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“Sewing a Friendship” is an unusual, inspiring artistic conception/creation about empowering girls to overcome obstacles and use creativity to grow together. Created by 10-year-old author/illustrator Natalie Tinti, “Sewing a Friendship” is a truly unique and life enhancing book. Although the target audience might well be 7-10 years old girls, the positive messages about inclusion and imagination will also appeal to others from teens to adults. “Sewing a Friendship” is brimming with color, imagination, vibrancy, and life. Real problems do occur and can be surmounted with courage and creativity. “Sewing a Friendship” delivers a great jolt of positive thinking wrapped in a tinsel-glitzy setting that will charm the most reluctant of readers.

Reviewed by Sarah Moore, Book Reviewer,Writers in the Sky

There were countless ways in which I used my imagination with friends in the neighborhood when I was a child. The wooden fences that formed the border of my yard became a pirate ship and the grass was the dangerous water below. Our bicycles became transportation tools for an all-girls’ detective squad that could solve any crime on the playground. When we developed our dance routines in the basement, we really were performing for the MTV cameras. In the time that I spent alone, I poured out all of the creativity that developed in my young mind into countless stories that continued my daily adventures. I recently had the opportunity to read a book by a young author that brought back so many of these wonderful childhood memories. Sewing a Friendship by Natalie Tinti is a beautiful story, both in its physical layout and its message, which I believe will be enjoyed by readers of all ages.

Natalie Tinti offers her readers the story of four best friends who are planning a way to celebrate the end of the school year. They decide to have a “pink sleepover” and are buzzing with excitement over the great night ahead when they encounter their nemesis and elder by two years, Kiki Shaver. Kiki tells the girls of an upcoming group fashion show in which they are too young and too small in number to participate. Rather than using the animosity that Kiki brings to the novel to place the girls against one another, author Tinti develops a way in which all of the girls are able to come together and find common ground. Through these efforts, Sewing a Friendship sends an important message to its readers about seeing through a person’s tough exterior and really practicing the sometimes difficult art of friendship.

The girls, who are all seven years old, are given an authentic voice because the author who created these characters is only ten years old herself. With encouragement from family members and friends, Natalie brought together her short stories and illustrations to form Sewing a Friendship. I am so excited to discover this young female author who is embracing her gifts and displaying the confidence it takes to share her personal creations with others. While I found great enjoyment in so much of Natalie’s work, I had a particular appreciation for her awareness of the diverse personalities that young girls possess and how they all have something to offer. Readers will meet a girl who finds her greatest pleasure in thinking about math, another for whom dancing is essential, and one who knows she is beautiful and wants those around her to recognize it. While there are conflicts between the various personalities, as we all encountered with friendships growing up, the girls find a way to embrace the others’ strengths and work as a team to enjoy a wonderful experience together.

Sewing a Friendship is a gorgeous book with illustrations by the author that will spark their own conversations by the readers. It also is a well-written story that includes relatable characters and language that doesn’t condescend or operate above the level of its intended audience. I am adding this book to the growing collection that belongs to my four-year-old daughter. I look forward to reading it with her in a couple of years, and I hope by then that Ms. Tinti has additional work to share with us as well. Top

Sewing a Friendship is a story about four friends and a rival. Each has a specialty. Sokron is a visual artist, Meeka loves numbers and math problems, Nina is sensitive to sound and music and Jonsy is sensitive to feelings.

The girls attend Beachwell Elementary School and the students were waiting for an announcement from the Principal. He jokingly announced that they have lots of homework that needs to be done over the summer in order to prepare for the coming year. Meeka loved this announcement because she liked homework!

The four girls wondered what they would do together over the summer. They decided to have a PINK SLEEPOVER.

Meeka came up with the idea that the four of them should go to the park first to study blue caterpillars for her science sandwich. Once at the park, they met Kiki Shaver who was known as the meanest girl on the planet. Sokron asked Kiki why she was so dressed up and Kiki replied that she was attending a fashion show at the Shimmering Florida Hotel the next day. She also made the point of mentioning that it was a shame that the four girls were not invited. Sokron answered “Actually, you’ll see us there”.

When the four girls got back to Sokron’s house they started planning for the fashion show. Each one was given an assignment such as make-up, hairstyles, etc. Sokron’s grandmother, Babushka, had a sewing machine in her room. This meant she had to have some fabric somewhere. The girls went through several doors to get to Babushka’s room and finally found the right one. Much to their surprise, Babushka asked if they were ready to work, work, work? Babushka pulled out all of the supplies and quickly let the girls get to work. As they looked at the old-fashioned sewing machine they saw a sheet of paper hanging from it. It was an invitation for the fashion show; however, the rules indicated there must be five people on a team and one model from each team must be at least nine years old. The invitation slipped out of Nina’s hand and Sokron’s dog, Dogon, ran away with it right out the open window.

The girls found Dogon on the green grass. They also noticed Kiki coming towards them. She knew what they were looking for as she had the invitation in her hand. The four girls invited Kiki to be a member of their group because this way they could all come out a winner. Kiki would be the fifth member and she was nine years old. At first, she declined but then said yes.

How does the fashion show go for the girls? How do they get to the fashion show? What lesson did they learn from this experience?

It is amazing to read this book and look through the illustrations and find out that ten-year-old Natalie Tinti did everything. At the beginning of the book, Natalie introduces the reader to each character by telling many things about them such as their specialty, favorite food, family, etc.

The illustrations are wonderful and add so much to the story. Natalie is very talented to be able to create these illustrations.

The thing that impressed me the most is Natalie’s creativity. An example of this is when she talks about the sun:

“The sun finished its duties on the other side of the world and rose from the hills turning into a bright sunrise and let all light come out to share its love and happiness with everything that day. All the trees smiled happier than ever for they saw the light in their faces.”

Another example is when Natalie describes the wind as it is “whooshing by” her friend’s house. Her descriptions make the reader feel like they are right their riding along with the wind.

These are only two examples – Sewing a Friendship is filled with many examples of Natalie’s creativity. Not only is Natalie’s writing creative but it is also poetic.

Also, this book is about a valuable lesson in life – how a friendship is formed and so came the title “Sewing A Friendship”. It shows that if one really tries and the two sides give in a little, great things can happen and friendships can be made.

This is an excellent book for a young reader and adults will find it amazing also! Top

That may sound like an odd thing to say. Isn't a professional author supposed to write, well, professionally?

Yes. But Natalie Tinti authored and illustrated Sewing a Friendship at age TEN.

This young woman has voice and vision. From the opening chapter, "Journey of the Wind":

The beautiful, twinkling shining stars pulled away all wishes that were made that night by everyone, everyone, everyone. A mysterious moon twirled to other places, letting the sun have a chance to shine.... The flowers opened up and bloomed, the birds woke up and chirped a morning song, and the wind twirled wonderful music around in colorful circles.

This young woman is a poet, seeing color and detail and meaning in everything around her. She even treats us to a wind with a mind of its own who spins his way throughout her story.

Natalie Tinti knows that characters should be distinct. She treats us to four unique 7 year olds, a nine year old, a Babushka, and a dog. They have names like

And because Tinti is an artist as well, each character has her own unique look. Natalie works with colored pencils and thin markers (with a little color boost from her big brother's Photoshop).

The story of Sewing a Friendship is simple and well-structured. As school lets out for summer, the 7 year olds yearn to spend time together before planned activities pull them apart. They plan a "pink sleepover."

As they prepare, though, they hear of a fashion show. How do they hear? I'll let Natalie tell it:

"Why are you so dressed up?" Sokron asked Kiki as she stared at the puffy purple dress, fish-net leg tights, high black boots, and gold necklaces.

"Because there will be a fashion show at the Shimmering Florida Hotel tomorrow. But of course you're probably not invited."

What'd I tell you? Natalie Tinti establishes tension and conflict like a pro. And who but a ten year old could think to name a locale The Shimmering Florida Hotel?

Trust me when I tell you that author/illustrator Tinti brings the story to a satisfying conclusion. The girls manage to participate in the fashion show and establish a friendship with Kiki.

And each girl brings her own special talent into play. This is a book that empowers.

Of course, the very fact of a 10 year old writing and illustrating a book is empowering, and that's another reason I recommend this book: for inspiration. Kudos to Natalie's family for recognizing that she'd done something extraordinarily special.

In Sewing a Friendship, Natalie Tinti finds the poetry and beauty in small moments while proving that kids can do remarkable things when they set their minds to it. (And make sure YOUR kid knows that even if writing and illustrating aren't her talents, she has some other ones that you've noticed.)

Sewing Friendship is sweet tale of five girls who work together to get ready for a fashion show. Each girl needs to use her unique skills to design, measure, create, do the model’s make-up, and model the outfit. Four of the girls are friends and the beginning of the book. By the end of the book the four girls have to learn to work and get along with a girl they have seen as their enemy. Why? The contest states you have to have five member of your team and one has to be a certain age. What they learn is that their nemesis Kiki is really someone who would be a good friend. They learn to “sew a friendship.”

I really enjoyed the biographies she created at the beginning of the book. It gave me a heads up as to what each girl was really like. I got a little lost in the middle of the book and was able to refer to the bios to help me get back on track. The book’s beautiful illustrations and word pictures painted by the author held my attention as the tale unfolded.

This special story was written by Natalie Tinti. Natalie is ten years old. She writes this book from her perspective and in the voice of a ten year old. It really helps the reader see things through her eyes. The feelings and thoughts of the characters are right on the surface much as I would venture a ten year old girl’s maybe. It is not surprising that Natalie was a finalist in the Favorite Review and Award Contest in the Children’s Chapter Book Category. Top

Her book is not only beautifully written and illustrated, but gives the reader a glimpse of the heart of this young author.

I recently received a charming book written and illustrated by ten-year-old Natalie Tinti. The book is called Sewing a Friendship, and it’s about a group of girls who are having a sleepover when they discover an invitation to a fashion show. When the four friends read that five participants are needed to enter, they reluctantly decide to include nasty Kiki Shaver, who’s never been very nice to them. With the help of Sokron’s grandma, whom she calls Babushka, they are miraculously able to get ready for the fashion show in a short period of time. In the meantime, they all learn that they need each other and figure out how to work together. In the end, they all become friends with Kiki, who learns the value of friendship.

I would recommend this book for girls in upper elementary and middle school. They’ll be inspired by the fact that it was written and illustrated by one of their peers. And they’ll be able to relate to its themes of friendship, fun, and getting along. Top

Sewing a Friendship by Natalie Tinti is a wonderful story about friendship and how each person’s differences are not a hindrance to build a lasting one. It’s a warm story about five girls finding each other’s company in midst of needs. The elder in the story also played a wonderful role in helping and building the kids’ dreams into a reality. Sewing a Friendship is a story that will fit every girl’s sweet and imaginative minds. The simplicity of the plot is very easy to understand thus have great impact to the readers.

Natalie Tinti wrote her story from her heart and when my nine year old daughter finished reading the book, she said it was beautiful and worth reading. What makes the book stand out more was the way Natalie drew those colorful drawings and knick knacks. It makes her book more appreciative and enjoyable to read by kids at her age.

Sewing a Friendship is written and illustrated by a ten year old girl whose dream is to reach kids with a simple message that friendship can make the world a better place to live again. The story also foretold that helping each other is a very simple task as well giving support to each other. She carefully illustrated her characters that each one came out very unique and different from each other.

Sewing a Friendship is a kind of book you will love to give your kids and even to your grandchildren as it full of lessons and wonderful words. Natalie Tinti has a lot more great stuff in writing in stored for her in the future. Her work is very promising. Top

Not too long ago we received a book to review called Sewing a Friendship. It was written and illustrated by 10 year- old Natalie Tinti. Pretty inspiring huh? A 10 yr old pursued her dream of publishing her work and did it! Her book was awarded a Silver Medal hosted by the nationally recognized Readers Favorite Book Reviews and Award Contest. What an awesome accomplishment for such a young girl!

She is very good at describing the characters in her book, so much so that you can actually picture them in your head. Sewing a Friendship is about 4 friends.

Meeka, the science lover, likes to calculate the percentage of water in the air. Jonsy lives for gym class and hanging upside down on the bars. Nina likes to play the guitar and be noisy, and Sokron likes fashion magazines and designing girly-girl outfits. Then there’s Dogon. This spy-dog who likes to eat cat food supplies the shenanigans that lure the girls outside, directly into the path of Kiki.

She’s memorable too, but in a not-so-good way. As far as the four friends are concerned, she’s the meanest girl on the planet. Little do they know, Kiki sleeps in an old broken gray coach in her aunt and uncle’s living room, and she believes that those around her are always disappointed in her.

I think the book is a good example on why you should not judge those without taking the time to fully know them and their situation. Sometimes we need to go out of our way a bit to figure out what is really going on and who someone really is.

I’m impressed that a girl of only 10 was able to tackle this subject in such a great way! I highly recommend the book. Not only does it have a good life lesson, but it could inspire a love for writing in your child. It will show them that it can be done! You are never too young to follow your dreams! Top

Natalie Tinti is an amazing young lady! How many children can show such creativity and wisdom at such a young age? This book about friendship reminds me of the wonderful adventures I went on every time I opened up a new book in my school library. Every teacher should share this book with their class! Only 10 years old on the outside, but I suspect Natalie is much older in terms of wisdom! Top

Sewing a Friendship" by Natalie Tinti showed up in the mail this last week. It is a lovely book for that preteen girl in your life. For many reasons including a good story line, bright illustrations and a quick read. (It seems that the day is so full for the girls I know.) But there is something that makes this book really special.

Natalie Tinti wrote and illustrated this book. Ok, I know many people are talented and can do just that. But are they only 10 years old? Yes! At 10 Natalie has become a published author. WOW!
I really enjoyed how she put this book together. Starting with a cast of characters, listing their likes and talents. I also was able to see her art work right off the bat. I love the use of original art and using scrapbook ideas to set it off. Then I was able to jump into this chapter book to learn her quick valuable lessons in friendship.

Several girls work together, encouraging each other and forming a bond of friendship. Sewing A Friendship is filled with wonder illustrations. The author, illustrator is ten years old. Her caliber of work is that of a much older person. I can hardly wait to see what she will accomplish as her talent continues to develop.

The illustrations alone make this book remarkable. The colors are vibrant. Natalie begins her book with a page dedicated to each character. She describes the characters personality and interests. I love this book.

This is a book for children of all ages. I am really impressed that a 10-year-old girl illustrated and wrote the insightful story, became a published author at such a young age. She is a role model not only for children but also adults! Top

This book is a creative light-hearted way to express the issues confronting young girls of age nine or so. It also shows the wisdom of the elder generation in guiding the passions of their grandchildren. It sends a positive message to its readers that would promote similar activities to include the less social children in their circle. This young writer uses the wind as her narrator to bring the reader into the homes of each character, and describes each girl the way young readers would describe themselves. It is an enchanting collage of pictures, colors, and personalities.

This is a great book for kids of all ages, especially girls, since it really expands on the subject of friendship in a very playful & exciting manner. The book is about five girls and the problems they encounter with "sewing a friendship." The main story revolves around the fashion show & "pink sleepovers." This book was written by a
ten-year old girl, who is able to describe the emotions & fantasies of the girls her own age much better than any adult would. Thus, I would recommend this book to any parent who wants to promote healthy relationships with friends in their children, while keeping them excited and interested in reading. Top

These books are very fascinating and even more fascinating because they were done by a 10 year old girl named Natalie Tinti. They have very good illustrations and good ideas for what activities you and your friends can do together I LOVE these books I hope you can buy and read them too! P.S. Good job Natalie I love the book!

A wonderfully splendid read that will make one cherish the amazing moments one shares with friends. A must read book for everyone!

As you will see, the pictures took my breath away. Each picture told a story, each character had a personality which was colorful, creative and unique.

I am impressed that a 10 year old wrote and drew this. It is a creative piece that must be fun for children and amusing to adults, as well. The role of the wind, the grandmother and the dog as a spy adds an element of depth, as well. The underlying theme of friendship and helping others is a great lesson. Top

Amazing that a 10 year old wrote this book. The text is filled with creative images and the graphics are a treat for the eyes; full of colors and vibrant. Natalie, the author, inserts quirky lines that are sure to amuse adults, not just children. The math savvy girl ponders the H2O content in the air, the character Kiki's favorite food is bread! The plot is easy to follow and the lesson is beautiful: helping others is a way to help oneself. Good job, Natalie!

I gave this book to my niece for Christmas and she LOVES it. Especially when I told her it was written by a young girl like herself. The book has lessons to be learned about friendship and pre-judging people by how they look/act. The characters are perfectly described and the pictures are fantastic. If this young lady starts out her writing/illustrating career like this, I can't wait to see how she does in the future.