Blueberry Girl (by Neil Gaiman)

With all of nature looking on, and a wise owl hovering protectively overhead and following along, page after page offers wishes for a young girl, the blueberry girl, as she grows. Slight reference is made to fairy godmother wishes, both good and bad, but most are hopes and dreams for adventure, true friends, wisdom, truth, and joy.

Thought-provoking and enchanting words of hope flow through almost magical illustrations, creating a poem that prays for a life of wonder and truth for the girl. She is called the "blueberry girl" though no one every really explains why. This might be a problem if it did not add to the fairytale quality of the book. The poem is best read aloud, as most poetry is, and offers the kind of uplifting message that makes the book a perfect one for new mothers or graduating girls.

 

Artwork full of colorful spirits, watchful animals, large blue whales, and tiny fairies sleeping in flowers amid vining branches creates a dreamy, magical community of nurturing support. Together, the text and artwork flicker here and there with subtle reminders of older fairytales; however, the message, told through the simple, hopeful prayer, is thoroughly modern.

Author: Neil Gaiman
Illustrator: Charles Vess
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
Publication date: March 10, 2009
Number of pages: 32
Hardcover price: $17.99
Read Aloud: 4
Read Alone: 8