Freckleface Strawberry
Teased girl learns self-acceptance in fun friendship tale.
Kids say
Based on 1 review
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Freckleface Strawberry is a fun-to-read-aloud picture book with the exuberance of a playground at lunchtime. Though younger readers may enjoy it, it's written more for school-aged kids who are learning how they fit into the larger world and what to do about teasing they may encounter. The main character feels self-conscious about her freckles, especially when other kids make comments and give her a nickname she doesn't like. The final message is not that her freckles are beautiful, but maybe they don't matter. More important, people are happier when they accept who they are and what they look like.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
FRECKLEFACE STRAWBERRY is the story of a feisty young girl who feels different from everyone else because of her red hair and freckles. Kids tease her, ask her embarrassing questions, and give her a nickname she hates. She goes to great extremes trying to make her freckles disappear, even going so far as to wear a ski mask to school. Though she never completely accepts her freckles, she does accept herself for who she is and learns that she has some very good friends.
Is It Any Good?
With a Japanese brush pen and digital coloring, LeUyen Pham has brought a playful, energetic exuberance to Julianne Moore's funny dialogue and sweet story of Freckleface Strawberry. This is a picture book that comes alive when read aloud and will tickle readers of all ages. It offers a valuable lesson about self-acceptance and will give families of school-aged kids plenty to discuss. The somewhat negative treatment of freckles may be the only drawback, especially for freckle-faced kids who've never before thought of them in a negative light.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about teasing. When's hurtful? When's it fun? Do you think her friends thought her freckles were bad, or just unusual? What other books have you read about kids who feel bad about being different?
Freckleface Strawberry felt she was just the same as her friends, except for her freckles. Do you think she was right? What can you tell about her friends when you look at the illustrations? Are they all the same? What differences do you see?
How do you feel about freckles? Do you have any? How do the illustrations show us how Freckleface Strawberry feels about hers? How about the illustrations at the end of the book?
Book Details
- Author: Julianne Moore
- Illustrator: LeUyen Pham
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Friendship
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Bloomsbury USA
- Publication date: October 16, 2007
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 3 - 8
- Number of pages: 32
- Available on: Paperback, Nook, Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: July 12, 2017
Our Editors Recommend
-
Pippi Longstocking
Wild adventures with fun-loving, rule-breaking redhead.
-
Clementine
Move over, Ramona -- here comes Clementine.
-
Jane and the Magician
Jane, the dragon-riding knight, saves the magic.
For kids who love picture books and strong female characters
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate