 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Blueberry Girl
- By Neil Gaiman
- Genre: Picture Book
Common Sense Media says
Enchanting poem, magical artwork...a touching gift of hope.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this book offers prayers and wishes for a growing girl, the blueberry girl. It contains nothing harmful or inappropriate, but may be too abstract for young kids. It would be a good gift for a new parent, especially if the baby is a girl, or for a girl moving on to new adventures in life.
What's the story?
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.
Is it any good?
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.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the illustrations, and how they fit with the text. Who is the blueberry girl, and who are the different ladies wishing her well? They will also enjoy going through each of the wishes and talking about what each means. Which do you like the best? What wish would you have for the baby girl?
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AGE
Perfect book to grow old with your little girl.
Even as an adult I find this book inspiring.
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| Author: | Neil Gaiman |
| Illustrator: | Charles Vess |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Picture Book |
| Publisher: | HarperCollins Children's Books |
| Publication date: | March 10, 2009 |
| Number of pages: | 32 |
| Hardcover price: | $17.99 |
| Read aloud: | 4 |
| Read alone: | 8 |
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