lost. Thankfully, Tina remembers some words of wisdom and all ends well. This is a cute story appropriate for preschoolers and young readers, and it shares some excellent advice for kids if they ever get separated from their caregivers. The language is accessible and the illustrations are delightful. It made me want to visit the Hollywood Bowl!

‘Tina Lost in a Crowd’ by Miriam Hurdle is a cute little, heart-warming story of two girls who get lost while they are following their dad. Two friends Tina and Erica are excited when they get an opportunity to go to a concert at the Hollywood Bowl. During intermission, they get up to go to the restroom and can’t find Mr. Tyler, Tina’s dad. Do they get scared? How do they handle the situation?

Well-illustrated and written in a simple style, the story conveys some subtle messages to children as well as parents. Mrs. Tyler is a loving mom and plans a number of activities for the summer; she agrees to invite Erica and understands her daughter so well. Tina is a calm and confident girl and could inspire many. She knows what to do when lost. I could connect with her, as I too got lost in a similar situation but wasn’t as wise as Tina!
I would recommend this book to all the parents of young children who wish to raise responsible children.

This children’s story portrays a real-life situation and a lesson. It is a book that parents and children alike will enjoy reading and you never know, it could save a child’s life. Tina is making plans with her mother for summer activities, as school will soon be out. When her mother informs Tina they will be going to a concert at the Hollywood Bowl, she asks to bring her best friend along. The parents agree and the day of the big event arrives. Not long after arriving at the huge stadium, the girls need to go to the restroom. On the way, they get disoriented and can’t find the restrooms or their parents. What happens next is such a great lesson for parents and children. I won’t spoil the story by giving it away, but I will say that I highly recommend the book for anyone with young children, or for grandparents to share with children. The illustrations are outstanding and the book is well-written.

Whether shopping, vacationing or attending a crowded event, families with young children are sure to benefit from Hurdle’s picture book. The illustrations complement the story beautifully. When Tina and her friend Erica find themselves lost at a concert, these young girls know just what to do—stay where they are and wait for an adult to come find them. TINA LOST IN A CROWD is not only a story that young children will enjoy, it teaches safe practices and inspires them to be responsible. This book also provides a springboard for parents/grandparents/teachers to talk about the book. They’ll be inspired to plan time together keeping a child’s interests in mind. Whether planning for summer vacation, a family weekend away or trip to the market, Tina’s story will encourage parents to discover high interest and quality time for their families. -Bette A. Stevens, author of award-winning children’s book AMAZING MATILDA and other books for children and adults.

“Tina Lost in a Crowd” is a sweet children’s book for beginning readers and parents reading to them. I loved the beautiful illustrations that enriched the story and the fact this was based on an actual event. Tina, who just finished 3rd grade, invited a friend to go on a family excursion to see a symphony and fireworks. Everything was going perfectly until intermission, and the girls needed to use the restroom. I loved how Tina and her friend handled being lost. It was a good lesson on how to handle a situation like this. As a parent, I know the fear of not finding a child, and reading this story with children allows talking about what to do if it happens. I’ll be adding the paperback to my collection for my grandchildren, and we’ll be reading it together—a wonderful debut children’s book by Ms. Hurdle.

I received an advanced copy of this story as part of a promotion. This children’s story is wonderfully illustrated and well told. The language is perfect for a parent to read to a child or for a child to read to him/herself. I love how the story teaches an important lesson about getting lost and what to do. I also love how close the family is and how they invite a friend of Tina’s to join them. This is a story all children can enjoy. 🙂