Have you ever gone to Kimolos Aegean Island in Greece? Well I you haven’t, reading this book will definitely put this trip into your bucket list

" A young Kimolistas " (Ένας μικρός Κιμωλίστας) is a lovely picture book both for youngs (ages 6+) and travelers. Greek author, Agatha Rodi introduces her readers to the small Greek Cycladic island Kimolos , located in the Aegean sea.

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Phaidon, a young boy, arrives in Kimolos island with his parents for vacation, loves the island and becomes a young Kimolistas. As he watches a film in the open air cimena “Cine Kalisperitis” an enormous desire comes up to write down his thoughts and feelings, despite the fact that his teacher once told that he is not so good in writing. He just grabs his notebook and starts writing from heart. Meeting Pappou Niko with his donkey Kitsos (Pappou means grandfather) is the start to explore the hidden paradise, Kimolos. Pappou Niko triggered him to discover the beauty of Polyaigos island, the old city of Kimolos below the surface of the sea, the Galakteri’s cave where Mediterranean seal lives. Along with three other boys he learnes about Kimolos island, goes hiking and explores the Kimolian nature. Phaidon becomes a young volunteer at the local “Kimolistes” group the ambassadors of the “SeaChange Greek Islands” and helps them clean the beaches! He has exceptional experiences when he visits the beehive with his parents up in the mountains and at the Astroparty while watching the stars with the telescope, at the Afentakio Institution.

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The vocabulary of the book is rich. You will definitely come across to new words! Some of them describe the traditional life and activities on the island of Kimolos. I guarantee that a child will not be bored reading. On the opposite its imagination will travel!

What makes this book worth reading, is that you find our hero’s notes, Phaidon’s, written by one of the writer’s student, with his handwriting.

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The illustrations, by Mateya Arkova, are bright, colorful and vivid.

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I have to admit that my favorite part is the Greek boy’s notes by his handwriting. What a wonderful addition to the book’s concept

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Agatha Rodi’s book is definitely a keeper! It is highly recommended not only for your summer trip in Greece and especially on Kimolos island but also for its multicultural identity and character. Reading this book was a treasure of information regarding history, landscape, traditional customs and food! My mind and my heart traveled to Kimolos, experienced the open-air cinema, Cine Kalisperitis, tasted traditional recipes, smelled the thyme and the oregano. Reading it was a heart smiling experience. We look forward to seeing also new editions of other Greek islands and, why not, in other languages such as French, Spanish and German. Until then put in your bucket list a trip to Kimolos island, in the Aegean Sea!