Blueberry Girl

Book review by Patricia Tauzer, Common Sense Media
Blueberry Girl Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 6+

Enchanting poem, magical artwork...a touching gift of hope.

Neil Gaiman Picture Book 2009
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Parents say

age 4+

Based on 4 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

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.

Community Reviews

AJWuisan
AJWuisan Adult
October 10, 2018
age 4+

A magical poetry, a gift for adults and children alike that empowers.

This book has beautiful poem inside, as a gift from the author to his best friend that had recently giving birth to a baby girl. It's a truthful, funny, witty, beautiful written poem, to empower girls to live courageously and authentic. This book is written with the author's heart. I read this to my son when he was 4 years old. He loved the book.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
pspsj
pspsj Adult
July 1, 2012
age 5+

Love this book: rhymes and pictures!

When I think of Neil Gaiman, "sweet" is not the adjective that generally comes to mind. But: this book may bring tears of sweetness to your eyes. Blueberry Girl is a blessing, or request for a blessing, for a daughter. Gaiman's requests of The Ladies shows a real care for his daughter and an understanding of how a child, a teen, a woman might feel and the problems she may encounter. Oh, and some advice on overcoming them. All done in succinct poetry. Add to that Voss' vivid drawings and you have something that my daughter and I read at bedtime almost every night. I'm thinking about getting it for a couple other, older girls I know, as well as some adult Girlfriends of mine!
See all 4 parent reviews

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

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