Common Sense Media Review
By Patricia Tauzer
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Enchanting poem, magical artwork...a touching gift of hope.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
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.
Talk to Your Kids 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?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Charles Vess
- Genre : Picture Book
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : HarperCollins Children's Books
- Publication date : March 10, 2009
- Number of pages : 32
- Last updated : September 2, 2015
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