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REVIEWS
It's never too early or late to teach the basics of tolerance and inclusivity. This tale does that in the simplest of terms, but the lessons are needed in today's world.
The town of Vanderloo is faced with a new family that is slightly different from everyone else. They played music and games at odd hours, dressed differently, and most horrible of all, they painted their fence RED. Everyone in town knows that fences must be white.
The story goes on to teach that tolerance of differences is okay, and uniqueness is nothing to hide or be ashamed of. It's a beautifully told tale, and the colorful illustrations by Jenn Polk help bring the story to life.
I received a copy of the book for a book tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
GoodReads Customer
“This entire book has the classic Dr. Seuss feel, from the characters to the rhyming story. It was absolutely magical to read aloud to my son. I also love the message behind the story – it’s okay to be different. Being different is what makes us unique, a way of showing ourselves through different areas of our lives. Whether that is a fence painted red amongst nothing but white fences, the style of clothes you wear, music you listen to or how you style your hair. It’s one of those books that you will read over and over and never get tired of it. Bound to be a classic. I usually can’t wait to see what Ed comes up with next!"
“In a town where being the same is the name of the game, a new family challenges the norm by daring to bring some color to their yard. While others start to question the value of sticking to the norm, the newcomers stick to their resolve and show kindness to their neighbors in the midst of rising tensions. Can the citizens of Vanderloo learn to accept differences?
In a rhyming, Suess-esque style, Ed Damiano cleverly weaves together messages of acceptance and community within a lyrical, entertaining story. The colorful cast of characters and fantastical city set the stage for this creative story that touches upon many modern day issues. With fun wordplay and consistent rhyme, The Red Fence is a joy to read aloud and the vibrant illustrations include loads of interesting details to keep little readers engaged."
“What a wonderful children’s story! My kids were completely invested in this as I read. They were shocked at some characters’ actions and impressed with others!
When a new family moves into a town that follows the same rigorous rules day after day, they shake things up in a way that will teach everyone a few lessons. When the family paints their white fence red, the whole town is in an uproar, but really why? This family doesn’t give up as they enjoy their colorful, red fence!
This was an easy to read story with a great message. Both of my kids enjoyed the message and it’s a book that they ask to read again and again! I loved the way the new family handled the townspeople. They weren’t mean or hurtful, and it was great to see the townspeople be won over! I think this book will resonate with so many different children! It would be great for classrooms and libraries!"
“The Red Fence by Ed Damiano reminds me of the Dr. Seuss books, from its illustrations (characters and color spectrum) to its catchy rhymes. I’m sure at first glance many parents will come to the same conclusion. As for children 3-8, the intended age group, they won’t recognize the similar style. What they will remark on are the cute characters and all the newly painted fences. These painted fences will reinforce color recognition for non-readers.
Shout out to Jenn Polk, whose artistry brought the wonderful town of Vanderloo to life!
Parents, teachers, and librarians will adore reading this story. It promotes inclusion and community togetherness. In a world where division is still prominent in every walk of life, we need to stress to young children it’s okay to look different. Looking different DOES NOT reflect who you are on the inside. What’s important is YOU BE YOU and support others. "
“The Red Fence is a very enjoyable read with meaningful messages. The town of Vanderloo has been famous for its firm resistance to difference until the arrival of the Bean family, who brings about changes big encough to cause a commotion in the community, such as...painting their fence red! Led by the mayor, the townspeople take great pains to get things back to "normal", but only to find more fences of bold colors popping up overnight. What should they do?
With pleasant rhymes and amusing illustrations, the book applauds courageous, cool-headed game changers like the Beans, while poking fun at mindless conformists who panic at the slightest signs of challenge to their norm. For me, the most moving part of the story is when Ned convinces the mayor of the merits of difference and diversity. "We all have our differences, and that makes us the same." It is interesting to see the colorful clothes people start to wear in the pictures, although they are not mentioned in the text.
The positive messages of the story are of particular significance for young readers, who are not only encouraged to be open-minded about individuality and differences, but also to become independent and creative thinkers. Don't be afraid to be unique, and don't be afraid to be a leader of change. This mentality may also help youngsters to deal with peer pressure and motivate them to remain an active contributor to whatever community they belong to. The Red Fence is a book I'd recommend to readers of all ages. "
“Review: The Red Fence by Ed Damiano
In the quietly resonant The Red Fence, Ed Damiano accomplishes something that is far rarer in children's literature than it ought to be: he gives young readers a story that treats them with respect—not merely entertaining them, but inviting them to participate in a meaningful exploration of individuality, courage, and creative defiance.
Set in the pastel-parade uniformity of Vanderloo, where fences (and, we sense, people) are meant to be identical, the story hinges on a simple but potent act: three children—Astred, tiny Todd, and Ned—decide to paint their white fence red. That alone may sound quaint, but in Damiano’s careful hands, it becomes quietly revolutionary. This is not just about aesthetics. This is about presence, about the right to be seen differently in a world that prefers sameness.
The book’s strength lies not only in its theme, but in how that theme is delivered. Damiano’s verse is light on the tongue but layered in meaning. The rhyme is purposeful—tight, never forced—and he avoids the pitfall of oversimplification. In this way, the author honors both the intelligence of the child reader and the sensitivity of the adult reading alongside.
There is real courage in a book that says so much with so little. Damiano resists the temptation to explain or moralize. He shows. He trusts the story—and the children within it—to carry the message. This, in my experience reviewing hundreds of self-published works, is precisely what distinguishes strong independent literature from the formulaic output of the market-driven mainstream. It’s personal. Intentional. Unfiltered by committee.
The illustrations deserve equal attention. While uncredited in the synopsis, the artwork functions as a narrative partner—evolving with the story and amplifying its emotional arc. The color red is more than a visual accent. It becomes a symbol of joyful resistance, a quiet rebellion that never fractures community but rather dares to expand its boundaries.
Children will see themselves in this story, whether as the curious questioners or the quiet ones watching change unfold. Adults, if they are listening, will hear echoes of every moment they’ve ever wondered if it’s okay to be different—and the subtle encouragement that yes, it is.
What distinguishes The Red Fence is its restraint. It does not seek to dazzle, but to endure. It doesn’t pander; it invites. In the proud tradition of self-published excellence, Damiano has written and produced a book that reflects both craft and conscience. He offers something more than a tidy moral lesson—he offers a worldview, gently unfolded through rhythm and color.
And that, in the crowded world of children’s books, is a feat worth celebrating. "
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