Review: Golden Gem of a Rhyming Book
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 11 14, 2013
I'm a big fan of rhyming children's books that don't turn into tongue twisters, and Leynse gets it just right. The cadence of these couplets is calming and delightful at the same time, perfect for a pre-nap time or bedtime read. The language is at times playful and captures the content--the idea of a roomful of baby birds--terrifically, but it's never over-the-top or goofy. Boys and girls can both relate to the main character who loves animals so much she wants to bring a magpie into her house, and they will delight in seeing that wish grow out-of-control. What a great, subtle lesson for young ones who are learning boundaries and cause and effect. The story has many great extension conversation or activity jumping off points, too, for homeschool/child care center/classroom or library use, including dramatic play (dress-up and tea time), counting practice and crafts (make or draw either the birds or the eggs, or decorate a birdhouse) or nature (feeding the birds). The illustrations are absolutely first class, charming, colorful and cheerful, adding to the surprise at the end when Charlie changes her wish. All in all quality book, free of commercialization, that is a great addition to your young one's library.