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Culloo
TALA can't wait to be thirteen; then no one better tell her what to do. Her nosey neighbor is always checking up on her, and now the Welfare Officer is knocking on her door again and her father isn't home to answer. Tala only has a few hours to find her missing father before she and her brother, DASON, get placed in a foster home.
57 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2012
8 people are currently reading
1106 people want to read
About the author
Murielle Cyr
9 books89 followersMurielle Cyr is author of Culloo, a novella for young adults.Her short stories and poetry have appeared in several literary magazines through the years. The Daughters’ Story is her debut historical fiction novel. She holds Creative Writing and Education degrees from Concordia University. She lives in Richelieu, Québec, just south of Montreal.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 23, 2014
Murielle Cyr's book, Culloo, is the cream at the top of YA literature. With the content of so many stories for young adults falling in the shallow and fluff category, Culloo stands out as a shining example of what children's literature can be. Intelligent and well-written, Culloo is a winner! Did I mention it's also a very good story?! Janelle Meraz Hooper, author, The Slum Resort & others.
December 23, 2013
A thrilling adventure about an almost thirteen year old girl and her younger brother who set off on their bicycles in search of their father, Tom, who they are sure is in the nearby woods. There they discover the reason he has not returned home is that poachers are about and there is a good chance they have hurt Tom.
Their search takes them deep into the woods where they seem to be under the protection of an unseen presence which they think might be the legendary Culloo and are guided by the sweet tobacco smell of what they can only imagine are the stone people.
A delightful story of courage compassion and suspense. There were huge obstacles to overcome, heart stopping moments and subtle messages about conservation and human connectedness.
Children as young as ten would probably be able to read it for themselves because of the easy writing style but I would recommend this story to young adults too, and it would be great as a book that parents could read to under tens.
Their search takes them deep into the woods where they seem to be under the protection of an unseen presence which they think might be the legendary Culloo and are guided by the sweet tobacco smell of what they can only imagine are the stone people.
A delightful story of courage compassion and suspense. There were huge obstacles to overcome, heart stopping moments and subtle messages about conservation and human connectedness.
Children as young as ten would probably be able to read it for themselves because of the easy writing style but I would recommend this story to young adults too, and it would be great as a book that parents could read to under tens.
May 3, 2013
The death of her mother, a stay in the hospital for her grandmother, and now her dad is missing. Tala thought life was difficult enough, dodging her nosy neighbor and dealing with her little brother, Dason. But this…
What has happened to Tom? He has had a difficult time accepting the death of his wife, Anjij, and does have a tendency to disappear. Susan, their well-intentioned neighbor, feels it is her duty to alert the authorities when he is gone for these long spells. Tala resents Susan’s intrusions into their lives, but there isn’t much she can do about it.
Until she is thirteen, which will be in a few days. Then–FREEDOM from nosy neighbors and people saying she’s too young to be on her own, caring for her brother.
But this time, Tom’s absence seems different. It concerns Tala enough that she takes off after him, or where she believes he might have gone. Annoyingly, her brother insists on coming along, and he is too clever for her to leave him alone, where he can go tell on her to Susan.
After hiding from bear poachers, who seem to have been a part of Tom’s disappearance, the two siblings take off into the woods towards the top of the mountain.
A night in the rain, sheltered by an unseen presence, is followed by the discovery of a huge black feather beside the young searchers. Was it Culloo, the mighty black bird of the mountain, who had hidden them under his wing while they slept through the storm?
Ever on the move, ever followed by…something…, they reach a spot where the family has camped many times, only to find their dad in big trouble. But who led the children there? Was it the Stone People of legend? The only clues were the smell of pipe smoke and the occasional glimpse of something large in the woods.
In the end, Tala learns an important lesson, one that changes her outlook toward those who only have the best of intentions for her.
I drew a nice, hot bath, intending on reading a few chapters of this book. I ended up getting out of tepid water over an hour later, with the entire book read. It was that enthralling.
With a simple cast and few changes of scenery, Ms. Cyr has created a universe of stunning beauty. The descriptions of the characters and their relationship with nature were so well-written that I found myself deep into their lives, hoping and despairing in turns.
The forest through which Tala and Dason fled was so vivid in its telling that I had no trouble imagining the beauty of the woods and the rocky terrain.
Written for the tween to middle high school, this book would be enjoyable for all.
The one thing that stands out in my mind the most is how the author wrote in such a way as to show the interdependent, intertwining relationships of all things. From the trees supporting their fallen comrades, to the dependence of people on people, her message showed through plainly: We all depend on each other, and without that, we become weak (such as how Tom seemed to abandon his children after his wife’s death, and how the bear poacher had no respect for his surroundings).
I highly recommend this book rom the bottom of my heart.
What has happened to Tom? He has had a difficult time accepting the death of his wife, Anjij, and does have a tendency to disappear. Susan, their well-intentioned neighbor, feels it is her duty to alert the authorities when he is gone for these long spells. Tala resents Susan’s intrusions into their lives, but there isn’t much she can do about it.
Until she is thirteen, which will be in a few days. Then–FREEDOM from nosy neighbors and people saying she’s too young to be on her own, caring for her brother.
But this time, Tom’s absence seems different. It concerns Tala enough that she takes off after him, or where she believes he might have gone. Annoyingly, her brother insists on coming along, and he is too clever for her to leave him alone, where he can go tell on her to Susan.
After hiding from bear poachers, who seem to have been a part of Tom’s disappearance, the two siblings take off into the woods towards the top of the mountain.
A night in the rain, sheltered by an unseen presence, is followed by the discovery of a huge black feather beside the young searchers. Was it Culloo, the mighty black bird of the mountain, who had hidden them under his wing while they slept through the storm?
Ever on the move, ever followed by…something…, they reach a spot where the family has camped many times, only to find their dad in big trouble. But who led the children there? Was it the Stone People of legend? The only clues were the smell of pipe smoke and the occasional glimpse of something large in the woods.
In the end, Tala learns an important lesson, one that changes her outlook toward those who only have the best of intentions for her.
I drew a nice, hot bath, intending on reading a few chapters of this book. I ended up getting out of tepid water over an hour later, with the entire book read. It was that enthralling.
With a simple cast and few changes of scenery, Ms. Cyr has created a universe of stunning beauty. The descriptions of the characters and their relationship with nature were so well-written that I found myself deep into their lives, hoping and despairing in turns.
The forest through which Tala and Dason fled was so vivid in its telling that I had no trouble imagining the beauty of the woods and the rocky terrain.
Written for the tween to middle high school, this book would be enjoyable for all.
The one thing that stands out in my mind the most is how the author wrote in such a way as to show the interdependent, intertwining relationships of all things. From the trees supporting their fallen comrades, to the dependence of people on people, her message showed through plainly: We all depend on each other, and without that, we become weak (such as how Tom seemed to abandon his children after his wife’s death, and how the bear poacher had no respect for his surroundings).
I highly recommend this book rom the bottom of my heart.
April 8, 2013
The thrilling adventure story of two young siblings, written with passion and love.
As the daughter of a forest ranger, I easily related to the two courageous children, Tala and Dason, who faced dangerous situations while looking for their father in the forest, which was full of danger and enemies. Left without their mother, the young children were about to be taken by child protective services. They desperately needed to find their father, who had not come home.
To avoid being sent to a foster home, the brother and sister leave their home to search for their father, threatened by hunters, who broke the law. While looking for their father, they find themselves in Culloo country. Remembering their father’s story about the giant bird living on top of the mountain, the children were scared. Lovingly taking care of each other, the two spent the night in the dark forest, afraid of Culloo and the Stone People. Through their dangerous journey, they believed Culloo had more protective power than they thought. They understood that the Culloo’s feathers guided them away from danger and showed them the way to their father.
This is an exciting story, very well paced, rounded, and nicely connected to the spiritual life of Native Americans. The author beautifully describes the nature of the forest and mysterious places, which easily attracts the reader. Murielle Cyr used very delicate but descriptive language while trying to teach children about preserving nature, respecting spirits and all living things. Reading this story, I felt as if I were present in each scene.
This story teaches young readers about Native American customs, which gives this book a mysterious and intriguing feeling. The background information about the spiritual traditions of Native Americans makes the children’s adventure more thrilling and interesting. This story also has a sweet touch. I felt as if the mother’s love was watching over her children all night.
Overall, it is a fantastic book for young readers who like real adventures with a mysterious twist. As a grown-up, I enjoyed reading this story as much as if I were a child. It is a wonderful book for slightly older children, who have outgrown picture books.
As the daughter of a forest ranger, I easily related to the two courageous children, Tala and Dason, who faced dangerous situations while looking for their father in the forest, which was full of danger and enemies. Left without their mother, the young children were about to be taken by child protective services. They desperately needed to find their father, who had not come home.
To avoid being sent to a foster home, the brother and sister leave their home to search for their father, threatened by hunters, who broke the law. While looking for their father, they find themselves in Culloo country. Remembering their father’s story about the giant bird living on top of the mountain, the children were scared. Lovingly taking care of each other, the two spent the night in the dark forest, afraid of Culloo and the Stone People. Through their dangerous journey, they believed Culloo had more protective power than they thought. They understood that the Culloo’s feathers guided them away from danger and showed them the way to their father.
This is an exciting story, very well paced, rounded, and nicely connected to the spiritual life of Native Americans. The author beautifully describes the nature of the forest and mysterious places, which easily attracts the reader. Murielle Cyr used very delicate but descriptive language while trying to teach children about preserving nature, respecting spirits and all living things. Reading this story, I felt as if I were present in each scene.
This story teaches young readers about Native American customs, which gives this book a mysterious and intriguing feeling. The background information about the spiritual traditions of Native Americans makes the children’s adventure more thrilling and interesting. This story also has a sweet touch. I felt as if the mother’s love was watching over her children all night.
Overall, it is a fantastic book for young readers who like real adventures with a mysterious twist. As a grown-up, I enjoyed reading this story as much as if I were a child. It is a wonderful book for slightly older children, who have outgrown picture books.
December 22, 2013
There were so many things I enjoyed about the story Culloo. I was struck immediately by the authentic voice of the main character, a teenage girl on the cusp of adulthood. The story flowed beautifully with just enough description to give me a wonderful sense of the characters surroundings without getting bogged down with too much flowery language. The plot was fast paced and although it was clear that the story was intended for children, the character development and level of suspense made the story enjoyable for me as an adult. I especially loved how the author infused the native american culture and a respect for nature into this coming of age gem. Looking forward to sharing Culloo with the children in my life and to reading more stories by this author.
November 22, 2013
Cullo is an adventure story that will appeal to tweens and young adult readers. A brother and sister are in danger of being removed from their home by child protective services. Their father disappears and they must find him quickly. The search takes them to the forest where they must learn survival skills. A large bird called Cullo becomes their protector. Will they be able to find their father and avoid the poachers who are tracking them? This is a well written turn the page book. Children will also learn a lot about Native American culture and folklore.
March 24, 2013
I had such fun reading Culloo! It is a tale about two children and their missing father. The children set out to find their father, who is a trail guide, and come across poachers along the way. They must find their father and elude the poachers before they are put into foster care. Ms. Cyr incorporates customs from the children’s heritage allowing them to learn their meaning during the adventure. The book is the perfect length for young readers who have passed the picture book age but aren’t ready for young adult yet.
February 22, 2014
This review first appeared on my magic realism review blog http://magic-realism-books.blogspot.com
This short novel for young adults is a lovely read. I read the book in one sitting. Very rapidly your sympathies with the spirited young heroine are established. Tala's reasons for following her father into the woods with her little brother are made clear, as is the justification for hiding from the family's nosey neighbour. But I also like how towards the end of the novel we are made to revisit one of Tala's decisions. I have a problem with novels for youngsters that portray children taking huge risks without questioning and thus making the reader think twice about copying the heroine.
I enjoyed the way the book wove Native American myth and legendary creatures into the story without going over the top into fantasy. We do not see the mythical giant bird, the culloo, nor do we see the little frog-like stone people, but we see a large feather, smell the pipe smoke. Tala prays to the spirits: Great Spirit of the Air, Great Spirit of Water, of Earth and of Sky, Please protect my father from any harm. But at the end of the day Tala and Dason must rely on their wits and understanding of the forest to save their father, not on magic.
The book is well plotted and paced, keeping the reader's interest to the end. Generally this is an excellent book and one I would have greatly enjoyed when I was a youngster. My one criticism is of the cover, which looks amateurish and doesn't communicate the lovely story inside.
This short novel for young adults is a lovely read. I read the book in one sitting. Very rapidly your sympathies with the spirited young heroine are established. Tala's reasons for following her father into the woods with her little brother are made clear, as is the justification for hiding from the family's nosey neighbour. But I also like how towards the end of the novel we are made to revisit one of Tala's decisions. I have a problem with novels for youngsters that portray children taking huge risks without questioning and thus making the reader think twice about copying the heroine.
I enjoyed the way the book wove Native American myth and legendary creatures into the story without going over the top into fantasy. We do not see the mythical giant bird, the culloo, nor do we see the little frog-like stone people, but we see a large feather, smell the pipe smoke. Tala prays to the spirits: Great Spirit of the Air, Great Spirit of Water, of Earth and of Sky, Please protect my father from any harm. But at the end of the day Tala and Dason must rely on their wits and understanding of the forest to save their father, not on magic.
The book is well plotted and paced, keeping the reader's interest to the end. Generally this is an excellent book and one I would have greatly enjoyed when I was a youngster. My one criticism is of the cover, which looks amateurish and doesn't communicate the lovely story inside.
September 13, 2013
Culloo by Murielle Cyr is a very nice story that conveys a lot of Native Indian folklore. It is a good reading piece that will be enjoyed over and over. It is a very well told story that will keep your attention to the end. Murielle relates an interesting tale that will teach you some Indian folklore and plant uses. This is a good way to learn about Indian culture without being overpowering or one-sided.
Tala is almost 13 and her brother Dason about nine. They find themselves alone many times, as their father Tom takes clients into the forest about their home. Their neighbor, Susan, is a very nosy woman that had tried in the past to gain Tom’s favor. After he said no, she often worries about the children and knows who comes in or out of their house at all times of day or night.
Their dad doesn’t come back one night, and a woman from the foster care organization is soon at their door. Tala knows it’s her neighbor’s doing and she is worried that her father is in trouble. She goes with her brother and they have many adventures as they try to find Tom.
They are cared for by characters that they thought belonged in the stories their father told them but after these experiences they know better.
This is a great story with lots of flavor and adventures. It will be loved by any reader in the middle grade schools and older elementary readers. Murielle Cyr did a very nice job with this tale.
Tala is almost 13 and her brother Dason about nine. They find themselves alone many times, as their father Tom takes clients into the forest about their home. Their neighbor, Susan, is a very nosy woman that had tried in the past to gain Tom’s favor. After he said no, she often worries about the children and knows who comes in or out of their house at all times of day or night.
Their dad doesn’t come back one night, and a woman from the foster care organization is soon at their door. Tala knows it’s her neighbor’s doing and she is worried that her father is in trouble. She goes with her brother and they have many adventures as they try to find Tom.
They are cared for by characters that they thought belonged in the stories their father told them but after these experiences they know better.
This is a great story with lots of flavor and adventures. It will be loved by any reader in the middle grade schools and older elementary readers. Murielle Cyr did a very nice job with this tale.
September 11, 2016
"Cullo" by Murielle Cyr may have been written for young adults but it has a great appeal for adults, too. On the surface it is an adventure story but it covers many other issues and can be seen as a universally valid reflection on men's relationship to (Mother) nature.
The story concerns two children in search of their missing father and the sometimes scary situations that this mission brings for them in the wild. The siblings are afraid to lose their father and be taken away by childhood services since their mother has died.
The children's respectful attitude towards nature is reflected in the protective figure of a mythical bird called Cullo who the children believe is looking after them.
The book is a refreshing take on new age themes combined with the more traditional subjects for young adult fiction such as adventure and family issues.
The children themselves are lovely characters, charmingly written and instantly likeable. This is a promising first novel that I wish had been around when I was that age
The story concerns two children in search of their missing father and the sometimes scary situations that this mission brings for them in the wild. The siblings are afraid to lose their father and be taken away by childhood services since their mother has died.
The children's respectful attitude towards nature is reflected in the protective figure of a mythical bird called Cullo who the children believe is looking after them.
The book is a refreshing take on new age themes combined with the more traditional subjects for young adult fiction such as adventure and family issues.
The children themselves are lovely characters, charmingly written and instantly likeable. This is a promising first novel that I wish had been around when I was that age
February 24, 2013
"Cullo" by Murielle Cyr may have been written for young adults but it has a great appeal for adults, too. On the surface it is an adventure story but it covers many other issues and can be seen as a universally valid reflection on men's relationship to (Mother) nature.
The story concerns two children in search of their missing father and the sometimes scary situations that this mission brings for them in the wild. The siblings are afraid to lose their father and be taken away by childhood services since their mother has died.
The children's respectful attitude towards nature is reflected in the protective figure of a mythical bird called Cullo who the children believe is looking after them.
The book is a refreshing take on new age themes combined with the more traditional subjects for young adult fiction such as adventure and family issues.
The children themselves are lovely characters, charmingly written and instantly likeable. This is a promising first novel that I wish had been around when I was that age.
The story concerns two children in search of their missing father and the sometimes scary situations that this mission brings for them in the wild. The siblings are afraid to lose their father and be taken away by childhood services since their mother has died.
The children's respectful attitude towards nature is reflected in the protective figure of a mythical bird called Cullo who the children believe is looking after them.
The book is a refreshing take on new age themes combined with the more traditional subjects for young adult fiction such as adventure and family issues.
The children themselves are lovely characters, charmingly written and instantly likeable. This is a promising first novel that I wish had been around when I was that age.
February 24, 2013
"Cullo" by Murielle Cyr may have been written for young adults but it has a great appeal for adults, too. On the surface it is an adventure story but it covers many other issues and can be seen as a universally valid reflection on men's relationship to (Mother) nature.
The story concerns two children in search of their missing father and the sometimes scary situations that this mission brings for them in the wild. The siblings are afraid to lose their father and be taken away by childhood services since their mother has died.
The children's respectful attitude towards nature is reflected in the protective figure of a mythical bird called Cullo who the children believe is looking after them.
The book is a refreshing take on new age themes combined with the more traditional subjects for young adult fiction such as adventure and family issues.
The children themselves are lovely characters, charmingly written and instantly likeable. This is a promising first novel that I wish had been around when I was that age.
The story concerns two children in search of their missing father and the sometimes scary situations that this mission brings for them in the wild. The siblings are afraid to lose their father and be taken away by childhood services since their mother has died.
The children's respectful attitude towards nature is reflected in the protective figure of a mythical bird called Cullo who the children believe is looking after them.
The book is a refreshing take on new age themes combined with the more traditional subjects for young adult fiction such as adventure and family issues.
The children themselves are lovely characters, charmingly written and instantly likeable. This is a promising first novel that I wish had been around when I was that age.
March 3, 2015
***** A Touching, Life Lessons Read
Murielle Cyr, in her touching, lyrically written book, “Culloo,” puts a new spin on the term ‘Latch Key Kids’. Right off the bat, we are introduced to Tala, aching to turn 13, so “nobody––just nobody––better try telling her what to do.” Then there’s her younger brother Dason who gets on her nerves and her absent-minded father Tom, often away at his job while trying to cope with the loss of his wife and their mother, Anjij.
As if a busy body neighbor and welfare officers knocking on their door isn’t enough to create angst in the children’s lives, their father suddenly goes missing, with several dangerous bear poachers in hot pursuit. It’s Tala then, who decides that finding their dad and making sure he’s all right is of the utmost importance.
What struck me about when the children enter the forest and search for their father, is the transformation of Tala––how her brother in time becomes less annoying, her seemingly incompetent father has actually taught them a lot about survival, and her cleverness regarding roots and herbs from her mother’s Native American heritage is a true godsend.
Lovely descriptions, dangerous cat-and-mouse lurking, and growing life values keep the pages turning until the very end, when we, too, are grateful for all the gifts Tala herself realizes she has. Not just an excellent YA read, this is a great story for all of us, no matter our age.
April 25, 2015
'Respect the spirit of all living things around you; animals, trees, plants, rocks; and they'll protect you'. Wisdom of the ancestors, this is essential knowledge for twelve year old Tala and her eight year old brother, Dason. Tala and Dason need to become brave warriors to find their Dad and help him escape from violent poachers, people who believe that animals exist only to be killed for profit.
'Culloo' is a brilliant book, especially for urban kids AND for urban adults. Within minutes of starting to read I was lifted out of the London streets that surround me, into the wild woods of Quebec for a fast paced exciting adventure. Murielle Cyr is a bold story teller and faces head on difficult questions of life and death, something that I know kids appreciate. 'Culloo' also set me off on an internet adventure, researching the Mi'Kmaq people. Lots to enjoy, lots to think about.
'Culloo' is a brilliant book, especially for urban kids AND for urban adults. Within minutes of starting to read I was lifted out of the London streets that surround me, into the wild woods of Quebec for a fast paced exciting adventure. Murielle Cyr is a bold story teller and faces head on difficult questions of life and death, something that I know kids appreciate. 'Culloo' also set me off on an internet adventure, researching the Mi'Kmaq people. Lots to enjoy, lots to think about.
November 11, 2014
Culloo is a lovely little book about a 12-year-old Native American girl who takes to the woods with her little brother on a search for their father, who has gone missing. The father is a trail guide and is indeed in trouble after stumbling across bear poachers who are willing to go to any lengths to protect their interests. Our young heroine, Tala, is resourceful and easy to root for. The relationship between her and her brother is touching, and the mythology woven into the story never overwhelms it. I read this book to my 7-year-old son, and I've never seen him so mesmerized by a story. You really get to appreciate how beautifully written Culloo is when you read it out loud.
January 4, 2013
Ms. Cyr has a steady finger on the pulse of a middle-grader and, I'm sure, the middle-grade audience. The characters are real and multi-faceted. The descriptions are tight and beautiful, unobtrusively evoking a sense of place. The culture blends elegantly within the story. The excitement was pure and well-paced, creating a wonderful balance between character and plot. And best of all, the writing is extraordinary, both lyrical and accessible.
December 26, 2015
Being a nature lover myself, I adored this book! The magical touches were much appreciated . I also enjoy learning more about different cultures and because of this story, I acquired quite some details about the Native Americans.
January 19, 2025
My biggest complaint is I felt like it got a bit slow towards the end which is when all the action started to happen so I was a bit confused as to how I was getting bored. I know it’s meant for young people, but I also didn’t love how robotic Tala’s statements/responses sounded when she was “learning the lesson” at the end. Overall this was a sweet engaging story about two kids trying to find their father! I also enjoyed all the Native American history and culture included. It was interesting to learn/read about as well.
December 21, 2017
Okay beginning with the nosy neighbor and rescue mission. Quickly fell flat for me as they left the house. I think there was something deeper that I just didn't get. Also, felt uncomfortable with the 13 year old MC calling her father by his first name the whole time.
January 2, 2025
Enjoyed this book. I read it aloud to my son and he was captivated through the whole thing, and actually clapped when we finished as he thought it was a great ending.
March 18, 2015
There isn't a lot to say about this book. The story concept was interesting, and the writing was fairly good - although I did spot a few issues, especially near the end. It was just... meh.
It's not really to my taste. What I didn't like/what seemed very foreign to me, was the children referring to their parents by their first names. I don't know if that's common for Native Americans, or common for Canadians, but it was very weird. Because of that, it also meant that it took me a while to figure out who Tom and Anjij were.
One more thing - after about chapter six or so, the story just got very predictable. The ending wasn't exactly as I'd imagined, but it didn't surprise me, either.
That said, I did more-or-less enjoy the story, and the customs of the Native Americans did seem pretty authentic, from what little I know (except for the whole calling your parents by their first names thing, which I actually have no idea about). I also liked the descriptions of the mythical creatures that pop up.
It's not really to my taste. What I didn't like/what seemed very foreign to me, was the children referring to their parents by their first names. I don't know if that's common for Native Americans, or common for Canadians, but it was very weird. Because of that, it also meant that it took me a while to figure out who Tom and Anjij were.
One more thing - after about chapter six or so, the story just got very predictable. The ending wasn't exactly as I'd imagined, but it didn't surprise me, either.
That said, I did more-or-less enjoy the story, and the customs of the Native Americans did seem pretty authentic, from what little I know (except for the whole calling your parents by their first names thing, which I actually have no idea about). I also liked the descriptions of the mythical creatures that pop up.
March 7, 2016
A lot of promising elements never real add up to more than the sum of the whole. A short novel of two children's adveturous rescue attempt after their father goes missing confronting some illegal bear poachers. The descriptions of the natural world and the mysticism of the forest and the protective big bird, Culloo, is a little heavy handed. I felt the book would have worked better as an ultra realistic outdoor adventure. The three main characters are solid but lack any defining features to separate them from the treasure trove of unique characters out their in children's literature. Having said that, the tension is created well and the story maintains its sense of adventure throughout. There is a real risk the tale might turn into something dark and tragic...it is not completely a children's fable, this is serious stuff. Unfortunately, the finished whole doesn't quite knit together to create a satisfying read. 4
April 16, 2015
An enjoyable quick read for the tweens and teens in your life. Culloo is the story of the soon-to-be 13 year old Tala and her younger brother Dason who set out on a great adventure when their father goes missing. Their mother already dead, child protective services is about to intervene when the two decide to go find their father. The story of these two daring children is filled with tender moments and the love of nature, as well as lessons from their Native American heritage. Culloo, a title taken from mythical bird creature, is a well-written, well-paced story that parents will enjoying reading with their kids. What has happened to their father? How will these two devoted and resourceful find out? There's a mystery here, too, that you'll have to read to solve.
April 29, 2014
Very quick read. I liked this story though it came off rather rushed in a few places, and some of the scenes seemed almost unfinished to me... I think it needed another round of editing. but in general I enjoyed it as a YA novella. I especially liked the magical realism and notes of Native American folklore.
December 14, 2014
Will Read More of Murielle's Books Murielle writes characters that I love immediately. The voice of the main character immediately drew me in and held me captive through the entire book.
May 23, 2014
Just an ok read for me. Sort of interesting weak ending.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews